As envisioned within the strategic plan and program activities, the CDI pays special attention to the vulnerable groups in the society and provide social services for various target groups. In the section CDI Portfolios you could find overview of the services provided. For more details please contact CDI staff.
The Community Development Institute (CDI) Macedonia is a proud and active partner in the project “Empowered – Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, Regional Cooperation and Development in the Western Balkans.” We are committed to creating a society of equal opportunities for persons with disabilities (PwDs) and are celebrating the first, exceptionally successful year of this comprehensive endeavor.
About the EMPOWERED Project: A Shared Vision for an Inclusive Western Balkans
This comprehensive initiative is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) of Germany and is led by Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB). The project is being implemented in partnership with a consortium of local organizations across the region, including:
- LIR Civil Society
- IDC – Initiative for Development and Cooperation
- PREDA Plus
- Alfa Centar
- Community Development Institute (CDI)
- Albanian Disability Rights Foundation (ADRF)
The project commenced on September 1, 2024, and will run until April 30, 2028 (44 months). Our core objective is the transformation towards a society of equal opportunities for PwDs, through intensive advocacy, strengthening inclusive mechanisms, and implementing projects that directly improve the quality of life.
CDI Macedonia: Our Role in Launching the Initiative and Concrete Successes
CDI Macedonia plays a central role within the EMPOWERED project, actively contributing to its success from the very beginning. As a testament to our commitment, we proudly hosted the first regional conference in May 2025, marking the official start of our joint journey toward inclusion.
Since then, our team has conducted extensive preparatory meetings and capacity building trainings in the municipalities of Valandovo and Demir Kapija. These efforts have significantly strengthened local stakeholders and inclusion mechanisms, laying a robust foundation for future activities. CDI has also actively engaged in regional EMPOWERED meetings, fostering knowledge exchange and integrating local experiences into the wider Western Balkans dialogue.
Focus on Sustainable Change: Future Plans
Starting in January 2026, our work will intensify further. CDI will provide crucial support to Valandovo and Demir Kapija in revising Local Social Plans and developing concrete Local Inclusion Projects, which will lead to tangible and measurable improvements. Parallel programs for career counseling, psychosocial support, vocational training, and job integration will be launched – transforming plans into practical changes for PwDs.
With these solid foundations, CDI is now focused on impactful actions, expanding opportunities for persons with disabilities in Valandovo and Demir Kapija. Our commitment is clear: we are working to ensure that the voices of persons with disabilities are heard and their needs are effectively met, building a more just and accessible society for all.
