Welcome to the RISE E-Catalog, a celebration of innovation, resilience, and positive impact! The RISE E-Catalog is a testament to the visionaries, entrepreneurs, and changemakers who have dedicated themselves to addressing pressing social and environmental challenges within the Western Balkans.
In contemporary society, the prevalence of various gastrointestinal disorders has becomeamatterofincreasing concern A considerable number of individuals suffer from ailments such as Bowel Cancer, Hemorrhoids, Constipation, and Bowel Colitis, which collectively pose asignificanthealthchallenge
Thegenesisofthesediseaseswas traced back to an unsuspecting source the incorrect positioning during elimination in modern toilets The evolution of restroom facilities had inadvertently strayed from the natural "Squatty" position, rendering the process more challenging and contributing to the rise of these debilitatingconditions
In response to this critical health concern, the 35 Degrees project has been conceived This innovative initiative aims to design and produce toilet accessoriestailored
to accommodate diverse toilet shapes and body lengths The primary objective is to reintroduce the Squatty position into existing toilets, without necessitating any structural modifications
By facilitating the Squatty posture during defecation, 35 Degrees seeks to enable individuals to align their bodies optimally for the elimination process This, in turn, streamlines the process, accelerates it, and crucially, serves as a preventive measure against the development of gastrointestinal diseases.
“We are a group of enthusiasts who encountered a major issue in our society and decided to create a solution for it We come from different backgrounds but share the same motivation to make a positive change in ourcommunity”
The innovative products developed by 35 Degrees empower individuals to adopt the Squatty position during elimination, thereby playing a pivotal role in disease prevention. By facilitating this natural posture, these products contribute significantly to averting a range of gastrointestinalailments.
Moreover, 35 Degrees stands as a beacon for enhanced healthcare accessibility With its array of cost-effective solutions tailored to cater to diverse demographics, the company is dedicated to making healthcare more attainable for a broader spectrum of individuals. Beyond its product offerings, 35 Degrees is on a mission to elevate public awareness concerning the fundamental significance of proper elimination postureinthepreservationofgoodhealth
Through educational initiatives and advocacy efforts, the company seeks to enrich public understanding of gastrointestinal health, nurturing a culture of proactive healthcare management
At the core of 35 Degrees' product portfolio are toilet accessories meticulously designed to facilitate optimal positioning during elimination an offering that currently remains elusive in both our local and regional markets. These pioneering products are tailored to address the specific needs of individuals battling conditions such as Intestinal Cancer, Haemorrhoids, Constipation,BowelDisorders,andColitis.
In our unwavering commitment to advancing public health, 35 Degrees aspires to redefine habitual restroom practices, promoting wellness through inventive and imaginative product offerings. It's more than a brand; it's a concept thatelevatesyourwell-beingtoahigherdegree
In the heart of Negotino, North Macedonia, a remarkable initiative is taking shape Ambrosia, born from the shared vision of five determined young women, aims to do more than just create delectable sweets; it aspires to transform lives and empower marginalizedcommunities
Ambrosia'sjourneybeginswithateamoffive remarkable individuals, led by three sisters: Simona, Kristina, and Martina Their collective inspiration for this social enterprise is rooted in their own life experiences, particularly as minorsnavigatingtheworldwithoutparents These challenges fueled their determination to help others find economic stability and a brighterfuture.
While the team comprises five members, it's important to note that two members, Kristina and Simona, are fully immersed in the day-to-day operations of Ambrosia, responsible for the creation and sale of their delectable treats. The remaining team members play pivotal roles in their own capacities, with Vanja serving as an assisting chef at a local restaurant, contributing her culinary expertise to the cause Sara, the photographer and graphic designer, crafts their visual identity, including the distinctive Ambrosia logo and manages their social media presence Meanwhile, Martina takes charge of running and nurturing the brand's socialmediaplatforms
“I was brought up by two entrepreneurs who dedicated their life to provide for me and my two sisters
I often heard from my parents if you really want to help someone give him an opportunity.”
Ambrosia's genesis can be traced back to a poignant encounter with Roma ethnicity women from a nearby village, who arrived to work on the team's vineyard. Through conversations with thesehardworkingindividuals,theAmbrosiateam gained a profound understanding of their challenging living conditions. These women toiled during the spring and summer months to secure provisions for the entire year, coping with the absence of basic infrastructure and access to safe drinkingwaterintheirvillage
Motivated by a shared sense of purpose, Ambrosia's first employees will be three young girls from this very village, extending a helping hand to alleviate some of their hardships While the challenges faced by these communities are multi-faceted, Ambrosia recognizes the importance of incremental progress They are steadfastly committed to making a meaningful difference,onestepatatime.
