European Commission has issued a restricted call for proposals seeking concept papers at first stage for the program entitled “Improving labor market access of disadvantaged groups” in Croatia with the purpose of reinforcing social inclusion of people at a disadvantage and designed to support social inclusion of disadvantaged groups through facilitation of their access to the labor market in that country.
One of the ways to increase the employability of disadvantaged groups is to improve their competences by tailor made training programs. That means to put emphasis on active forms of assistance (occupational skills and soft skills trainings in line with changing labor market needs). It is important to promote competencies and raise awareness about working abilities of disadvantaged groups in order to increase their employability. Also, one of the ways to increase both – employability and entrepreneurship potential of disadvantaged groups is supporting development of cooperatives. This type of support to disadvantaged groups has been regarded as one of good examples of employment, especially for Roma persons and persons with disabilities, but other disadvantaged groups as well.
Program Objectives
- The global objective of this Call for Proposals is to increase opportunities for sustainable employment of disadvantaged groups.
- The specific objective of this Call for Proposals is to support disadvantaged groups in their integration into the labor market by increasing their employability.
Priority Issues
The priorities of the Grant program will be as follows:
- To enhance the employability of disadvantaged groups in order to integrate them into labor market;
- To raise the awareness of general public regarding employment of disadvantaged groups and employers’ awareness on advantages in employing disadvantaged groups in order to achieve their equal participation in the labor market.
Target Groups
- unemployed persons with disabilities regardless of their age and duration in unemployment register
- long term unemployed11 youth with low education level (up to primary education level)– up to the age of 24;
- any person being unemployed longer than 5 years;
- unemployed Roma persons;
- employed Roma persons willing to upgrade their skills;
- unemployed persons belonging to other national minorities
Funding Allocation and Size
The overall indicative amount made available under this Call for Proposals is EUR 2,000,000. Any grant requested under this Call for Proposals must fall between the following minimum and maximum amounts:
- minimum amount: EUR 50,000
- maximum amount: EUR 150,000
Last date for submission of concept notes is January 23, 2012
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