NVO Glas

NVO GLAS, u okviru regionalnog projekta “Youth Engagement for Europeanization of the Balkans”, nastavlja seriju razgovora sa mladima i omladinskim liderima koji svojim iskustvima i angažovanjem doprinose promociji obrazovanja, digitalne pismenosti i evropskih vrijednosti. Naša sagovornica ovog puta je Andrijana Pavićević, specijalista informacionih tehnologija i profesorica u nastavi, koja u okviru svog profesionalnog razvoja obavlja i ulogu koordinatorke projekta Obrazovanje za digitalno građanstvo EU.

Skoro deceniju predstavlja Crnu Goru na EPALE platformi (European Platform for Adult Learning in Europe), koju vodi Evropska komisija. Zahvaljujući dugogodišnjem predanom radu i istaknutim rezultatima, 2024. godine postala je prva članica iz Crne Gore u EPALE Kući slavnih. Pored brojnih elektronskih priznanja, Andrijana je i najaktivniji EPALE član iz Crne Gore, a ove godine učestvuje i na EPALE konferenciji u Briselu.

Posebnu čast imali smo i mi, jer je Andrijana bila učesnica našeg kick-off događaja, održanog 7. jula u Evropskoj kući u Podgorici, gdje je svojim iskustvom i znanjem inspirisala učesnike da vjeruju u značaj obrazovanja, digitalne pismenosti i evropske saradnje.

U intervjuu koji slijedi, Andrijana govori o ulozi digitalnih vještina u obrazovanju, važnosti uključivanja mladih u evropske procese, značaju međunarodne razmjene iskustava kroz platforme poput EPALE-a, ali i o izazovima i prilikama koje savremeno obrazovanje nosi u kontekstu evropskih integracija.

U nastavku donosimo intervju koji je sa Andrijanom vodila Milica Dedić, izvršna direktorica NVO GLAS.

NVO GLAS: Kao neko ko je dugo bio EPALE ambasadorka za Crnu Goru i profesorica je informatike, kako vidite ulogu digitalnih platformi poput EPALE-a u osnaživanju mladih i podsticanju njihove uključenosti u procese evropskih integracija?

Andrijana: EPALE (Electronic Platform for Adult Learning in Europe) je inicijativa Evropske komisije s ciljem da podrži obrazovanje odraslih širom Evrope, poveže praktičare, institucije i donosioce odluka i promoviše razmjenu znanja, resursa i primjera dobre prakse. Digitalne platforme za učenje, kao što je EPALE, imaju ključnu ulogu u jačanju kapaciteta mladih i njihovoj aktivnijoj participaciji u procesima evropskih integracija. Kroz pristup kvalitetnim resursima, praksama i mogućnostima umrežavanja, mladi dobijaju priliku da razvijaju znanja, vještine i vrijednosti koje ih osposobljavaju za aktivno učešće u evropskom društvu. EPALE pruža prostor za razmjenu iskustava između nastavnika, trenera, omladinskih radnika i organizacija koje se bave obrazovanjem, uključujući i one koje rade s mladima. Ova razmjena omogućava bolje razumijevanje evropskih obrazovnih politika i načina na koje se mladi mogu uključiti u njihovo kreiranje i sprovođenje. Poseban fokus stavlja se na inkluzivnost, međukulturni dijalog i aktivno građanstvo – vrijednosti koje su ključne za izgradnju pravednijeg i održivijeg društva. Kroz učešće u projektima, obukama i razmjenama koje EPALE promoviše, mladi jačaju svoje kompetencije i razvijaju osjećaj evropske pripadnosti. Upravo ovakve digitalne platforme doprinose stvaranju otvorenog obrazovnog prostora u kojem mladi nisu samo korisnici, već i aktivni učesnici i nosioci promjena na evropskom nivou. Kroz aktivno učešće, dijeljenje znanja i povezivanje sa evropskim partnerima, zemlje regiona ne samo da jačaju svoje obrazovne kapacitete, već i aktivno doprinose zajedničkoj evropskoj obrazovnoj zajednici. Učešće zemalja Zapadnog Balkana na EPALE platformi postaje sve vidljivije i na evropskom nivou, što predstavlja važan korak u procesu evropskih integracija.

