By Emilija Rozgić
If you live in Belgrade, Novi Sad, Pančevo or Kraljevo, you have very likely already noticed them: they can be found in squares, pedestrian areas and the busiest spots, and are easily recognisable by their blue and orange vests, offering a copy of the magazine with a smile.
The next time you see them, stop for a moment: by purchasing the magazine, you will not only be making a tangible contribution to helping those in need, but you will also discover rich and thought-provoking content. As their motto says: “By buying the magazine you help others; by reading it you help yourself.”
What is Liceulice and how it works?
Liceulice is an independent, humanitarian organisation and a non-profit media outlet, founded in 2009. Its mission is to promote the economic and social inclusion of people on the margins of society, such as those facing challenges related to poverty, illness, disability, homelessness or social exclusion.
Unlike models based solely on assistance, Liceulice offers a concrete employment opportunity through the sale of the magazine. Each issue costs 300 dinars (around €2.50), and 50% of the price goes directly to the vendor, while the remainder funds production and the organisation’s activities.
This system enables vendors not only to earn a regular income, but also to gain work experience, develop independence and, above all, feel part of the community. For many of them, selling the magazine represents their only source of livelihood and a first step towards greater stability.
Social topics and thought-provoking content
Liceulice stands out for the quality and depth of its content. Each issue is dedicated to a specific theme and addresses crucial issues for a fairer and more sustainable society: from poverty to migration, from human rights to sustainable development, as well as contemporary environmental and social challenges. It is therefore not merely a “street charity product”, but a genuine editorial space that informs, stimulates critical thinking and invites readers to shift their perspective.
Topics covered in the March issue include: artificial intelligence and gender discrimination, social pensions and the poorest segments of the population, the daily lives of women in rural areas, online violence, first-hand accounts of homelessness, pressure and threats against journalists in Serbia, climate change and social inequality, as well as the rise of authoritarianism and populism worldwide.
Support initiatives and projects
The sale of the magazine is only part of a broader support and empowerment programme. The organisation supports its vendors through a range of activities aimed at strengthening their skills and self-confidence: training in sales and communication, workshops to develop practical skills such as money management and conflict resolution, individual psychological support, monthly “Solidarity Club” meetings to share experiences and build connections, as well as cultural and social initiatives such as visits to cinemas and theatres.
This integrated approach contributes not only to sales success, but also to personal growth, stronger interpersonal skills and a greater sense of belonging to the community.
Over the years, Liceulice has also become a recognised member of the International Network of Street Papers, which brings together over 120 similar publications worldwide, and has received numerous nominations for the quality of its writing, covers and design.
Future projects
Among the organisation’s initiatives is Belgrade Less Ordinary, a biannual English-language magazine designed to offer foreigners an alternative guide to the city, focusing on marginalised realities in Serbia.
This project has laid an important foundation for new initiatives planned for 2026. Starting in May, City Less Ordinary will be launched, a new biannual English-language magazine aimed at foreigners in Belgrade, with a particular focus on urban culture, social dynamics and local life, further expanding the mission of inclusion and intercultural understanding.
People at the centre
The spirit of Liceulice is best described by the people who are part of it every day:
“People are the main reason I have been here for 15 years – both those whose lives we contribute to every day, and those whose dedication and shared work ensure that this mechanism of solidarity grows and endures over time.”
– Nikoleta
“What motivates me is seeing how, through communication, we manage to have a direct impact on society and connect people who often live in completely different realities; every story, initiative or act of community support can represent a new opportunity for those who have long been on the margins.”
– Sandra
Models of collaboration
Companies can collaborate with Liceulice through various initiatives that combine visibility with social impact. These include: team-building activities involving employees in selling the magazine alongside vendors, fostering inclusion and corporate social responsibility in a tangible way; print or digital subscriptions for employees, partners, schools or libraries, contributing to the dissemination of independent, high-quality information; brand presence and communication activities within the magazine, offering access to an attentive and aware audience.
For more information, the official Liceulice website is available in Serbian and English.
In a world where daily news often discourages and negative stories seem to be everywhere, Liceulice represents a breath of fresh air. It is a positive story of solidarity, inclusion and creativity, demonstrating how people’s concrete commitment can make a real difference. Initiatives like this remind us that, even in the face of global challenges and everyday difficulties, there are projects that promote the common good and inspire confidence in the future.
Interviews were conducted by Serbian Monitor with Nikoleta Kosovac, Programme Coordinator, and Sandra Đurić-Milinov, Communications Manager at Liceulice.