Jovan Bojović, Program Director at NGO “Juventas”
In a society facing the challenges of transition, social inequality, and youth emigration, the non-governmental sector often plays a crucial role in protecting vulnerable groups and empowering civic activism. One organization that has been dedicated to this mission for three decades is the NGO “Juventas,” known for its innovative approaches and work with communities frequently marginalized by society. In an interview for our magazine, Jovan Bojović, Program Director of Juventas, discusses the state of youth activism, the challenges faced by NEET youth, the importance of supporting former prisoners, and groundbreaking projects such as the dubbing of cartoons into the Romani language. Through this conversation, we gain a clearer insight into the fight for a more just society “from within” – seen through the eyes of those who work daily with individuals often forgotten by the system.
Jovan, considering that you are a young man, how would you assess the current level of youth activism in Montenegro? Do young people today have sufficient space and support to influence social change?
I believe it is crucial to distinguish between the potential that young people possess and the actual space provided for them to develop and apply this potential. Youth in Montenegro are increasingly interested in social issues, initiating initiatives, organizing through formal and informal groups, and monitoring political and social changes. However, this often occurs despite the circumstances, rather than due to systemic support. At the institutional level, the space for active youth participation in decision-making remains limited. While youth policies exist, they often remain on paper. Additionally, the educational system pays minimal attention to civic education and the development of active citizenship. Many young people are unaware of their rights, how the system operates, or how to influence processes. As a result, some lose trust in institutions and turn to passivity or emigration. Nevertheless, what offers hope is the fact that there are young individuals who possess the desire and determination—those who understand that change does not occur overnight and are ready to fight for a more inclusive and just society.
NGO “Juventas” is recognized for its work with vulnerable and marginalized groups. Which projects would you specifically highlight as successful examples of inclusion and reintegration? Furthermore, to what extent do you believe the most vulnerable population categories are systematically protected in Montenegro?
Juventas has dedicated its three decades of work to supporting the most vulnerable categories of society, ranging from young individuals in conflict with the law, children and youth without parental care, people who use drugs, to LGBTIQ+ individuals, former prisoners, and other at-risk youth. However, in this interview, I would like to particularly focus on one category that is seldom discussed—NEET youth.
NEET is an international term that refers to young people who are not employed, not in education, and not undergoing training (Not in Employment, Education, or Training). In Montenegro, according to the latest data, approximately 20% of youth fall into this category. These are often invisible young individuals—those not integrated into any system, making it easy for them to “fall off the radar” of decision-makers and, consequently, be excluded from existing support measures. Within the “In Employment, Education, Training NEET” project, we collaborated with NEET youth across several Montenegrin municipalities. Our approach involved identifying their specific needs, organizing training sessions tailored to their interests, providing paid internships, and offering other relevant support. This individualized strategy aimed not only at employment but also at empowering these young individuals. Such an approach is lacking at the systemic level. Recently, certain guarantees for youth have been introduced, which are expected to contribute to improving the status of this population. Apart from the NEET population, I would also highlight the educational support we provide to children from the Roma and Egyptian communities. Our colleagues are actively engaged in implementing activities that help children master the curriculum and acquire additional knowledge and skills. Beyond this type of support, we have launched an innovative initiative being implemented for the first time not only in Montenegro but in the entire region — the dubbing of popular children’s animated series into the Romani language. This initiative not only enables children to learn and develop their language skills in a way that is familiar and engaging to them, but also contributes to strengthening Romani identity and interculturalism. Through this approach, we send a clear message that the Romani language is visible. We believe such initiatives can have a longterm impact on the development of children from these communities and on strengthening their sense of belonging in society.
As part of the LIBELA project, you worked on reducing ethnic distance among high school students and promoting cultural diversity. What were the key research findings, and are young people in Montenegro today more open to diversity than before?
