The project has been under way since July of 2003. The direct beneficiaries are unemployed citizens of Zagreb County and the projects purpose is Information Technology training according to the ECDL START programme with the aim to increasing the chances for employment. The project is co-financed by the City of Zagreb meeting 50% of the expenses and the results are exceptionally good; till August 2007. 2000 beneficiaries completed the project, of which 44% found employment due to gained knowledge and internationally recognized diploma. The project also has certain side-effects on the beneficiaries the unemployed: moving out of social isolation, increase of optimism and self-respect and motivation for further work on self-improvement.

Description of target users and groups

Long-term unemployed persons, poor or no IT literacy

Technology solution

Technology choice: Standards-based technology

Main results, benefits and impacts

The programme provides a training hall available to all project participants which is situated in the space provided by Mreza NGO where participants who are actively engaged in the project are provided with the opportunity to train skills in using a computer while being under supervision of ECDL certified experts who are available to help, explain and clarify questions. The Croatian Employment Service provides feedback in regards to how many project participants have found employment after successfully completing the programme - 44% of successful candidates have found employment after programme completion.

Return on investment

Return on investment: Not applicable / Not available

Track record of sharing

First workshop with UNDP (United Nations Development Projects) in having the economic sector participate with activities in the local community trough workshops for beneficiaries of the project. The workshop was conceived as a means to provide knowledge of how to format a winning job application and CV along with giving an excellent performance during a job interview. The workshop was attended by employees and experts of respected firms who participate in processes regarding recruitment of new staff. The candidates' (project beneficiaries) applications and CVs were evaluated and than suggestions were made on alterations to make them more appealing to potential employers, followed by a simulated interview. The beneficiaries were made aware of the impressions they left and provided with constructive criticism as well as information how to format their CVs with the application and how to conduct themselves on the Interview.

Lessons learnt

Not available. Scope: Local (city or municipality)