LNOB social mapping and evidence-based policymaking in the municipality of Kumanovo

Social mapping is a basic method of presenting knowledge about spaces and the people who live in them. Social mapping helps local authorities to develop adjusted local social protection policies and measures to address the specific needs of vulnerable groups of citizens. The general purpose of the mapping is to contribute to the social inclusion of disadvantaged groups, improving the quality of life, as well as encouraging social cohesion at the local level by promoting the localization of the 2030 Agenda and its goals, in particular, the principle "Leave no one behind". – LNOB at the municipal level. In 2023, the Center for European Citizen Initiative was hired to carry out social mapping of the territory of the Kumanovo municipality on a previously developed methodology by GIZ GmbH and in coordination with representatives of NALAS and the Municipality of Kumanovo. The general goal of the mapping "Implementation of LNOB social mapping and evidence-based policy making in Municipality of Kumanovo", was aimed at the responsible persons in Municipality of Kumanovo to develop adapted local policies that will help people with disabilities and vulnerable categories of citizens. The main goal is to introduce new forms and ways of implementing services for vulnerable categories of citizens that will enable them to be more easily included in social life. In addition, the purpose of the mapping was to perceive the problems faced by the competent social institutions and non-governmental organizations from the municipality of Kumanovo that are responsible for the care and assistance of persons with disabilities and vulnerable categories of citizens, as well as improving their opportunities and conditions. The main emphasis is placed on the rehabilitation and reintegration Center for the promotion of rehabilitation and reintegration services for people with intellectual disabilities. The research made it possible to gain knowledge about the level and form of vulnerability of persons with disabilities, men and women in the municipality of Kumanovo, as well as what are the possibilities for improving their condition in the municipality. The attitudes of persons with disabilities to overcome the problems and improve the services they receive were identified. Structuring of the needs of persons with disabilities, men and women, in different areas (education, transport, housing, social care, employment, political participation, protection and rescue, etc.) was carried out. The results will help to obtain an assessment of the quality and effectiveness of current social services and will help the Municipality, the Center for Social Work, the Employment Agency, the Health Fund, the Pension and Disability Insurance Fund and non-governmental organizations to take action and offer services based on recommendations from social mapping. Social mapping data will also contribute to improving local crisis management and protection and rescue plans.