Centre for Development and Promotion PROMO IDEA – Strumica

Total budget: 5,589,950 MKD

Implementation period: 1 July 2024 – 31 August 2026

Specific theme: Youth

Partners:

Citizens’ Association Centre for Research and Analysis NOVUS, Strumica
Association for the Improvement of Citizens’ Quality of Life KRUHNA PLUS, Radovish

Constituents:Youth in the Southeast region of the Republic of North Macedonia, divided into two subgroups: aged 18 to 21 and aged 21 to 29, regardless of their socioeconomic status, including students, freelancers, employees, and others.

For the project supported by Civica Mobilitas:

Youth Network for Financial Literacy in the Southeast

ACTION DESCRIPTION

The number of young people in the region is declining, and the reasons for emigration, according to several studies, are numerous, most often of an economic nature, but the emergence of corruption is also a factor (according to a study by the Youth Union – Krushevo in 2022, 4 out of 10 young people cited corruption as a reason for emigration). Considering this data, the involvement of young people in social processes and the transition from students and dependents to key actors and decision-makers is very important. The project focuses on young people as the main target group and envisages their continuous involvement in the implementation of activities. Financial literacy as a key skill for young people, public and local finances as areas upon which public policies depend, and corruption as a negative phenomenon that leads to a decline in the quality of life create a comprehensive approach integrated into the project activities. Indeed, connecting these phenomena represents added value that will create strong young citizens with greater knowledge and skills regarding public finances and the negative effects caused by corruption.

General aim:To improve the level of financial literacy among young people, with a particular focus on effective management of public and local finances and recognition of the phenomenon of corruption.

Specific aims:

To determine the current state of financial literacy among young people in the Southeast region and establish an effective methodology for their training.
To enhance knowledge and improve skills among young people regarding the financial context and financial environment in the Republic of North Macedonia, focusing on addressing corruption in public finance management.
To establish an informal network (regional Hub) of young people and other relevant stakeholders in the financial sector – “Youth Network for Financial Literacy in the Southeast” – “EduFin Hub”.

OUTCOMES

Established factual state of financial literacy levels among young people, focusing on public and local finance management and the identification of corruption.
Improved financial knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviours among young people through created and implemented training on financial literacy, with a particular focus on effective management of public and local finances and recognition of corruption.
Established a network of young people and relevant stakeholders in the field of finance (Youth Network for Financial Literacy in the Southeast – “EduFin Hub”) focusing on the importance of effective management of local and public finances in relation to overall social development and the integration of the state into the European Union.

ACTIVITIES

Establishing a methodology for researching and assessing current knowledge and skills among young people in the region, with a specific focus on public finance and the recognition of corruption.
Conducting thorough research to examine financial knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours among young people, with a particular focus on addressing corruption in public finance management.
Preparing individual reports on the conducted research.
Preparing a summary report.
Developing a training methodology based on the results of the research.
Piloting the established training methodology with the target groups.
Preparing a training module on “Financial Literacy as a Key Skill for Young People for Better Recognition and Handling of Corruption in Public Finance Management.”
Preparing a training module on “Managing Public and Local Finances.”
Preparing a training module on “The Role and Impact of Managing Public Finances on Social Development and the European Integration of the Republic of North Macedonia.”
Incorporating training modules into a comprehensive training module and integrating them into the websites of the implementers.
Organising pilot training sessions to test the created training module with the target groups.
Facilitator training – recruiting, selecting, and training young people to participate as facilitators within the training sessions.
Conducting training for training module 1 – “Financial Literacy as a Key Skill for Young People for Better Recognition and Handling of Corruption in Public Finance Management.”
Conducting training for training module 2 – “Managing Public and Local Finances.”
Conducting training for training module 3 – “The Role and Impact of Managing Public Finances on Social Development and the European Integration of the Republic of North Macedonia.”
Conducting a campaign to raise public awareness about financial literacy on social networks.
Designing and printing promotional materials (leaflets, posters, brochures).
Preparing texts for publication on websites and online media.
Publications in local/regional online media.
Organising a regional event in Strumica.
Organising a regional event in Gevgelija/Dojran.
Organising a regional event in Radovish.
Establishing a network of young people and other stakeholders – Youth Network for Financial Literacy in the Southeast “EduFin Hub.”
– Preparing a guide for the maintenance and development of the established Youth Network for Financial Literacy in the Southeast – “EduFin Hub.”