Networking with potential members of Ethno Network

Belgrade, November 10 – Meeting of networking for the associations interested in membership in Ethno Network was held today, within the project “Jobs in rural regions” implemented by Ethno Network and financed by the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Serbia. Representatives of the groups of handicrafts producers from Zrenjanin, Guca, Zlakusa, Boljevac, Soko Banja and Razanj, have attended this meeting, as well as representatives of local authorities from Golubac (headed by the mayor), which is also a partner in the project.

Golubac was presented as an example of good practice, where the cooperation of non-governmental and governmental sector helps a lot with employing women and enriching touristic offer, through the preserving of cultural identity of local rural areas.

Women from Boljevac and Soko Banja, although they are not members yet, already have successfull cooperation with the Ethno Network for two years. That’s how, in the meantime, through the participation in other projects, they got the equipment and premises for work, exhibitional and selling places, they mastered the craft and became educators themselves. Handicraft producers from other towns stressed the need for additional education in the field of traditional crafts in order to make higher-quality products and preserve tradition, and with the goal of providing additional employment and keeping young people stay in their hometowns.

Representatives of these local groups have recognized the Ethno Network as the only organization that can help them with the introduction of quality standards, both in the production of handicrafts and in education as a mean of preserving the traditional technique of forgetting. Participants at the meeting emphasised the advantage of networking for joint presentation towards institutions and donors, but also when purchasing materials, and during promotional activities.

Potential new members of the Ethno Network have heard about activities and objectives