The pig farm in the prison in Spuž is one of several agricultural and food assets that help this institution to be partially self-sustaining. Help, thanks to the financial support of the German Government through the project “Socio-Economic Empowerment of the Western Balkans”, helped the reconstruction of the farm, within the framework of extensive and long-term cooperation with UKIS.
The project renovated the existing ruined barn of 400 m². The reconstruction of the pig farm was one of the most extensive jobs, with the total value of EUR 87,509.80, which began in August 2021 and was completed in early February 2022.
In addition to the reconstruction of the pig farm in UIKS, a machine was also purchased – a wrought iron knitting system worth 23,000 Euros; the roof of the mechanic’s workshop was reconstructed in the value of 5,975 Euros; and training was provided for 4 prisoners, who received a certificate for the profession of chef, 10 prisoners received is licensed training for the profession of welder, which opens up the opportunity for them to find a job more easily after leaving prison during the period of convalescence.
In addition to the prisoners, Help also organized a three-day training for 15 employees of the prison in Spuž within the framework of the project, with an expert in the field of psychology and communication, dr. Radoje Cerović, with whom the participants – the prison staff- were exceptionally satisfied, because they are facing different types of pressure and stress in their work every day.
When it comes to reconstructions, in addition to Spuž, another large-scale reconstruction was also carried out in the prison in Bijelo Polje, where the over 70-year-old roof was restored. The total value of the works on the reconstruction of the prison roof in Bijelo Polje was 36,180.00 Euros. In April 2021, a memorandum was signed between Help and UIKS, which specified that this institution, for its part, finances the total support to this institution with a 50 percent participation. All activities in the Western Balkans were implemented within the framework of a program worth 3.35 million euros, with the support of the German Government, entitled “Socio-economic empowerment of the Western Balkans”.