NVO GLAS: EPALE se često koristi kao alat za povezivanje zajednica i razmjenu iskustava. Na koji način ovakve platforme mogu doprinijeti umrežavanju mladih iz različitih zemalja Zapadnog Balkana, posebno u kontekstu ovog projekta?

Andrijana: Platforme poput EPALE-a predstavljaju vrijedan alat za povezivanje omladinskih radnika, edukatora i organizacija koje se bave neformalnim obrazovanjem mladih. U regionu Zapadnog Balkana, gdje mladi dijele slične izazove, od nezaposlenosti do ograničenih prilika za mobilnost, ovakvi digitalni alati doprinose umrežavanju i međusobnom učenju mladih i omladinskih inicijativa iz različitih zemalja, razvoju zajedničkih projekata, razmjena i edukativnih programa, te promociji interkulturalnog dijaloga, aktivnog građanstva i regionalne solidarnosti. EPALE omogućava lakši pristup informacijama o evropskim programima i podržava stvaranje prostora za razmjenu dobrih praksi među akterima u obrazovanju. Korišćenje platformi poput EPALE-a može značajno doprinijeti jačanju regionalne mreže mladih, osnaženih da zajednički uče, sarađuju i aktivno učestvuju u procesima evropske integracije Zapadnog Balkana.

NVO GLAS: Kako digitalne vještine i IT alati mogu pomoći mladima da EU vrijednosti poput multikulturalizma, solidarnosti i građanskog angažmana, pretvore u konkretne akcije i inicijative?

Andrijana: Razvijanje digitalnih vještina kod mladih omogućava im da vrijednosti poput multikulturalizma, solidarnosti i građanskog angažmana pretoče u konkretne inicijative i društveno korisne akcije. Putem digitalnih alata, mladi se mogu umrežavati sa kolegama iz drugih zemalja i ostvarivati zajedničke projekte, kreirati sadržaje i kampanje koje promovišu toleranciju i ljudska prava, učestvovati u online dijalogu i građanskim inicijativama, kao i koristiti e-alate za učenje i djelovanje na lokalnom i širem nivou. Digitalne kompetencije time mladima pružaju konkretne alate da budu aktivni nosioci evropskih vrijednosti, spremni da djeluju ne samo u svojim zajednicama već i u širem evropskom kontekstu.

NVO GLAS: Vi ste naglašavali da EPALE pomaže ljudima da održe nadu i ostanu aktivni u zajednici. Koje metode ili pristupi, po Vašem iskustvu, najbolje motivišu mlade da se uključe u društvene procese, posebno u periodima izazova i promjena?

