Budva – A three-day capacity-building training on crafting project applications focused on youth mobility, cooperation, activism, and intercultural learning was organized by the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) Local Branch in Montenegro, with support from the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, from November 6 to 9 in Budva.
Twenty representatives from civil society organizations (CSOs) across Montenegro enhanced their skills in project proposal writing. They were introduced to the goals and application process for the RYCOnnecting You(th) 6th Open Call, which RYCO is currently implementing to support CSO-led projects. Participants gained insights into developing project proposals and budgets, organizing youth exchanges, building regional partnerships, and ensuring project visibility.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Dragoslav Šćekić, Minister of Sports and Youth in the Government of Montenegro stated: “The RYCOnnecting You(th) 6th Open Call that aims to support CSO’s projects with the sum of 300 000 euro is an invaluable opportunity for the CSOs to develop projects that will bring them together with partners from different parts of the region. I am especially pleased to support RYCO programs in a time when regional cooperation is more necessary then ever. RYCO programs continue to bring meaningful results in building trust and reconciliation in the Western Balkan”.
Mr. Giovanni Gabassi, Deputy Head of OSCE Mission in Montenegro, emphasized that among the numerous joint activities organized by the Mission and the RYCO Local Office in Montenegro, it is imporant to highlight seven capacity-building training sessions for potential beneficiaries of RYCO financial support, which brought together 160 representatives from high schools and civil society in Montenegro. Very often, those who participated in these trainings were shortlisted for RYCO financial support or were recipients of this support.
Mr. Edin Koljenović, head of the RYCO Local Branch Office in Montenegro: “RYCO mission is focused on young people and those who are engaged in programs that target young people. We believe that by investing in young people we are making an investment for a more peaceful and prosperous Western Balkan region. These efforts do not bring results over night, but we want to support those who share our vision and encourage them to become drivers of positive change in the society.”
RYCO values the support OSCE Mission in Montenegro and the Ministry of Sports and Youth of Montenegro in joint efforts to promote the spirit of reconciliation, dialogue and co-operation in the region by enhancing youth participation and mobility.
