The organization MASTER is pleased to announce the completion of the one-year project “Path to Independence: Empowerment and Integration of Children and Youth,” implemented in partnership with the NGO National Smile of Montenegro, with the support of the Ministry of Social Welfare, Family Care and Demography.
The project was aimed at providing comprehensive support to young people from the Children’s Home “Mladost,” with the goal of strengthening their independence, social inclusion, and preparation for life after leaving the social and child protection system. A total of 15 young people participated in the activities.
During the implementation of the project, the following activities were carried out:
✔️ Participation in the humanitarian campaign and event “Their Smile Is Worth More,” through mentoring, coordination, and financial support, further contributing to the emotional, social, and physical development of the youth;
✔️ Production of the humanitarian film “Their Smile Is Worth More,” available at: https://youtu.be/P8LC-pQqAtc?si=AhDSm5VTGS5rJypQ ;
✔️ Research and analysis on the position of young people without parental care, available at: https://master-mne.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Analiza-put-ka-samostalnosti-MASTER.pdf ;
✔️ A podcast series consisting of five episodes, featuring experts from the fields of social protection, education, and youth work, available on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@master.evropskepolitike/videos ;
✔️ Workshops held during October and November 2025, every weekend, covering topics such as entrepreneurship, career independence, emotional literacy, and communication skills;
✔️ A three-day camp in Plužine (Etno Village Montenegro), held from November 21 to 23, 2025, where participants practically applied the skills learned, developed self-confidence, and gained experience in independent functioning within a supportive environment;
✔️ Meetings with state institutions and partners aimed at improving national regulations and policies for the protection of young people without parental care, including the presentation of EU best practices and recommendations for legislative improvements;
✔️ Development of a publication and promotional materials presenting EU best practices and raising public awareness about challenges and solutions in the field of social and child protection;
✔️ Individual mentoring and continuous support, through which young participants developed soft skills, practical competencies, and the self-confidence necessary for independent living.
The goal of the project was to enable young people from the Children’s Home “Mladost” to recognize their own potential, develop practical and social skills, and gain the confidence needed for a successful start to independent living.
We would like to thank all participants, mentors, partners, and relevant institutions that supported the implementation of this project.
The project “Path to Independence: Empowerment and Integration of Children and Youth” represents an initial step toward long-term, continuous support for young people without parental care. Activities will continue through the new project “Empowered for Tomorrow: The Right to Support,” with an expanded focus on strengthening the system of social and child protection in Montenegro.