On February 1st in 2017, 22 trainees from Roma, Ashkalia and Egyptian Communities received certificates for successful completion of three-month training in Construction, Welding, Carpentry, Auto mechanic, Barber and Hairdresser at an event organized in Mitrovicë/a. Three businesses received graduation certificates from DRC’s Social Business Incubator. Deputy Mayor of Mitrovicë/a, Mr. Faruk Mujka held a speech where he stated that the municipality of Mitrovicë/a will continue to support DRC’s activities which are helping different communities to get higher education and trainings and prepare them for the job market. One of the graduated business owners stated that he is grateful to the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare for the training and for the help in trying to find better employment.

This graduation ceremony is a result of the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Ministry for Labour and Social Welfare and DRC’s Social Business Incubator in Roma Mahalla, which provides infrastructure to offer preparatory vocational training courses to youth from Roma Mahalla and the Mitrovicë/a region.

In close cooperation with the Employment Office Mitrovicë/a, DRC identified mentors to offer courses in: Construction, Welding, Carpentry, Auto mechanic, Barber and Hairdresser.

Under the 3rd round framework of the trainings, 22 trainees were registered in May 2016 through the Employment Office Mitrovicë/a. They attended trainings and got the opportunity to gain basic skills that will facilitate their further vocational education.

Trainings with qualified mentors took place three times a week for the duration of three months. Certificates issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare for successful completion of the course will enable better employment opportunities.

With this programme, DRC's Social Business Incubator contributes not only to the existing employment and vocational training infrastructure in Mitrovicë/a region, but also establishes closer links between members of Roma, Ashkalia and Egyptian communities and the majority community.

The preparatory vocational training programme is funded by Swedish International Development Agency (Sida) under the umbrella of the project Support to Roma, Ashkalia and Egyptian Communities Project in Mitrovicë/a.

SBI Vocational Training Centre has been established by DRC in July 2013 in cooperation with Regional Center for Professional Skills in Mitrovicë/a under the agreement with MLSW and Employment Office Mitrovicë/a.