[Serbia] #SUPPORT16 - Keep Cafe Bar 16, which Employs Children from the Drop in Shelter, Open

Cafe Bar 16 was founded by the Center for Youth Integration, to ensure children leaving the Drop in Shelter when they turn 16 would not be left to fend for themselves. The Drop in Shelter in Belgrade has been working with street involved children aged 5 to 15, for 16 years. These children mostly live in informal settlements in Belgrade, in extreme poverty (without electricity, water, and sometimes in cardboard houses).

What is Cafe Bar 16?

Cafe Bar 16 is a social enterprise in which young people from the Drop in Shelter acquire skills, work practice, earn money and learn to become independent. They also gain self-confidence and other life skills.

Cafe Bar 16 fights against prejudice and stereotypes, enables young people to become equal members of society, and shows them that they can learn, work hard and be given a chance.
All employees of Cafe Bar 16 have successfully completed training as waiters and bartenders. Today, they have regular incomes, health insurance and all the benefits that formal employment provides.

What does Cafe Bar 16 mean to young people from the Drop in Shelter?

Cafe Bar 16 is a place that gives young people working on the street and living in extreme poverty a chance to change their lives. Due to discrimination, unfavorable starting positions and strong prejudice, these young people find it difficult to find work and earn a living.
For most of them, Cafe Bar 16 is the only option for gaining an internship and employment. All our employees are registered and have a regular income.

"After a few months of training, I started working at Cafe Bar 16. It helped me become independent, follow my own direction and succeed in something."  (Albert, 19)

"After finishing the training in Cafe Bar 16, I started working in the cafe of the Museum of Yugoslavia. This is a life-changing experience.” (Daniel, 17)

Cafe Bar 16 and COVID-19

The coronavirus pandemic that brought the world to a halt, and whose consequences we have all felt, especially affected vulnerable groups, including children and young people who live and work on the streets. During the pandemic, these young people found themselves at an even greater risk, without the support of the system's institutions and lacking the opportunity to exercise their rights.

On the other hand, Cafe Bar 16, as a catering facility, was among the first to feel the economic consequences of the introduction of measures to protect the health of the population. The help that has come from the state for the payment of minimum wage salaries has been welcome, but other costs remain.

What now?

In order for Cafe Bar 16 to continue working, we need your support.

In the months with and without significantly reduced revenues, Cafe Bar 16 managed to cover the costs of rent, utilities and suppliers. But the moment is approaching when that will no longer be possible, but together we can keep Cafe Bar 16 alive and provide jobs and support for young people with limited opportunities.

Here you can watch a video about us and our cafe, and learn how you can support us.