Unlocking Potentials of Youth Work in the Western Balkan Region
ABOUT PROJECT
Period of implementation: 2024 - 2026.
Supported by: European Union
Partners: Forum mladi i neformalna edukacija - Forum MNE (Montenegro), National association of youth workers - NAPOR (Serbia), Sojuz za mladinska rabota (North Macedonia), Qendrat youth for social changes (Albania), Organizata Joqeveritare THY (Kosovo*), Human rights education youth network (Belgium) and PRONI center for youth development (Bosnia and Herzegovina).
Although youth work plays a significant role in equipping young people with skills necessary for the labor market, educational spheres, as well as for their personal development and well-being, it is still insufficiently recognized and supported by governments in the Western Balkans. Youth work is a field of practice that encompasses various methods addressing different social challenges, targeting diverse groups of young people, and contributing to various policies. Therefore, the proposed action aims to foster and strengthen youth work across the Western Balkans region and bring it closer to the European Union.
The overall goal of the proposed initiative is to support the development and recognition of quality youth work in the Western Balkans region through inter-country collaboration, networking, and the shaping of innovative practices. The action will facilitate the implementation of the European Youth Strategy and the Bonn Process in the Western Balkans, specifically in promoting and ensuring the quality of youth work. It will encourage cooperation at the regional and European levels, empower organizations engaged in non-formal education, enable professional development for youth workers in the Western Balkans, and promote the exchange of experiences and best practices with their peers in the European Union.
The project aims to highlight the multifaceted impact of youth work and create favorable conditions for the development and standardization of quality youth work in the Western Balkans region. Additionally, the project seeks to enhance cooperation and encourage the growth of a community dedicated to youth work in the region. Supporting the recognition of youth work across the region through effective public communication about its impact, as well as fostering cross-sectoral and regional collaboration to improve the position of young people in the Western Balkans—particularly those with fewer opportunities—are also among the project's primary objectives.
IMPLEMENTATION
This document examines the evolving framework of youth policy and youth work in the Western Balkan region, a socio-politically complex landscape within the European continent and neighbouring the European Union. The analysis acknowledges the socio-cultural, economic, and political influences that have shaped the region’s youth work sector, as well as the unique challenges faced by young people.
Youth Work Quality Framework Across the Western Balkan Region
This Framework aims to guide youth work providers, practitioners, and decision-makers in improving the quality and accessibility of youth work services. By fostering collaboration and standardizing practices, the Framework seeks to create stronger, more inclusive communities and create preconditions to empower young people as active contributors to societal development.
Perceptions of Youth Work in the Western Balkans: Challenges and Opportunities
This research was conducted across the six Western Balkans countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. It's not only highlighting the trends, challenges, and opportunities in the field of youth work, as seen by youth work practitioners and communities of practice, but also offers actionable recommendations.
ACTIVITIES
Kick off meeting - Tirana (19 – 21. 1. 2024.) - Partners met in Tirana for the project kick-off. During this meeting, they discussed the upcoming activities in more detail and the overall work timeline.
Focus group with youth workers, online (1.7.2024.) - NAPOR held a focus group for youth workers, where they discussed the status of youth work in Serbia. The collected answers were important for identifying areas of youth work that can be improved.
Training for youth work advocacy (12 - 14.07.2024, Sremski Karlovci) - The training was held with the aim of strengthening the capacity of youth workers in the field of advocacy in youth work. It is important for them to possess this competence in order to secure resources and support for the continuous implementation of youth work programs, and it is crucial to ensure the recognition of youth work through local policy documents. During the training, participants also had the opportunity to develop a final public advocacy plan, simulate negotiations, and discuss next steps related to their advocacy plans.
Regional design thinking lab (23.07.2024, Sarajevo) - At the training in Sarajevo, the design thinking methodology was used to develop innovative solutions for improving youth work in the Western Balkans region. Based on the challenges identified during the training, NAPOR created a framework with potential solutions.
Mid term partners meeting (7 - 10.10.2024, Sremski Karlovci) - The partners met in Sremski Karlovci to review the work carried out so far and the results achieved, as well as to agree on the next steps.
Regional Consultations on the Youth Work Quality Framework Across the Western Balkan Region, online (16.12.2024.) - The regional consultations on the Youth Work Quality Framework across the Western Balkan region were held to present and further develop the framework through input from relevant stakeholders. The consultations brought together youth workers and representatives of institutions to discuss its application and future development in the regional context.
Step Forward to the Standardisation of Youth Work – Quality of Youth Work Programmes and Respect for Principles and Values in Youth Spaces (31.03.2025, Belgrade) - A discussion on the quality of youth work programmes and the respect of principles and values in youth spaces was held at the Human Rights House, bringing together youth workers to reflect on current practices. The discussion was based on recommendations developed within the project “Unlocking Potentials of Youth Work in the Western Balkan Region” and focused on the role of youth spaces as environments for intersectoral cooperation and youth development.
LabOR - Youth Work Lab professional conference (5.06.2025, Belgrade) - A multiplier event was held to present the *Youth Work Quality Framework Across the Western Balkan Region*, developed within the project “Unlocking Potentials of Youth Work in the Western Balkan Region.” Following the presentation, youth workers engaged in a constructive discussion on the framework, reflecting on its relevance and on key aspects of quality in youth work practice.
Regional Online Fora "Youth Work in Western Balkans" (25 - 27.06.2025, online) - An online Regional Forum on Youth Work in the Western Balkans was held as a two-day event, bringing together youth workers and key stakeholders from across the region. The forum provided space for knowledge exchange, strengthening cooperation, and discussion on current developments in the field of youth work.
Final conference "Facing challenges, seizing opportunities" (10.10.2025, Podgorica) - The regional conference was held in Podgorica, bringing together colleagues from Montenegro, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, and Kosovo to discuss the recognition and quality assurance of youth work. The conference marked the final event of the project “Unlocking Potentials of Youth Work in the Western Balkan Region,” implemented over the past two years in cooperation with regional organisations and experts, with the aim of increasing the visibility and quality of youth work and aligning it more closely with European standards.
