Organized by the National Foundation for Civil Society Development and the Government Office for Cooperation with NGOs of the Republic of Croatia, a ceremonial awarding of Contracts was held for beneficiaries of the Call “Strengthening the Capacities of Civil Society Organizations for the Implementation of Active Ageing Programmes”, bringing together numerous representatives of institutions, civil society organizations, and pensioners’ associations.
Within the framework of the Call, 83 projects were contracted with a total value of EUR 22,533,057.37, of which 85% of the funding was secured through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), while the remaining amount was financed from national sources. The projects are aimed at strengthening organizations operating in the field of care and support for older persons, with the goal of improving quality of life and encouraging the more active inclusion of pensioners in the community.
Through these projects, educational programmes, workshops, and counselling activities will be carried out, along with various social, sports, and recreational activities tailored to older persons. Special emphasis has been placed on preventing social isolation, preserving an active lifestyle, and empowering older persons to participate as independently as possible in the everyday life of the community.
The attendees were addressed by Ms. Cvjetana Plavša-Matić, Director of the National Foundation for Civil Society Development; Mr. Luka Bogdan, Deputy Director for European Funds and Systemic Support; Ms. Helena Beus, Acting Director of the Government Office for Cooperation with NGOs; the Minister of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy, Mr. Alen Ružić; and Member of Parliament Mr. Marko Pavić. State Secretary Mr. Ivan Vidiš emphasized the importance and results of the measures implemented by the Government of the Republic of Croatia aimed at improving the position of older persons and pensioners.
On behalf of the beneficiaries, Ms. Višnja Fortuna, President of the Croatian Pensioners’ Association, addressed those present, expressing gratitude for the support and allocated funds that will enable the implementation of numerous activities for older persons throughout Croatia.