Andrijana: Mladi, prije svega, treba da vjeruju u sebe. Potrebno je da budu otvoreni za kontinuirano učenje, spremni da ulažu u znanje i lični razvoj. Kada su na pravom putu, to se jednostavno osjeti – postoji unutrašnji osjećaj da radite nešto što ima smisla i potencijal da preraste u nešto veliko. I upravo tada dolazi do promjena. Često se dešava da vas ne prepoznaju odmah u vašem okruženju, ali to ne treba da vas obeshrabri. Ponekad se upravo van granica, u okviru Evropske unije ili kroz profesionalne zajednice prepozna vaš trud, autentičnost i vrijednost onoga što radite. I to je dovoljno snažna potvrda da nastavite dalje. Kada govorimo o motivaciji mladih da se uključe u društvene procese, naročito u vremenima izazova i tranzicija, ključna je uloga zajednice, podrške i prepoznavanja uloženog truda. Upravo tu leži snaga platformi poput EPALE-a. Iz ličnog iskustva mogu reći da je EPALE mnogo više od platforme – to je živa zajednica koja pomaže ljudima da zadrže nadu, ostanu aktivni i pronađu smisao u svom radu. Kroz EPALE sam osjetila koliko je važno imati prostor gdje se vrednuje kvalitet, inovativnost i evropski duh, gdje se doprinos vidi i gdje se podrška pruža u pravim trenucima. Moj primjer pokazuje da dosljedan, posvećen i autentičan rad ima vrijednost koja odolijeva i vremenu i tranzicijama. Biti prepoznata kao najaktivnija članica EPALE zajednice iz Crne Gore, kao članica EPALE Kuće slavnih za mene je veliko profesionalno priznanje, ali i potvrda da kvalitetan i kontinuiran rad ostavlja trag. EPALE njeguje svoje najaktivnije članove čak i kada pomislite da je vrijeme da stanete, ova platforma pronađe način da vas podsjeti koliko je vaš doprinos značajan. U radu s mladima, naročito u periodima izazova i promjena, najefikasniji su pristupi koji ih aktivno uključuju i povezuju s njihovim interesovanjima i vrijednostima. Jedan od najučinkovitijih načina da se mladi uključe u društvene procese jeste učenje kroz akciju – praktične aktivnosti koje im omogućavaju da neposredno osjete uticaj svog doprinosa. Kroz konkretno iskustvo, mladi razvijaju ne samo znanja i vještine, već i samopouzdanje, osjećaj odgovornosti i pripadnosti zajednici. Motivacija mladih posebno raste u okruženju koje im nudi više od teorije – koje im pruža priliku za aktivno učešće, konstruktivnu podršku i digitalne alate za saradnju i učenje. Takav pristup ih ne samo uključuje, već ih zaista osnažuje da budu pokretači pozitivnih društvenih promjena. Kada mladi vide konkretan rezultat svog angažmana, oni ne uče samo šta da rade, već i zašto to rade – a to je temelj svake dugoročne motivacije. Mladi treba da budu hrabri, da ne odustaju lako i da znaju da promjene ne dolaze uvijek brzo – ali dolaze. Kroz znanje, kroz zajednicu i kroz akciju – svako od njih ima moć da ostavi trag.

NVO GLAS: Kada je riječ o digitalnoj pismenosti, koliko su mladi u Crnoj Gori spremni da koriste tehnologiju ne samo za lični razvoj, već i za jačanje regionalne saradnje i pripremu za evropske integracije?

Andrijana: Digitalni alati danas igraju ogromnu ulogu – ne samo u učenju, već i u povezivanju, zajedničkom radu i vidljivosti doprinosa. Kroz digitalne platforme poput EPALE-a, mladi mogu da uče, sarađuju, dijele iskustva i budu prepoznati van granica svog lokalnog konteksta. To ih dodatno osnažuje i daje im osjećaj da zaista mogu da budu dio šire društvene promjene. Dobro poznavanje osnovnih digitalnih alata među mladima predstavlja čvrstu osnovu za dalji rad. Međutim, postoji prostor za dalji razvoj, naročito kada je riječ o korišćenju digitalnih alata za jačanje regionalne saradnje i aktivno učešće u procesima evropskih integracija. Interesovanje za nove tehnologije i digitalne platforme postoji, ali je potrebno više prilika za primjenu u kontekstu zajedničkih regionalnih inicijativa. Nedostatak više strukturiranih programa i podrške ograničava širu primjenu digitalnih vještina u svrhu umrežavanja i građanskog angažmana. Pravovremena informisanost i kontinuirano praćenje onlajn prostora u vremenu u kojem živimo su ključni za brži razvoj digitalnih kompetencija i efektivno uključivanje mladih u savremene tokove. Potencijal za korišćenje digitalnih alata u promociji evropskih vrijednosti i aktivnom učešću u procesima integracija je značajan, ali zahtijeva dodatnu edukaciju i mentorstvo. Mladi u Crnoj Gori su spremni da tehnologiju koriste i za lični i za društveni razvoj, ali je ključno ulagati u kvalitetne edukativne programe, pravovremenu informisanost i adekvatne platforme koje će ih osnažiti da digitalne vještine koriste kao alat za regionalnu saradnju i aktivno građanstvo u evropskom kontekstu.

NVO GLAS: Kako vidite ulogu profesora i mentora u prenošenju evropskih vrijednosti mladima – ne samo kroz formalno obrazovanje, već i kroz neformalne kanale i regionalne projekte?

