EU cross-border project “Bridging barriers” assists persons with disabilities

Closing Conference of the project „Bridging Barriers – The Spirit of Partnership“ took place in Bileća on 2 June. Project was funded by the European Union and implemented by Association of parents of children and youth with special needs „We All Share the Same Sun“ Trebinje as a leading Applicant, and Municipality of Bileća as a Co-Applicant in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Union of Associations of Paraplegics of Montenegro as a Functional lead Applicant and Serbian Orthodox Church Congregation of Nikšić, as a Co-Applicant from Montenegro.

Main objective of the project was to provide persons with disabilities living in Bileća and Trebinje in BiH and Nikšić in Montenegro, as well as persons with disabilities visiting these communities, with equal opportunities to enjoy the right to participate in religious and cultural life.

Project activities included installation and placement of access ramps or platforms for persons with disabilities at the entrances of Church of St Sava, Obradovića Mosque and House of Culture in Bileća as well at the monastery church in Monastery Duži near Trebinje. Also, training on accessibility and removing the barriers was realized as well as several cultural-religious events, and study visits (visits to religious and cultural facilities and photo exhibitions). With the aim of raising awareness of the rights of persons with disabilities, billboards were placed in Trebinje and Bileća and documentary film “We Are There too” was created and broadcast.

European Union funded this project from IPA Cross-Border Cooperation Program Bosnia and Herzegovina/Montenegro with the amount of 75.135,91 EUR for BiH.

Europa.ba