Human Impact & Success Stories
Human impact and success stories
In its 3rd phase of implementation the Horizontal Facility actions are contributing to tangible results for the people of Western Balkans and Türkiye. This session is dedicated to specific human impact narratives and success stories coming from different actions and having a direct impact and positively influencing change and improvement in the life of individuals, communities or society at large. Our human impact and success stories bring our programme closer to the people by showcasing real voices, real struggles, and real triumphs. These stories aim to drive awareness, mobilise support, and influence good policies.
Let’s turn our impact stories into inspiration!
Restoring hope and justice: A lawyer’s fight for women’s rights after the earthquakes in Türkiye
When the devastating earthquakes struck Türkiye in 2023, the destruction went far beyond collapsed buildings. It shattered lives, leaving many women in vulnerable situations, displaced, and trapped in difficult circumstances. For Fatma Serap Balakan, who is a lawyer from Hatay, providing legal...
Fighting human trafficking: A lawyer's journey through specialised training
Ana Gemović Matić, a lawyer from Serbia, is one of the twenty legal professionals who have successfully completed the Council of Europe’s HELP course on Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings. Over two months of intensive training, she gained in-depth knowledge and practical skills to enhance...
A rare internship opportunity: Sofija Lekić’s journey into human rights law
For many young law students, the path to understanding the complexities of human rights law is often a theoretical one. But for Sofija Lekić, a 22-year-old law student from Belgrade, the opportunity to dive into real-world cases at the European Court of Human Rights has provided a rare and...
Teachers in Bosnia and Herzegovina leading change for inclusive and democratic classrooms
Teachers from across Bosnia and Herzegovina are shaping more inclusive and democratic future through innovative training on the Reference Framework of the Competences for Democratic Culture (RFCDC). From 11-13 February, teachers from primary and secondary schools in Brčko, Goražde, Orašje,...
Sofija Blagojević: A young hero championing inclusion in Serbian schools
At just 17 years old, Sofija Blagojević has emerged as an unexpected hero in the eyes of teachers and other professionals working with children. Her dedication to fostering inclusion and fighting discrimination has not only earned her recognition but also inspired those around her. "I was deeply...
Montenegro’s youth drive change with award-winning inclusive tech solutions
In a bid to make schools more inclusive and understanding, high school students from across Montenegro gathered for the "Equal Hack: Code for Equality" hackathon, developing tech-driven solutions to promote equality and respect. Maša Radulović, whose team from Nikšić clinched first place, aimed...
Young voices rising: Sjenica Youth Forum inspires action for equality and diversity
A vibrant gathering of over 75 young people from minority communities has turned Sjenica into a hub of inspiration, action, and change. The Youth Forum, titled “75+ steps toward equal opportunities,” brought together youth from across Serbia to celebrate diversity, dismantle stereotypes, and...