General framework

Youth work in Montenegro is an important instrument for promoting social inclusion, particularly among young people with disabilities (YPD) and Roma and Egyptian (RE) youth. It encompasses non-formal education, community engagement, and targeted support programs that aim to reduce social inequalities and empower marginalized groups.

The framework is shaped by national strategies on youth inclusion, municipal youth offices, and civil society initiatives. Youth work focuses on:

• Facilitating access to social, cultural, and recreational activities for marginalized youth.
• Promoting civic participation, leadership skills, and peer-to-peer learning.
• Supporting personal development and social cohesion through non-formal education methods.
• Engaging youth in decision-making processes and local community projects.

Main programmes and actors

Key actors and programmes actively fostering youth inclusion in Montenegro include:

• Kancelarija za mlade (Youth Office) – Provides coordination and support for youth activities at national and municipal levels, organizes training and volunteering opportunities, and promotes inclusive youth participation. 
• Omladinska kartica (Youth Card) – Offers young people access to cultural, educational, and sports activities, aiming to reduce barriers to participation for vulnerable groups. 
• Civil society organizations (CSOs) – NGOs  implement projects that target YPD and RE youth, providing mentorship, social integration programs, and advocacy for equal rights, e.g. Montenegro Youth Network and local RE associations. 
• Targeted projects for inclusion –
  • Youth IMPACT: Provides empowerment and skills development for marginalized youth. 
  • REalna inkluzija: Focuses on the social and educational inclusion of RE youth, promoting participation in community life and public decision-making. 
• Peer-to-peer initiatives and volunteering programs – Include youth-led clubs, community service projects, and advocacy campaigns aimed at raising awareness about the needs of YPD and RE youth.

These programmes collectively seek to foster social inclusion by removing barriers to participation, providing opportunities for personal growth, and creating platforms for young people to actively engage in their communities. Youth work in Montenegro is strongly influenced by collaborative partnerships between local governments, CSOs, and international actors, ensuring sustainable and evidence-based interventions.

Also, youth work activities in Montenegro are implemented through dedicated youth services, as regulated by the Law on Youth. These services include youth clubs and youth centers, each designed to meet the diverse needs of young people. Youth clubs provide accessible spaces for local activities, meetings, and informal gatherings, while youth centers are fully equipped, multifunctional venues that facilitate a broader range of youth work programs. The activities conducted in these services are guided by a Plan and Programme of Work, developed by the competent state authority at least once every three months. This plan ensures that initiatives align with the National Youth Strategy, its Action Plan, and other relevant programmes, while also reflecting the specific needs of local communities.

Administrative and technical operations are essential for the effective functioning of youth services. These include day-to-day management, coordination of youth activities, allocation of space to external users, and reporting. Management of these tasks can be entrusted to state or local authorities, student and pupil parliaments, non-governmental organizations with youth policy objectives, or other legal entities meeting defined criteria. Personnel engaged in administrative-technical roles must be Montenegrin citizens, residents of Montenegro, under 30 years of age, and possess a minimum level IV qualification. Recruitment is conducted through a public call and interview process, followed by a formal contract outlining mutual rights and responsibilities. This structured approach ensures that youth services operate efficiently while fostering participation, inclusion, and empowerment of young people across Montenegro.