Andrijana: Profesori i mentori igraju ključnu ulogu u usvajanju evropskih vrijednosti kod mladih, ne samo kroz formalno obrazovanje, već i putem neformalnih kanala i regionalnih projekata. Njihova podrška i primjer motivišu mlade da razumiju i aktivno prihvate principe poput solidarnosti, inkluzije, multikulturalizma i aktivnog građanstva. Kroz interaktivne metode, diskusije i praktične aktivnosti, facilitatori učenja pomažu mladima da povežu teoriju sa svakodnevnim životom, dok mentorska podrška pruža emocionalnu i stručnu podršku koja osnažuje mlade da preuzmu inicijativu i budu aktivni članovi zajednice. Uloga promotora dijaloga i saradnje omogućava mladima da razmjenjuju iskustva, grade međusobno povjerenje i razvijaju osjećaj evropske pripadnosti, a modeli ponašanja profesora i mentora potvrđuju važnost evropskih vrijednosti u praksi, inspirišući mlade da ih žive i promovišu. Profesori i mentori tako predstavljaju most između mladih i evropskih vrijednosti, osnažujući ih da postanu aktivni građani spremni da doprinose razvoju svojih zajednica i šire evropsku viziju solidarnosti i inkluzije.

NVO GLAS: Za kraj – šta biste poručili mladima iz Crne Gore o tome kako da koriste digitalne alate i platforme ne samo za učenje, već i za stvaranje pozitivnih promjena u svojim zajednicama, dok se njihova zemlja približava članstvu u EU?

Andrijana: Digitalni alati i platforme vam daju moć da ne samo učite i razvijate svoje vještine, već i da budete pokretači pozitivnih promjena u zajednicama. Kroz kreativno korišćenje tehnologije možete se povezivati sa mogućim partnerima, dijeliti ideje i zajednički raditi na projektima koji promovišu evropske vrijednosti kao što su solidarnost, inkluzija i aktivno građanstvo. Budite proaktivni i koristite digitalne alate ne samo za lični razvoj, već i za stvaranje zajednica koje njeguju evropske vrijednosti i spremne su za buduće izazove. Kako se Crna Gora približava članstvu u EU, iskoristite prilike da budete glas mladih, da učestvujete u društvenim procesima i doprinesete boljoj budućnosti za sve. Uspjeh nije uvijek povezan sa novcem. Moj put do EPALE Kuće slavnih nije zahtijevao velike resurse — solidan laptop i pristup internetu bili su dovoljni. Uključenost, trud i upornost su presudni. Sa adekvatnom podrškom put jeste lakši, ali ključ ostaje lična posvećenost. Moj primjer pokazuje da je, čak i bez značajne podrške, moguće uspjeti – jer dosljedan rad i vjera u ono što radite na kraju budu prepoznati i cijenjeni, kako u lokalnoj zajednici, tako i na evropskom nivou. Kontinuirano radite na svom ličnom i profesionalnom razvoju. Digitalne kompetencije su proces cjeloživotnog učenja, zato budite spremni da stalno usvajate nove vještine. Vjerujem da evropske integracije nijesu samo politički proces – one se događaju i kroz ljude, kroz vrijednosti koje živimo i dijelimo svakog dana. Ako moj angažman na EPALE platformi, kroz razmjenu znanja, iskustava i podršku zajednici, makar malo doprinosi tome da Crna Gora bude prepoznata kao dio evropske obrazovne mreže – onda je moj cilj ispunjen. Biti dio EPALE zajednice i nositi priznanje kao najaktivnija članica iz Crne Gore za mene nije samo lična satisfakcija, već potvrda da kvalitet, posvećenost i kontinuitet imaju svoje mjesto i značaj u evropskom prostoru. Moj rad je usmjeren na povezivanje lokalnog i evropskog – na osnaživanje zajednica, da kroz učenje, saradnju i akciju postanu aktivni građani i nosioci promjena. To je suština onoga čemu težimo u procesu evropskih integracija.

