RISE Study Trip to France – Exploring the social economy ecosystem

From 5 to 8 February, ARNO participated in the study trip to Paris, France together with the other Local Incubators from the RISE project: Balkan Green Foundation (Kosovo), Nesto Vise (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Smart Kolektiv (Serbia), Yunus Social Business (Albania) and IEC Tehnopolis (Montenegro). The study trip was led by the RISE consortium partners Pulse SOS (France), the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO), the Franco-German Youth Office (OFAJ), and theSouth East European Youth Network (Bosnia and Herzegovina).

The study trip was the first on-site activity in the new edition of the RISE project (2022-2025) where the partners had an exciting opportunity to learn more about the impact of social economy in French society, and hear inspiring stories of social entrepreneurs. Here are some of  Marjan’s (RISE Program Manager) impressions and sharings:

• In the PULSE Montreuil Incubator, the partners met the PULSE France team and were introduced to their activities, impact, and overview of the French social and solidarity economy ecosystem.
• A special guest session was organized with Camila from UniR, a social enterprise that facilitates access to education for refugees and asylum seekers and supports their academic and socio-professional integration.
• The partners also heard the interesting story of the social enterprise Cali & Gali shared by Claire. Cali&Gali is a social enterprise that creates an opportunity for vocational trainers and public servants to be open to more diversity and create more open and inclusive policies and institutions.
• The last day was booked for a visit to Atelier Fatimata Sy, a social enterprise that offers sustainable unique, or upcycled pieces, ethical designers in fashion, jewelry, accessories, home decoration, and ethical cosmetics inspired by African women and culture.As part of the study visit, the partners met with Mr. Nicolas Faye, Deputy Director for Balkan Europe, and discussed the opportunities and challenges for the social economy in the WB. Mr. Faye reaffirmed the importance of the RISE project for France thanks to its innovative and impactful approach. He also underlined the importance of the social economy for the region’s EU integration and the strengthening of institutions and communities across the region.

 “It was great that we had the chance to closely experience the work of PULSE SOS Group, one of the most important actors in the social economy in France, and get to know more about the ecosystem. The visit inspired new “food for thought” for all local incubators and motivation for the next activities in the WB region”. – stated Marjan Icoski, Program Manager at ARNO

The RISE project is led by a consortium composed of the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO), GROUPE SOS Pulse, South East European Youth Network (SEEYN), and the Franco-German Youth Office (OFAJ), and implemented by six local incubators: ARNO (Macedonia), Balkan Green Foundation (Kosovo), Nesto vise (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Smart Kolektiv (Serbia), IEC Tehnopolis (Montenegro) and Yunus Social Business (Albania). This project is co-funded by the French Development Agency (AFD), the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO), and the Erasmus + Programme of the European Union. Find more information at: https://www.risewb.org