Adolescent Development and Participation
Adolescents hold the future of their countries in their hands - they will create solutions to the challenges facing Montenegro.
- Available in:
- Crnogorski
- English
- Shqip
The challenge
Evidence shows that when adolescent girls and boys are supported and encouraged by caring adults and policies – as well as by services that meet their needs and capabilities – they have the potential to break inter-generational cycles of inequalities, poverty, discrimination and violence. Thus, investing in adolescence can contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty and lead to positive economic and social outcomes, not only for adolescents, but for communities and societies as well.
Evidence shows that when adolescent girls and boys are supported, they have the potential to break inter-generational cycles of inequalities.
Fourteen percent of the 620,000 Montenegrins are adolescents aged 10 to 19, legally recognized both as children (0-18) and youth (15-29), however often viewed as a problem that needs to be solved rather than a valuable resource for the future. They are still largely not recognized as rights-holders in family and societal life. The ability of an adolescent to participate, express opinions and be heard in all matters that affect him or her is not valued in the traditional family roles. Adolescents are not prioritized in the public policy agenda and the budget. Legal frameworks and policies that are designed for wider populations do not acknowledge or promote adolescents’ specific needs and evolving capacities, and lack harmonization with global research on child development.
The solution
UNICEF is working with the government, civil society organizations, adolescents and parents to ensure that adolescents, particularly the most vulnerable and marginalized ones, receive the support they need to reach their full potential. Providing both support on a policy level, as well as directly working with adolescents, UNICEF is helping to create an environment where adolescents will be allowed to thrive and show their full potential.
The Lab helps young people and adolescents acquire critical skills, such as problem analysis, problem solving and financial literacy, which are currently not being offered through formal education.
UPSHIFT is a methodology and approach to providing skills development and empowerment to marginalized young people.
U-Report is a global platform designed to amplify the voices of young people, to encourage citizen-led development and to create transformational social change.
