Public works 2010

Closing exhibition \'Traditional handicrafts as business gifts\' within the Public works project 2010 implemented by Ethno Network with the support of Ministry of economy and regional development, National employment agency and NALED, was open on February 1, 2011 in Tourist organization of Serbia in Belgrade.

The opening ceremony was attended by state secretary in the Ministry of economy and regional development, Goran Petkovic and Director of National Employment Agency, Dejan Jovanovic, and Violeta Jovanovic, president of Ethno Network.

The public works project engaged 100 women from 23 municipalities throughout Serbia to work for six months. The goal of the project was to provide employment opportunities for women and preserve Serbia\'s tradition. Handicrafts produced within the project are rooted in Serbian tradition and complemented with modern design, packaging and certificates.

State secretary in the Ministry of economy and regional development, Goran Petkovic said that the Ministry will allocate additional funding in 2011 for support to organized groups of producers. Mr. Petkovic expressed satisfaction with outcomes of public works and invited state institutions and businesses to buy handicrafts as business gifts for representations purposes.

Director of National Employment Agency, Dejan Jovanovic confirmed that the Agency will maintain their support and measures towards increased employment in 2011 aiming to support preservation of cultural heritage and income generation for women through education, public works and employment subsidies.

Presenting the effects of Ethno Network public works, Violeta Jovanovic said that more than 50% of project beneficiaries are women less than 40 years of age, which removes the common bias that handicraft producers are mainly senior ladies. As an outcome of public works, six new associations are being formed as the first step from amateurs to professionals. Also, 20 artisans expressed interest in self-employmen