On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, a street awareness-raising action on the importance of personal assistance for persons with disabilities was held at the Trg srpskih boraca (Square of Serbian Fighters) in Prnjavor. The event was jointly organized by the associations “Roma Girl – Romani Ćej” Prnjavor, NEVEN Prnjavor, “4+” Prnjavor, the Youth Center Prnjavor, and the Organization of the Blind Prnjavor.

Citizens had the opportunity to learn about the importance of introducing personal assistance as one of the key services for ensuring a dignified life for persons with disabilities. They engaged in conversations with volunteers and showed their support for the initiative by signing a petition. During the action, over 100 signatures were collected, demanding that local authorities implement this essential service.

The organizers of the campaign are calling on the City of Prnjavor to adopt a Decision on Extended Rights in Social Protection, through which personal assistance would be introduced as a local social service, and to allocate funds for its financing in the 2026 municipal budget.

“Personal assistance is recognized as an extended right under the Law on Social Protection and enables persons with physical and sensory impairments to lead more independent lives. This support benefits both the individuals and their families,” said Slobodanka Škobić, a social worker at the NEVEN Prnjavor Association. “The role of a personal assistant is to support users in their daily activities—going to the store, participating in social and cultural events, engaging in sports—everything that contributes to equal participation in the community.”

Campaign coordinator Snježana Mirković from the association “Roma Girl – Romani Ćej” emphasized: “We know how crucial this service is. Our goal is for Prnjavor to become a city where everyone has equal opportunities and support. Personal assistance is a step toward a society of equal possibilities.”

The organizers thank all citizens for their support and announce that advocacy activities will continue until the right to personal assistance becomes available in Prnjavor.