From field to future: AMPLE Velika Plana turns local harvests into livelihoods for people
The project, implemented in Velika Plana, a small town in central Serbia, by the association “Will for Life” and its partners from the agricultural and food sector, involved people often excluded from the labour market, including people with disabilities, women and older adults.
Through structured training, practical workshops, and a pilot line of tomato-based local products, the project fostered social inclusion and economic empowerment. Inclusive learning was supported by hands-on sessions and mentoring, and the new products improved market access, linking small producers to the local urban market.
Practical training courses for processing and drying seasonal fruit and vegetables were the core of the project. Through hands-on sessions and mentoring, participants built job-ready skills and confidence in the basic principles of processing and drying. Bringing together different generations and levels of experience created a supportive learning environment that strengthened outcomes.
I never thought I would learn something new at my age, and now I make dried fruit like a professional. After these trainings, I no longer look at fruit and vegetables the same way - now I see an opportunity in everything.
In addition to practical workshops, an equally important aspect of the project was business and HACCP trainings. Experienced lecturers shared their knowledge and empowered participants to continue working in the agri-food sector.
I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in the project activities. I enjoyed listening to Mr Nebojša Đinović during the business lectures. His vivid descriptions of real-life business situations delighted me, and I thank him for that. An invaluable life experience.
The project aimed to raise awareness of the importance of employing people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, and to increase employability and entrepreneurship, with a focus on processing seasonal fruit and vegetables, business skills, and the development of new marketable food products in line with urban demand.
I am very pleased to have been at the helm of such an important project for our community and for the group our organisation works with. Through this project we showed that people with disabilities can be engaged in work, and I am proud of their effort and commitment. I am also proud of the products we created together. It was important for us to raise awareness in the local community about the abilities and work engagement of people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, and I believe we succeeded.
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