Information providers

Profession Youth Worker is in its infancy. In June 2021, the Union for Youth Work and the Agency for Youth and Sports completed the first cycle of the formal educational program for youth workers in North Macedonia, which the Law on Youth Participation and Youth Policies define as “qualified persons who have competencies to work with young people by implementing activities that support their personal and social development through informal and informal learning”. Thus, for the first time in North Macedonia, certified professionals were recognized as youth workers, in accordance with the National Portfolio of Youth Workers.

The Union for Youth Workers is nowadays the main information provider, but beside them, as a program country in Erasmus+, young people from North Macedonia are participating in many training and youth exchanges for youth workers (in the country and abroad). Information about such opportunities are provided by the National Agency for European Educational Programs and Mobilities.

Information is usually provided through social media. Information about opportunities for youth workers can be also found on some specialized websites that are providing different mobility opportunities for young people, like: mladi.mk; mladiinfo.eu, as well on websites on CSOs who are offering such opportunities.

Key initiatives

Within the third European Convention on Youth Work, held from 7 to 11 December 2020, an initiative was developed to establish a European network of national associations of youth workers. The process was jointly initiated by the national associations of youth workers from 12 countries, including the Union for Youth Work from North Macedonia.

The European Network of National Associations of Youth Workers will strive for better recognition, certification and validation of youth work as an occupation and profession, and will support the professional development of youth workers by developing systematic international cooperation and exchange opportunities. At the same time, the network will strive to grow into an equal partner with decision-making institutions at European level regarding youth work.