The first training intended for the selected family assistants from 12 local self-government units, who will provide support for families of informal waste collectors during the next 18 months, was held on 23-24 May 2024 in Belgrade.

Apatin, Bač, Valjevo, Kula, Loznica, Obrenovac, Odžaci, Prijepolje, Ruma, Sremska Mitrovica, Ub and Šid are the local self-governments included in this activity implemented by the PRO - Local Governance for the People and Nature programme with support from the Government of Switzerland.

The support for families is part of a broader initiative in the context of modernizing the waste management system that will lead to the closing of 15 municipal landfills and development of six regional waste management centres, that may leave many informal waste collectors facing a loss of living income.

The goal is to provide them income and better access to public services relevant for social inclusion (healthcare, education and social welfare) through engaging family assistants as key contact persons in connecting with providers of support, advocacy and support for the exercise of certain rights, services and measures in line with the identified needs. Family assistants in the selected municipalities will monitor and support the implementation of the Individual Family Support Plan through information, guidance and motivation for the family for future change.

In addition to training for family assistants to improve the quality of support provided to families and assistance in the implementation of support plans for 75 families in the priority target group, the programme will support 42 local self-government units covered by the new regional centres in establishing system policies, structures, and processes for resolving the rights and needs of informal waste collectors.

The training is being implemented by UNICEF and Center for Social Policy, with support by UNOPS and UNFPA, as part of the programme PRO - Local Governance for People and Nature, implemented jointly by the United Nations agencies in Serbia - UNOPS, UNICEF, UNFPA and UNEP, in cooperation with the Government of the Republic of Serbia and with financial support by the Government of Switzerland.