YOU Hosts Anglo-Serbian Charity Initiative

Hampshire based charity, YOU, were proud this week to host Serbian third sector leader, Ivana Stosic, in an exciting international initiative. The charity was chosen by Euclid, the European Network of Third Sector Leaders, to be part of the collaboration between Serbia and the UK. The exchange is funded by the European Delegation to Serbia.

Ivana Stosic, a human rights lawyer is also General Manager of a Business Incubator Centre in Vranje, Serbia. The Incubator Centre supports vulnerable people to start their own businesses as part of the economic development strategy in the post conflict region of South Serbia. Ivana has spent the week looking at how legal advice, domestic violence, supported employment and services for young people are delivered here in the UK. Ivana said “this is a excellent opportunity to find out how a UK charity works and to see how high quality care, support and advice services are delivered. I’ve been made to feel very welcome by Nicola Youern, the Chief Executive, and all the staff and service users I’ve met with. We look forward to welcoming YOU to Serbia in May and developing a long term partnership for collaboration and learning.” Ivana Stosic, who holds an MA in Peace Studies which focused on the segregation of the Roma people, is also President of the Association of Business Incubators in Serbia and a member of the Serbian Association of Human Rights Lawyers. She is also the General Secretary of SENSI (South East European Network of start up centres and Incubators) and Board Director of the Roma Centre for Democracy. “It’s been an absolute pleasure to show Ivana the work we do,” says YOU Chief Executive, Nicola Youern. “It has been fascinating to learn about the challenges that Ivana faces in Serbia and the excellent work she is doing to support vulnerable and marginalised communities. We look forward to the return visit to Serbia during which we will deliver a Masterclass on the growth and sustainability of charities in the UK. Ends Words: 333