In brief
Programme purpose: The support from the International Federation of Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to the Red Cross of Serbia focused on development through long-term programmes. It aimed at increasing the capacity of the National Society to provide services and to meet the needs of vulnerable people, and enhancing its preparedness to respond to disasters. These components directly and indirectly strengthen the communities' ability to recognize, assess and address their own needs with the Red Cross as an integral and recognized partner. Sustainability of existing activities and development of a basis for future programmes are also priorities.
Programme summary: In 2009 some large-scale activities supported by the Federation secretariat, such as home care and organizational development, were scaled down and phased out as the National Society takes over the responsibilities for further development. Disaster management remained a large programme concerned both with building preparedness and response capacity of the Red Cross at all levels as well as with strengthening the ties between the Red Cross and other national and local level stakeholders. Training sessions in communication and coordination, disaster response and water and sanitation took place. Preparedness simulations were carried out in four municipalities. Two vulnerability and capacity assessment (VCA) manuals were translated and printed and are about to be distributed. The annual disaster management plan was approved and a sub-commission was established which will be in charge of creating and following up on disaster management projects. The law on disaster response passed in the Serbian parliament and recognized the Red Cross of Serbia as a reliable partner.
Federation supported programme components in health and care included public health, blood donation, and HIV and AIDS. The activities were scaled down to reflect limited funding. Consequently the activities were designed to be meaningful parts of a bigger whole with a focus on HIV and AIDS and voluntary blood donation. Two additional 'Clubs 25' were established and the number of young blood donors increased. The Red Cross collected and stored a large amount of data on HIV and AIDS in the Chriss Database contributing to better overall coordination of HIV and AIDS activities in the country.
Meanwhile, in the field of humanitarian values the work with vulnerable Roma children and young people living with disabilities has entered into a new phase and is progressing very well showing a promising start of the three-year project. In 2009 totally 2,435 children were reached. Key achievements included: 120 Roma children successfully enrolled into formal preschool; 126
Roma children successfully enrolled into the first grade of primary school; 434 Roma children successfully passed on to the next grade in primary school; and 717 children living with disabilities improved their skills, self-esteem and prospects for social integration. Other focus areas included vocational training for refugees, migration and home care. More than 50 per cent of refugees taking part in the vocational training cycle found employment. Totally 243 people were assisted in detention facilities. The Federation support to the home care programme came to an end with the creation of a programme planning and design toolkit for Red Cross branches. Some 11,000 people were assisted.
Financial situation: The total 2010 budget is CHF 1,952,439 (USD 1,796,930 or EUR 1,362,270), of which 116 per cent covered in 2009. Overall expenditure was CHF 1,054,940. Some of the funds were received in the second half of 2009 and is funding for programmes that runs into 2010 and explains the balance.