ABOUT US

The mission of Lastavica is to offer support, trainings, economic reinforcement and resources in order to empower refugees and other marginalized groups in Serbia (children, elderly, unemployed, socially jeopardized).

  HOW IT ALL STARTED

L a s t a v i c a (Swallow) was founded in 1996 as a joint project of Autonomic Women Centre from Belgrade and Oxfam GB, British humanitarian organization, Office in Belgrade. Since
November 2000, Lastavica continues its work as an independent, non-governmental, non-profitable, non-political, humanitarian organization.

     A project started with an aim to help single women refugees, who lived alone and without direct support of their families. At that time, one of the first houses for collective accommodation was opened in Surcin, and in January 1997 in Pancevo The official title of the project was “Krajina Women House” but the women beneficiaries gave it their own title “Swallow” (Lastavica) symbolizing their departure from homes and their wish to return. The two houses provided shelter for 26 women refugee and internally displaced women in the period of programme implementation, from March 1996 to 2004.

    During the past years Lastavica has extended programme activities and nowadays is active in Surcin, primarily as a Community Centre. The Community Centre offers various services to refugees, internally displaced persons and other marginalized groups of population. Lastavica annually supports over 500 beneficiaries through educational courses, psychological support and economic empowerment.