Most activities will take place in the Brodsko-posavska County, which is classified as a Group I area in terms of regional development. This region is predominantly rural, poorly connected by transportation, and its population has a lower level of education compared to urban populations. Books and other materials are not sufficiently accessible. This situation negatively affects children and young people who, in their families, do not have the opportunity to develop a habit of reading, critical thinking, analysis, and strengthening their reading competencies. Many perceive reading school literature as a punishment, which does not help in increasing interest in reading.

People with disabilities, especially the deaf and hard of hearing, have difficulties accessing adequate reading materials and activities tailored to their abilities, directly reducing their opportunities for social inclusion. Individuals over 54 years old, who are numerous in the Brodsko-posavska County, are also at high risk of social exclusion due to the limited number of suitable activities offered in rural areas throughout the year. This situation leads to the conclusion that the Brodsko-posavska County, being exceptionally rural and still visibly affected by wartime devastation, faces a high risk of social exclusion and limited opportunities for children and youth in terms of further education promotion, significantly influenced by the culture of reading and reading competencies. This is especially pronounced among those under 25 years old, persons with disabilities, individuals over 54 years old, and members of the Roma and other national minorities, making them the target groups of this project.

The project includes 60 days of workshops conducted through 12 programs directly related to the project’s goal, recognizing the need for informal learning as an ideal way to raise awareness about the importance of reading and strengthening the reading competencies of these three target groups. In addition to the activities under Element 1, Element 2 includes two round tables aimed at highlighting the importance of reading literacy and competencies for people with disabilities, children, and youth, and the importance of informal learning in this process. Through workshops, presentations, and other forms of informal gatherings and learning, members of the target groups will interactively participate and acquire new, as well as strengthen existing, reading competencies and their knowledge of culture and art.