Homemade handicrafts are back in fashion

Biserka Janošević from the village of Šarbanovac near Bor likes to say that she is a housewife because it helps her do what she really loves. "I have always been interested in medicinal herbs, and like to collect and often sell them. In addition to medicinal herbs, I really enjoy preparing traditional dishes ", says Biserka. With her culinary skills and knowledge about medicinal herbs Biserka participated in many festivals and public events, however, in order to present her work better, it was necessary to be a member of an association. That is how the idea of ​​the association "Šarbanovački kotlić" was born.

“I have been preparing traditional old dishes that are not so well known, such as chard, spinach, cabbage, Vranje pancakes, etc. In order to be able to exhibit my culinary skills, it was necessary for me to form an association. I didn't know how to start it, but then I heard about the educational workshops organised by the Association "Village" from Bor. "I had the opportunity to learn how to register an association, what our tax obligations are and how to ensure economic stability and sustainability," explains Biserka.

The association that Biserka started gathers women from Šarbanovac and Bor villages and promotes traditional food of the Timok region in order to preserve old dishes from oblivion and pass on the skills of their preparation to younger generations. There are currently  eight women members of the Association who, in addition to preparing traditional dishes, are engaged in handmade souvenirs, making knitted bags and collecting medicinal herbs. 

The Association “Village” was founded with the aim of helping the development of rural areas in Bor and contributing to increasing employment. The Association applied  for European Union grants through the EU PRO programme  in order to support unemployed women in this area e . "Our region is full of natural resources and women in this area are engaged in various handicrafts. However there is a certain fear and the lack of information on how to sell the products.

“That is how we came to the idea to educate women from rural areas and show them how they can improve their skills ", explains Vukosav Antonijević, President of the " Village "Association. "Thanks to the European Union donation, we organised various workshops on how to register a tourist household, workshops on the production and sale of souvenirs and handicrafts, basic training in information technology, as well as workshops on collecting and processing medicinal herbs." For Biserka, these workshops were an incentive to start her own association, but also to improve her skills and knowledge. "Although I know a lot about medicinal herbs, it was really useful to get expert advice on collecting, drying and packaging medicinal herbs. I also found the souvenir workshop quite interesting and it inspired me to start making handbags and decorations that were used a long time ago," says Biserka, adding that in addition to the knowledge she gained, she also met new friends " There was a lot of laughter and talks. Unfortunately, we do not have many opportunities to participate in such activities and it really means when someone shows that they care about you and want to help you. 

A total of 37 women participated in the workshops ``Education for emancipation”, and afterwards some started implementing their ideas. “After the workshops, seven women presented their souvenirs at the ethno food fair in Zlot, one participant signed a contract with the Bor Tourist Organisation where she sells her souvenirs, and the association "Šarbanovački kotlić" was founded. We really did one important thing for these women and I am so delighted when I see how small steps are sometimes enough to  start positive changes and improve the quality of someone's life, "Vukosav concludes.

In addition to the project implemented by the association Village from Bor, the European Union in cooperation with the Ministry of European Integration through EU PRO programme supported 20 more projects aimed at reducing inequality and discrimination, improving interethnic understanding  and providing equal opportunities for all members of local communities. 

Through the activities of the EU PRO programme, the European Union contributes to the more balanced socio-economic development of Serbia with a total of 25 million Euros. The programme aims to contribute to increasing the competitiveness of micro and small enterprises, improving the business environment and strengthening social cohesion in 99 local self-government units, in two regions: the Region of Šumadija and Western Serbia and the Region of Southern and Eastern Serbia. The activities in the field are implemented by UNOPS.