Ovaj razgovor sa Andrijanom pokazuje koliko su digitalne vještine i platforme poput EPALE-a značajne za osnaživanje mladih, omogućavajući im da vrijednosti poput multikulturalizma, solidarnosti i građanskog angažmana pretoče u konkretne akcije i inicijative. Takođe, razgovor ističe ključnu ulogu profesora i mentora, čija podrška, primjer i facilitacija učenja pomažu mladima da razviju kompetencije, samopouzdanje i osjećaj evropske pripadnosti. Sve ovo pokazuje da kroz digitalne alate, praktične aktivnosti i umrežavanje, mladi stiču mogućnost da aktivno učestvuju u društvenim procesima, doprinose razvoju svojih zajednica i postanu istinski nosioci evropskih vrijednosti u procesu evropskih integracija.

Regionalni projekat „Youth Engagement for Europeanization of the Balkans“ realizuje se u partnerstvu sa organizacijom BIRC iz Sjeverne Makedonije (nosilac projekta), CFID sa Kosova i NVO GLAS iz Crne Gore, uz podršku Western Balkans Fund-a i kofinansiranje Evropske unije.

Interview with Andrijana Pavićević: Education, Digital Literacy and European Values

NVO GLAS, within the framework of the regional project “Youth Engagement for Europeanization of the Balkans,” continues a series of conversations with young people and youth leaders who, through their experiences and engagement, contribute to the promotion of education, digital literacy, and European values. Our interviewee this time is Andrijana Pavićević, an information technology specialist and classroom teacher, who as part of her professional development also serves as the coordinator of the project Education for EU Digital Citizenship.

For nearly a decade, she represents Montenegro on the EPALE platform (European Platform for Adult Learning in Europe), which is managed by the European Commission. Thanks to many years of dedicated work and outstanding results, in 2024 she became the first member from Montenegro in the EPALE Hall of Fame. In addition to numerous electronic recognitions, Andrijana is the most active EPALE member from Montenegro, and this year she is also participating in the EPALE conference in Brussels.

We also had a special honor, as Andrijana was a participant in our kick-off event, held on July 7 at the European House in Podgorica, where her experience and knowledge inspired participants to believe in the importance of education, digital literacy, and European cooperation.

In the interview that follows, Andrijana talks about the role of digital skills in education, the importance of youth inclusion in European processes, the significance of international experience exchange through platforms like EPALE, as well as the challenges and opportunities that modern education brings in the context of European integration.

Below we present the interview conducted with Andrijana by Milica Dedić, Executive Director of NVO GLAS.

NVO GLAS: As someone who has long been an EPALE ambassador for Montenegro and is a computer science teacher, how do you see the role of digital platforms like EPALE in empowering young people and encouraging their involvement in European integration processes?

Andrijana: EPALE (Electronic Platform for Adult Learning in Europe) is an initiative of the European Commission aimed at supporting adult education across Europe, connecting practitioners, institutions, and decision-makers, and promoting the exchange of knowledge, resources, and examples of good practice. Digital learning platforms like EPALE play a key role in strengthening the capacities of young people and their active participation in European integration processes. Through access to quality resources, practices, and networking opportunities, young people gain the chance to develop knowledge, skills, and values that enable them to actively participate in European society. EPALE provides a space for exchanging experiences among teachers, trainers, youth workers, and educational organizations, including those working with young people. This exchange allows for a better understanding of European educational policies and ways in which young people can be involved in their creation and implementation. Special emphasis is placed on inclusiveness, intercultural dialogue, and active citizenship – values that are essential for building a fairer and more sustainable society. Through participation in projects, trainings, and exchanges promoted by EPALE, young people strengthen their competencies and develop a sense of European belonging. Such digital platforms contribute to creating an open educational space where young people are not only users but also active participants and agents of change at the European level. Through active engagement, knowledge sharing, and connecting with European partners, countries in the region not only enhance their educational capacities but also actively contribute to the broader European educational community. The participation of Western Balkan countries on the EPALE platform is becoming increasingly visible at the European level, representing an important step in the process of European integration.

NVO GLAS: EPALE is often used as a tool for community connection and experience exchange. How can such platforms contribute to networking young people from different Western Balkan countries, especially in the context of this project?

