Challanges: NGO’s in Serbia need European support
In 2019 the Serbian government established a group at the High Level political Forum and provided a Voluntary National report. This report, in the eyes of civil society is sugar-coated and does not reflect the reality of the country. Progress on gender equality and civil society involvement does not align with the experience of SAES. The government’s treatment of migrants and the Roma population in the country remains highly problematic, also mentioned in the Freedom House report. The voluntary national report praises Serbia for its progressive outlooks, but on the ground digital technology is not accessible or working for youth, the future generation of Serbia. Furthermore, each year many high qualified young adults leave the country.
A major issue are the partisan policies in Serbia, which dominate all areas of life. The Freedom House report (2019) has shown the issues that Serbia still faces major challenges, in regard to corruption, freedom of speech and democracy. Serbia is classified as a hybrid regime (transitioning towards democracy). Nevertheless Serbia is often treated as a democracy and receives too little criticism from the EU, according to SAES. Funding streams require more control and monitoring to ensure that European funding does not end up solely in the hands of governmental NGO’s.
The pandemic has restricted civic rights
COVID-19 has hit the adult learning and education sector in Serbia and showcased how the government is infringing upon citizens’ human and civic rights. The measurements taken to limit the spread of pandemic, restricted freedom of speech and civil rights in Serbia. Many of the adult education providers had to close their doors, unable to provide training online. With low digital literacy rates in Serbia, digital learning and ICT skills are a major challenge in Serbia. Even though the education sector has been significantly affected by COVID-19, the work of SAES has only slightly been affected.
Overall, the civil society NGO’s in Serbia need more support to adequately provide adult learning and education for the vulnerable and marginalized groups. Enhancing cooperation, exchanging information and contacts across adult learning and education in Europe can enhance the visibility and resilience of the organisation in this difficult situation.