OSCE Mission to Montenegro supports national Youth Network to draft project proposals

In order to increase the skills and knowledge of the Youth Network of Montenegro members in drafting project proposals for funding, the OSCE Mission to Montenegro delivered a workshop on project writing from 6 to 8 May 2022 in Budva.

The Youth Network is an independent, umbrella association of 46 civil society organizations (CSOs) in Montenegro with a mission to implement the youth policy.

Ivana Vujović, the Mission's Democratization National Programme Officer, said that project proposal writing is a difficult task. "The goal of this workshop is to help participants increase their capacity to submit properly prepared projects, which should improve their chances to secure local and EU funding, while skills gained will help facilitate future work," said Vujović.

Miloš Marković, President of the Executive Committee of the Youth Network of Montenegro, said that they want to raise awareness of relevant institutions and society about challenges that young people throughout Montenegro face in almost every area of life. "In order to conceptualize our initiatives and ideas for solving many youth problems, this form of the OSCE Mission's support has come at the right time, as the situation requires a rapid and concrete response to youth problems," said Marković.

Uroš Bulatović, a participant and member of the Youth Network of Montenegro on behalf of the Union of Young Entrepreneurs of Montenegro, said that the tools presented were very simple, easy to apply and useful. "Understanding how to draft project proposals not only increases youth participation, but impacts on economic empowerment, reducing youth unemployment and supporting young entrepreneurs," said Bulatović.

Snežana Nikčević, member of the Youth Network of Montenegro on behalf of the NGO "35mm", said that participation of young people in creation and implementation of public policies is recognized in the Network's strategy. "We plan to have projects that implement the youth strategy at national level and local level. This workshop should help us achieve this," said Nikčević.

This activity was a part of the Network's first Strategic Plan 2021-2024. The Mission will continue to support youth organizations and services at both local and national level, strengthening their capacities for successful work.