Andrijana: Platforms like EPALE are a valuable tool for connecting youth workers, educators, and organizations engaged in non-formal youth education. In the Western Balkans, where young people face similar challenges, from unemployment to limited mobility opportunities, such digital tools contribute to networking and mutual learning among youth and youth initiatives from different countries, developing joint projects, exchanges, and educational programs, and promoting intercultural dialogue, active citizenship, and regional solidarity. EPALE facilitates easier access to information about European programs and supports creating spaces for sharing good practices among education stakeholders. Using platforms like EPALE can significantly contribute to strengthening a regional network of young people empowered to learn together, collaborate, and actively participate in the European integration processes of the Western Balkans.

NVO GLAS: How can digital skills and IT tools help young people transform EU values such as multiculturalism, solidarity, and civic engagement into concrete actions and initiatives?

Andrijana: Developing digital skills among young people enables them to turn values like multiculturalism, solidarity, and civic engagement into concrete initiatives and socially beneficial actions. Through digital tools, young people can network with peers from other countries and carry out joint projects, create content and campaigns that promote tolerance and human rights, participate in online dialogue and civic initiatives, and use e-tools for learning and acting at both local and broader levels. Digital competencies thus provide young people with concrete tools to become active carriers of European values, ready to act not only in their communities but also in the wider European context.

NVO GLAS: You have emphasized that EPALE helps people maintain hope and stay active in their communities. In your experience, which methods or approaches best motivate young people to engage in social processes, especially during periods of challenges and change?

Andrijana: Young people, first and foremost, need to believe in themselves. They must be open to continuous learning and willing to invest in knowledge and personal development. When they are on the right path, it simply shows – there is an inner sense that you are doing something meaningful with the potential to grow into something significant. That is when real change happens. Often, your efforts may not be immediately recognized in your environment, but that should not discourage you. Sometimes, recognition comes beyond national borders, within the European Union or professional communities, acknowledging your effort, authenticity, and the value of what you do. That is a strong enough confirmation to continue. When discussing youth motivation to engage in social processes, especially during challenging times and transitions, the role of community, support, and recognition of effort is crucial. This is precisely where platforms like EPALE are powerful. From personal experience, I can say that EPALE is much more than a platform – it is a living community that helps people maintain hope, stay active, and find purpose in their work. Through EPALE, I realized the importance of having a space where quality, innovation, and the European spirit are valued, contributions are seen, and support is provided at the right moments. My example shows that consistent, dedicated, and authentic work has value that withstands both time and transitions. Being recognized as the most active EPALE member from Montenegro and a member of the EPALE Hall of Fame is a great professional honor for me, and also confirmation that quality and continuous work leave a mark. EPALE nurtures its most active members even when it seems time to stop – the platform finds a way to remind you how significant your contribution is. When working with young people, especially during periods of challenges and change, the most effective approaches are those that actively involve them and connect to their interests and values. One of the most effective ways to engage youth in social processes is learning through action – practical activities that allow them to directly feel the impact of their contribution. Through concrete experience, young people develop not only knowledge and skills but also self-confidence, a sense of responsibility, and community belonging. Motivation particularly grows in an environment that offers more than theory – one that provides opportunities for active participation, constructive support, and digital tools for collaboration and learning. Such an approach not only engages them but genuinely empowers them to be drivers of positive social change. When young people see tangible results of their engagement, they learn not only what to do but why they do it – and that is the foundation of long-term motivation. Young people need to be brave, not give up easily, and understand that change does not always come quickly – but it does come. Through knowledge, community, and action, each of them has the power to make a lasting impact.

NVO GLAS: When it comes to digital literacy, how ready are young people in Montenegro to use technology not only for personal development but also to strengthen regional cooperation and prepare for European integration?