Presently, Ambrosia specializes in crafting delectableconfectionsthatincludecakesicles,
cake pops, and breakable hearts. Each delectable treat is meticulously handcrafted using highquality chocolate, with the cakesicles and cake pops encasing a sumptuous chocolate cake at theircore.
In essence, Ambrosia is more than a confectionery enterprise; it is a beacon of hope and empowerment. Through their delectable creations, they are sowing the seeds of positive change, supporting marginalized communities, and offering a path to economic stability for those in need Ambrosia is a testament to the profound impact that entrepreneurial spirit, compassion, and determination can have on society's most vulnerable
In an era when environmental education and a connection to nature are more critical than ever, a group of dedicated individuals is spearheading an initiative to enlighten and empower children Earth Soldiers, led by an English professor with a profound passionforecologyandsustainability,isonamission to instill in the youth a deep understanding of our naturalworld
Earth Soldiers' multifaceted approach to education encompasses both winter and summer programs. During the winter months, they run a daily center that draws inspiration from the wonders of nature, biodiversity, ecology, and renowned figures like David Attenborough The curriculum also includes lessons from local musicians, tattoo artists, painters, andcomicbookexperts.
Come summer, Earth Soldiers hosts an immersive summer camp where children are immersed in the natural world, disconnected from technology. Here, they learn self-sufficiency, cultivate an acute awareness of their surroundings, and embrace the art of nurturing life in all its forms. The initiative extends its reach to the local community, offering traditionalskill-buildingopportunitiesthatempower individuals to supplement their income. Activities such as stargazing, crafting terrariums, tending to plants and vegetables, and much more enrich the campexperience.
“Our mission is to make our local community more sustainable, to teachchildrenhowtospendtimein a creative way without excessive reliance on technology, and to connect with organizations that shareourvision”
Earth Soldiers is driven by an unwavering commitment to sustainability and an earnest belief in the power of experiential learning Their mission addresses a critical gap in mainstream education – the absence of instruction on sustainability The natural world holds untapped potential for medicine and materials, knowledge that remains largely hiddenfromchildren
Moreover, Earth Soldiers seeks to revitalize dwindling traditional skills within local communities, breathing new life into these cherished practices By investing in beautiful yet underutilized locales, they hope to transform them into vibrant hubs for summer camps, offering local economies a muchneededboost.
The enthusiastic response from the community, with people eagerly inquiring about upcoming workshops and offering their venues for future activities, demonstrates the immensepotentialofEarthSoldiers'vision
Earth Soldiers' offerings span a wide spectrum, from conducting workshops in the heart of nature to organizing indoor activities during the winter months They produce eco-friendly booklets in the form of comic books, enlightening children about climate change and our interconnected world The initiative also involves crafting domestic products from natural materials, promoting recycling, and teaching the art of composting Earth Soldiers envisions collaboration with various organizations across the Balkans and potentially throughout Europe, recognizing that cooperation is the linchpin to achieving theirnobleobjectives.
In the heart of Albania, nestled in the enchanting region of Vlora, there exists a social business that is redefining the way we experience and appreciate the wonders of nature and culture Reality Escapers is not your typical tourism agency; it's a movement, a force of change, and a beacon of hope for a more sustainableandeconomicallyvibrantfutureinthisbreathtakingcorneroftheworld.
Reality Escapers was born out of passion and a profound desire to unveil the hidden treasures of Vlora, Albania This social enterprise is on a mission to connect people with the unknown, offering daily and multi-day tours that encompass a wide range of activities, including hiking, trekking, birdwatching, kayaking,andcamping.Butit'smorethanjustadventuretourism;it'sanimmersivejourneythroughthe peaksofmountains,thedepthsofthesea,thecrystalwatersofrivers,thebiodiversityoflagoons,andthe culturalandspiritualwealthoftheregion.
