Association for Democratic Initiatives – Gostivar
Total budget: 5,575,840 MKD
Implementation period: 1 July 2024 – 30 June 2026
Specific theme: Youth
Partners:
- Citizens’ Association Centre for Education and Development, Tearce
- Institute for Leadership and Public Policy, Tetovo
- Institute for Social Change – InSoK, Tetovo
Constituents:
The target group of the action is young people, specifically individuals aged 15 to 29 years.
The focus is on the youth of the Polog region.
Other target groups include civil society organisations, informal groups, activists, the media, the business community, local authorities (mayors, councillors), local socio-economic councils, and local institutions from the Polog region.
For the project supported by Civica Mobilitas:
Empowering Youth: Promoting Civic Engagement and Entrepreneurship in the Polog Region
ACTION DESCRIPTION
The migration of youth in the Polog region is a serious challenge affecting the social and economic development of the area, leading to a reduced workforce, an ageing population, and diminished community activity. Civic engagement will help address the causes of migration among young people from all municipalities. By creating long-term policies and strategies, structural problems affecting the youth of Polog need to be addressed, rather than only reacting to immediate challenges. The action will offer networking opportunities for youth in the region, encouraging them to participate in various activities to enhance their civic engagement and entrepreneurship. This way, young people will become active participants in their community and region.
AIMS AND OUTCOMES
General goal:
To improve the social context in which the youth of Polog operate, particularly concerning awareness of the migration issue, while fostering their civic engagement and entrepreneurship.
Specific objectives:
- Assess the causes and status of youth migration from the Polog region.
- Strengthen the capacities of youth from Polog for their civic engagement and future entrepreneurial activities.
- Enhance coordination and knowledge transfer among civil society organisations and relevant stakeholders, the business community, and local governments to raise awareness of the migration issue and opportunities for youth.
OUTCOMES
- Specific issues related to migration identified and proposed solutions included in a public policy document.
- At least 190 youth from Polog with enhanced capacities for leadership and entrepreneurship.
- Successful stories related to civic activism and entrepreneurship promoted in Polog.
ACTIVITIES
- Research on the causes and status of youth migration from the Polog region.
- Public debates to share research findings.
- Workshop on local civic advocacy.
- Two-day training for 20 youth on civic engagement.
- Two-day training on entrepreneurship and the development of practical leadership skills.
- Open networking events.
- Implementation of an informational campaign.
- Organisation of a joint event promoting traditional crafts and values in Gostivar.
- Organisation of a joint event for civil society organisations and food producers in Tearce.