Centre for Civic Education (CCE) has recently implemented a series of activities within the YouthJobLink project – linking youth and social enterprises, supported by the Directorate for Finance and Contracting of EU Assistance Funds (CFCU) of the Ministry of Finance of the Government of Montenegro.
After completing three training modules, during which around 40 young people developed soft skills, project cycle management skills, and learned about social entrepreneurship, 10 of them were given the opportunity to engage in six-month work placements with employers from various sectors, including NGOs, media, judiciary, and the private sector. The goal was to enhance the competitiveness of young people in the labor market and improve their employability. Simultaneously, work was being done with employers who mentored the youth, helping them analyze their own capacities and identify ways to improve the social entrepreneurship component and work with vulnerable groups.
At the NGO Alfa Center in Nikšić, Vladana Mitrović undertook her work placement, collaborating with an experienced team on projects important to the local community. “Traffic safety, improving the position of the Roma community, and working with youth were just some of the topics I dealt with during my internship. I had the opportunity to learn from the best, make new connections and friendships, improve my communication skills, and I am very happy to have been part of this program,” Vladana shared her impressions.
During the same period, Valentina Ćosović successfully completed her work placement at TVe. “I am grateful for the opportunity to work with this team. Throughout this engagement, I gained a lot of valuable experience and met wonderful people. I worked with editors from whom I learned a lot. I particularly had the chance to explore the field of journalism, so it is now one of the professions I could pursue in the future,” Valentina noted.
Vlado Laličić interned at the NGO CAZAS, and in addition to acquiring practical skills for work in the NGO sector, this period was important for him in terms of expanding his network of contacts with other young people. “As for this internship, the greatest experience I take away is the contact with the people in this organization, as well as all the opportunities I took advantage of to broaden my horizons and learn about topics related to political science, which is my field of study,” Vlado said.
Serđan Baftijari had the opportunity to apply his knowledge and skills at the NGO Phiren Amenca. “There are so many things I learned. However, the most significant for me is becoming part of the European Youth Network, and in the coming period, I will be one of the lecturers at one of the largest gatherings of young people from all over Europe, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the genocide against the Roma community during World War II,” Serđan elaborated.
The social enterprise Kreativa Lab was established by the NGO Parents Association. “Within Kreativa Lab, Lucija Drenovac was engaged through the CCE project. She worked on the creative aspects of the Center for Moms and the Parenting Center. Lucija will continue working, gaining new knowledge, and developing in this field,” said Lepa Žunjić, the executive director of this enterprise, reflecting on Lucija’s contribution.
Nikola Đurašević, Programme associate