On this page

1. Policy/legal framework

2. Main inclusive Youth-Work programmes and target groups

3. Youth work providers in the field of social inclusion for young people

4. Training and support for youth workers engaged in social inclusion programmes

5. Financial support

6. Quality assurance

Policy/legal framework

Youth work in North Macedonia has been formally recognized as a distinct profession since 2018, with its role defined in the Standard of Profession (Стандард на занимање) approved by the Ministry of Economy and Labour. Youth workers are responsible for designing, implementing, and evaluating activities that support young people's personal, social, and civic development. Their duties include program and project development, mentoring, training, advocacy, and organizing youth events such as exchanges, festivals, and educational camps within various youth structures, including organizations, cultural centers, and clubs.

The Law on Youth Participation and Youth Policies (Закон за младинско учество и младински политики) defines youth workers as qualified professionals with competencies in fostering young people's development through formal and non-formal learning activities.

The National Youth Strategy 2023-2027 reinforces the significance of youth work, particularly in the thematic area of Local Youth Work, defining it as a structured and systematic process that enables young people to reach their full potential in personal, social, and civic spheres.

Main inclusive Youth-Work programmes and target groups

Beyond policy recognition, youth organizations across North Macedonia actively implement educational initiatives aimed at diverse groups of young people. These efforts include training, workshops, and mentorship programs, addressing various aspects of youth development and social inclusion. Such programs provide young people with opportunities to build skills, enhance employability, and strengthen their civic engagement.’

Since September 2023, North Macedonia introduced its first master’s degree program in Youth Work, marking a significant step toward the professionalization of the field. To further support students in this area, the Union for Youth Work has established the "Biljana Vasilevska Trajkovska" scholarship for youth work. Additionally, the Faculty of Philosophy has committed to awarding five co-financing scholarships of €500 each to assist students pursuing master’s studies in youth work, reinforcing efforts to strengthen the sector and encourage more young professionals to specialize in this field.

These developments mark a significant step forward in institutionalizing youth work as a profession and ensuring that young people working in the sector have access to formal education, financial support, and career development opportunities.

Youth work providers in the field of social inclusion for young people

Civil society organizations (CSOs), particularly youth-led organizations, remain the primary facilitators of social inclusion efforts. Their work focuses on empowering marginalized youth, fostering active citizenship, and advocating for inclusive policies.

Training and support for youth workers engaged in social inclusion programmes

To enhance youth work capacities, the Union for Youth Work continues to offer specialized training aligned with the National Standard of Profession. By early 2025, over 40 youth workers have completed this certified training program, gaining official recognition as professionals in the field.

Additionally, youth workers frequently participate in international training programs, allowing them to exchange best practices and gain new perspectives on social inclusion strategies.

Financial support

Youth-related activities receive financial support through national initiatives such as the Youth Guarantee, active employment measures, and scholarships. However, funding for youth work as a professional field remains limited, relying primarily on international donors and project-based funding rather than sustainable national budget allocations.

Quality assurance

Efforts to enhance quality standards in youth work are ongoing, with a structured framework already outlined in the Quality Standards for Youth Work document (Standards for Quality in Youth Work). This document provides guidelines for ensuring effective and ethical youth work practices. Further refinements are needed, particularly in developing evaluation mechanisms and strengthening certification processes, contributing to a more structured and professionalized youth work sector.