At its core, Reality Escapers is about promoting sustainable tourism and bolstering the local economy. In a world where overtourism often threatens the very destinations we seek to explore, this social business standsoutasashiningexampleofhowtravelcanbeaforceforgood
One of the remarkable aspects of Reality Escapers' journey is its impact on the local community The expansion of their services has not only brought tourists to the region but has also inspired the people of rural Vlora to take part in the sustainable tourism movement Locals are reaching out to Reality Escapers to exchange ideas on developing guesthouses and other tourism-related ventures This collaboration between tourists and the community fosters a deeper connection, enrichingtheexperienceforallinvolved
Reality Escapers' commitment to sustainability and innovatio not gone unnoticed The social enterprise clinched the prest Green Business Challenge 2023, a testament to their dedicat environmentallyresponsiblepractices
Reality Escapers' journey is far from over. Their future plans in offering training and knowledge exchange opportunities for as tourist guides, thereby empowering more local youth to take p this rewarding industry. They are also set to extend their t season by introducing mountaineering tours during the w attractingmorevisitorsandfurtherstimulatingthelocaleconom
Droplet is a revolutionary mobile application designed with a mission to bridge the gap between blood donors and those in need of blood This innovative social business harnesses the power of technology to streamline the blood donation process and make it more accessible, efficient, and life-saving By registering on the Droplet app, users can play a vital role in contributing to the well-being of their communitiesandbeyond
Droplet operates as a social business, prioritizing both its social impact and financial sustainability Its primary objective is to facilitate blood type donor matching and increase the availability of safe blood for medical emergencies, surgeries, andchronichealthconditions.
By mobilizing a network of willing blood donors, Droplet helps reduce blood shortages, which are a common challenge in healthcare systems around the world This, in turn, supports healthcare institutionsinprovidingconsistentcare.
Droplet significantly contributes to better health outcomes for patients undergoing surgeries, cancer treatments, and other medical procedures requiring blood transfusions This translates to faster recoveries and improved qualityoflife
“I wanted to develop
develop as asociety.”
The app is a powerful tool for raisingawarenessaboutthecritical importance of blood donation, educating the public about the various blood types, and dispelling mythsandmisconceptions.
Droplet nurtures a sense of community and social responsibility among users, promoting a culture of giving This not only strengthens social bonds but also contributes to a healthier andmorecompassionatesociety
In the heart of Serbia, a remarkable social start-up is not only creating unique fashion but also weaving together the hopes and stories of women refugees
Women on the Way is a trailblazing initiative that empowerstheseresilientwomen while preserving and celebrating theirrichculturalheritage.
For women refugees who have sought asylum in Serbia, life is fraught with challenges, including limited employment opportunities and social isolation
The asylum process in Serbia can drag on for years, causing profound psychological and economic strain on both refugee women and their families. Recognizing this crisis, Women ontheWaysteppedintomakea profound difference. Partnering with the Belgrade Centre for Human Rights (BCHR), a local NGO working tirelessly with refugees,WomenontheWay
identifies and reaches out to refugee women interested in sewing and employment By providing these women with meaningful work, the initiative offers not just a source of income but also a lifeline to break free from the isolation that often accompanies the refugee experience.
Women on the Way doesn't just create clothing and accessories; they craft pieces of art that carry stories, journeys, and hopes for a brighter future. Every article they produceisatestamenttothe
the resilience and creativity of refugee women, deeply rooted in theculturesoftheirhomelands
The clothing and accessories they craft are made from natural or recycled materials, a nod to theirdedicationtopreservingour planetforfuturegenerations
To further their eco-friendly mission, Women on the Way has partnered with Ženski centre Užice, an NGO specializing in textile recycling. This collaboration not only reduces waste but also supports a circular economy.
These motives are uniquely handpainted by Pari, a woman refugee from Iran By purchasing this product you are supporting women refugees, 50% of the profit wededicatetothem.
Cypress tree motif was uniquely handpainted on jeans by Farimah, a women refugee from Iran. By purchasing this product you are empowering women refugees, 50% of the profit wededicatetothem.
This unique motif on jeans was handpainted by Farnoosh, a woman refugee fromIran.Bypurchasingthis product you are supporting women refugees, we dedicate50%profittothem.
Interested in collaboration, partnership or just want to say hi? Feel free to reach out!
info@womenontheway.co
Water-based print on 100% cotton Designed by a talentedwomenrefugee.
Water-based print on 100% cotton Designed by a talentedwomenrefugee.
Plankton patchwork pouch bag out of recycled materials.
Handmade Backpack out of recycledmaterials
ThisprojectissupportedbytheAgenceFrançaisedeDéveloppement,theEuropeanUnion, RegionalYouthCooperationOfficeandtheFranco-GermanYouthOffice.