Through the LIBELA project Contribution to Preserving Multinational Harmony Among Youth we addressed the important and sensitive issue of young people’s attitudes towards ethnic and cultural diversity. A survey conducted with a sample of 882 high school students revealed that one in six students reported experiencing discrimination due to their national identity, with the highest ethnic distance expressed towards the Roma and Albanian communities. Additionally, the results indicated that only one-third of young people believe their schools promote multiculturalism, while the majority obtain information about different cultures through social media rather than the educational system. Despite concerning data, it is encouraging that young people in schools most often express openness to professional and everyday collaboration with members of other ethnic groups and generally feel comfortable in mutual interactions. The greatest challenges remain in the spheres of intimate relationships and leadership positions, where prejudices are more pronounced. It is important to emphasize that the LIBELA project did not conclude with a single phase—its outcomes have served as a foundation for continued efforts. We are successfully implementing project extensions through new workshops, educational activities, and youth mobility programs that bring together high school students and university students of various nationalities. Through all these activities, we continue to strengthen intercultural dialogue, develop empathy, and reduce prejudices through direct contact and collaborative work among youth. This continuity demonstrates that when young people are given space, they know how to utilize it—and our task is to provide them with that opportunity.
In your previous work, you have collaborated with numerous international foundations, such as SHL. What have been the outcomes of these collaborations, and which support models have proven most effective? Additionally, what aspects of Montenegro are appealing to international organizations, and how can they be further attracted?
Collaboration with international foundations has played a crucial role in the development not only of our organization but also of the broader civil society in Montenegro. For instance, SHL provided essential support in 2015 for the establishment of the High School Students’ Union of Montenegro (UNSCG) and continued to support its operations in the subsequent years. This support was not solely financial; it encompassed the development of structure, training, and capacity-building for young individuals who became agents of change in their communities. Such models, which combine financial stability with mentoring and strategic support, have demonstrated the greatest impact and sustainability. Montenegro hosts numerous international organizations and foundations that support various reform processes, work with marginalized groups, enhance education, strengthen civil society, and more. I prefer not to single them out individually, as each contribution holds unique value. What truly matters is that this support is utilized responsibly and aligns with the genuine needs of communities, rather than merely fulfilling formal project objectives. International foundations recognize Montenegro’s complex social context—small communities with pronounced inequalities, limited capacities, and often weak institutions. However, they also see people and organizations with the will and knowledge to initiate change. The path to the European Union opens additional opportunities for accessing numerous funds, not only for non-governmental organizations but also for state institutions. This requires greater intersectoral cooperation, higher-quality planning, and clearly directed initiatives that can respond to the strategic needs of society. If we wish to maintain or increase the presence of international partners, we must demonstrate that we know how to act in the best interest of the communities we represent, understand the local context, and have the capacity to create lasting change. Additionally, it is important to remain steadfast on our European path, which brings real benefits to the citizens of Montenegro, including various forms of support not only to institutions but also to other relevant stakeholders and citizens.
If you had the opportunity to introduce a reform measure at the national level in the areas of youth, human rights, or vulnerable groups, what would it be?
Considering the high recidivism rate in Montenegro and the complete absence of systemic measures for the reintegration of individuals released from prison, the reform measure I would implement would involve establishing a national social enterprise aimed at employing prisoners and former prisoners. Additionally, I would introduce specific incentives for private employers who hire them. Support for individuals after their release from prison should not be voluntary or occasional—it must be systemic, accessible, and focused on sustainable reintegration. The lack of economic security and a sense of belonging is one of the main causes of recidivism. Individuals who have served their sentences often lack societal support, basic living conditions, and employment opportunities, which further stigmatizes them and places them on the margins of society. This not only harms the individual but also society as a whole, as evidenced by the significant increase in recidivism in 2024 compared to previous periods. Employing this population not only strengthens their socio-economic status but also, in the long term, reduces public expenses associated with repeated judicial and prison procedures. By investing in their economic integration, the state is effectively investing in stability, security, and sustainable development. A social enterprise would serve as a space for learning, earning, and building work ethics. In addition to such enterprises, the state could introduce subsidies and tax incentives for employers who hire former prisoners. The reintegration of ex-convicts should not be viewed as an individual responsibility but must be recognized as part of public policy, as it pertains to the realization of the right to work, a dignified life, and equal access to opportunities.