Andrijana: Digital tools today play a huge role – not only in learning but also in connecting, collaborative work, and making contributions visible. Through digital platforms like EPALE, young people can learn, collaborate, share experiences, and be recognized beyond the borders of their local context. This further empowers them and gives them a sense that they can truly be part of broader social change. A solid understanding of basic digital tools among young people provides a strong foundation for further work. However, there is room for further development, especially regarding the use of digital tools to strengthen regional cooperation and active participation in European integration processes. Interest in new technologies and digital platforms exists, but more opportunities are needed for practical application within the context of joint regional initiatives. The lack of more structured programs and support limits the wider use of digital skills for networking and civic engagement. Timely information and continuous monitoring of the online space in the world we live in are key for faster development of digital competencies and effective youth participation in contemporary processes. The potential for using digital tools to promote European values and active participation in integration processes is significant but requires additional education and mentoring. Young people in Montenegro are ready to use technology for both personal and social development, but it is crucial to invest in quality educational programs, timely information, and adequate platforms that will empower them to use digital skills as a tool for regional cooperation and active citizenship in the European context.

NVO GLAS: How do you see the role of teachers and mentors in transmitting European values to young people – not only through formal education but also through non-formal channels and regional projects?

Andrijana: Teachers and mentors play a key role in instilling European values in young people, not only through formal education but also through non-formal channels and regional projects. Their support and example motivate young people to understand and actively embrace principles such as solidarity, inclusion, multiculturalism, and active citizenship. Through interactive methods, discussions, and practical activities, learning facilitators help young people connect theory with everyday life, while mentoring provides emotional and professional support that empowers them to take initiative and become active community members. The role of dialogue and cooperation promoters allows young people to exchange experiences, build mutual trust, and develop a sense of European belonging, while the behavior models of teachers and mentors demonstrate the importance of European values in practice, inspiring young people to live and promote them. Teachers and mentors thus serve as a bridge between young people and European values, empowering them to become active citizens ready to contribute to the development of their communities and advance the broader European vision of solidarity and inclusion.

NVO GLAS: Finally – what would you like to tell young people in Montenegro about using digital tools and platforms not only for learning but also for creating positive change in their communities as their country moves closer to EU membership?

Andrijana: Digital tools and platforms give you the power not only to learn and develop your skills but also to become drivers of positive change in your communities. Through creative use of technology, you can connect with potential partners, share ideas, and collaborate on projects that promote European values such as solidarity, inclusion, and active citizenship. Be proactive and use digital tools not only for personal development but also to build communities that embrace European values and are ready for future challenges. As Montenegro approaches EU membership, seize opportunities to be the voice of youth, participate in societal processes, and contribute to a better future for all. Success is not always linked to money. My journey to the EPALE Hall of Fame did not require significant resources—a reliable laptop and internet access were sufficient. Engagement, effort, and perseverance are essential. With adequate support, the path is easier, but the key remains personal commitment. My example shows that even without substantial support, success is possible—because consistent work and belief in what you do are ultimately recognized and valued, both locally and at the European level. Continuously work on your personal and professional development. Digital competencies are part of lifelong learning, so be ready to constantly acquire new skills. I believe that European integration is not only a political process—it happens through people, through the values we live and share every day. If my involvement on the EPALE platform, through knowledge exchange, experiences, and community support, even slightly contributes to Montenegro being recognized as part of the European educational network, then my goal is fulfilled. Being part of the EPALE community and receiving recognition as the most active member from Montenegro is not just personal satisfaction for me, but a confirmation that quality, dedication, and continuity have their place and significance in the European space. My work focuses on linking the local and the European—empowering communities so that through learning, collaboration, and action they become active citizens and agents of change. This is the essence of what we strive for in the process of European integration.

This conversation with Andrijana shows how crucial digital skills and platforms like EPALE are for empowering young people, enabling them to translate values such as multiculturalism, solidarity, and civic engagement into concrete actions and initiatives. It also highlights the key role of teachers and mentors, whose support, example, and facilitation help young people develop competencies, self-confidence, and a sense of European belonging. Altogether, it demonstrates that through digital tools, practical activities, and networking, young people gain the opportunity to actively participate in societal processes, contribute to the development of their communities, and become true bearers of European values in the process of European integration.

The regional project “Youth Engagement for Europeanization of the Balkans” is implemented in partnership with BIRC from North Macedonia (project lead), CFID from Kosovo, and NVO GLAS from Montenegro, with support from the Western Balkans Fund and co-financing by the European Union.