In most European countries, the topic of whether young people are sufficiently involved in the decision-making processes that affect them and to what extent remains ever-relevant, continually raises new questions. The goal is to advance in all respects, focusing on education and the participation of those who are the future of their countries, which should always invest in the youth and foster their desire for activism and self-improvement. Annual research generates numerous conclusions, many of which remain largely unchanged from previous years. Where does Montenegro stand regarding youth participation in decision-making, and how far is it from the standards set by leading European countries?
European Commission Reports on Youth Participation
Reports from the European Commission state that youth participation is crucial for the development of democratic societies and that this is not only a matter of justice but also of better political decision-making that reflects the needs and desires of future generations. This is particularly relevant when discussing education, where such policies most directly and significantly impact the lives and future opportunities of young people.
Importance of Youth Participation in Education
Involving young people in decision-making processes that affect their education and future is essential for creating a society that responds to the needs of its citizens. According to United Nations documents, youth participation in educational policies ensures that young people’s voices are considered, making educational policies relevant and tailored to the actual needs of students.
Benefits of Youth Involvement
Youth involvement in decision-making leads to better policy outcomes, as participation ensures that social systems are tailored to the needs of those they directly affect. The most enriching elements in decision-making processes are their experiences and perspectives. This approach makes educational systems more dynamic and resilient to changes and everyday challenges of modern society. It also empowers young individuals by emphasizing their importance and equality. Through participation, young people learn about democratic processes and develop skills necessary for active involvement in social life. This experience also increases the likelihood of continued civic engagement later in life, positively impacting their self-confidence and motivation, and hence further contributes to their personal and professional development.
Case Study: Sweden
One of the leading European countries, Sweden, is known for its commitment to involving young people in decision-making processes, especially in educational policies, with well-developed mechanisms. This practice relies on several key elements that allow young people to actively participate and influence decisions directly affecting them, ensuring their voices are heard and considered at various levels of government. One of the fundamental principles of Swedish youth policy is ensuring that young people have the right to be heard and that their opinions are taken into account. According to data, a high percentage of young people are involved in various forms of participatory processes during their school days. For example, 72% of young people in Sweden reported being involved in some form of organized participatory process during their school years.
Youth participation often occurs through student councils and national youth organizations. Student councils (skolråd) are mandatory in all primary and secondary schools, allowing students to express their views on various issues related to school life, including educational policies. On a national level, the Swedish youth organization “Landsrådet för Sveriges Ungdomsorganisationer” (LSU) plays a key role in representing young people and their interests. LSU brings together over 80 youth organizations actively participating in the formation and implementation of youth policies.
Impact and Statistics
Data show that active youth participation positively impacts educational policies. For instance, the introduction of new curricula often includes consultations with young people through various dialogue platforms. The results of these consultations are often reflected in the final documents of educational policies, ensuring that the education system meets the needs and expectations of young people. In Sweden, the percentage of young people who believe they can influence school decisions exceeds 60%, significantly higher compared to many other European countries.
Youth Participation in Montenegro
When comparing Montenegro, youth participation is still in the development phase. Although faced with challenges regarding their involvement in decision-making processes, there are signs of modest progress. According to data from UNDP, young people in Montenegro are increasingly participating in various initiatives aimed at improving social and educational policies. Formal pathways for youth participation in Montenegro include various programs and projects implemented by non-governmental organizations in collaboration with government institutions. Although Montenegro does not yet have developed structures like student or national youth councils as in Sweden, there are attempts to involve young people in local and national policies through various projects and initiatives.
Recommendations for Montenegro
To enhance youth participation in educational decision-making, Montenegro can take several concrete steps, drawing on best practices from leading European countries, especially Sweden. Introducing formal structures such as student councils in all primary and secondary schools will allow students to regularly express their views and suggestions on school matters. Establishing a National Youth Council, modeled after Sweden’s Ungdomsstyrelsen, would ensure that young people’s opinions are considered at the national level. Strengthening support for non-governmental organizations working with young people would facilitate more effective involvement of youth in social and political processes. Implementing programs on civic participation education in school curricula would provide young people with the necessary skills for active involvement in decision-making processes. Finally, launching pilot projects and establishing mechanisms for evaluating and monitoring the effects of youth participation would enable the adaptation and continuous improvement of participatory processes.
What ‘s next?
Youth participation in shaping educational policies is crucial for the development of inclusive and democratic societies. Actively involving young people in decision-making processes not only leads to better educational policies tailored to their needs but also strengthens democratic engagement and empowers youth as key societal actors. Although Montenegro has made some strides towards increasing youth participation, further improvements are needed to ensure that young people fully utilize their potential and contribute to the development of the educational system. Analyzing statistical data and recognizing that young people in Montenegro tend to provide socially desirable answers to formal questions, I often ask those around me about their views on this topic. Some individuals focus on their families and private lives, avoiding engagement in social processes and believing that any participation would not lead to change. This is not true, and we must not allow anyone to feel that they are unimportant in society. Therefore, we urge decision-makers and organizations to join efforts in increasing youth engagement in decision-making processes. Only through joint efforts can we create an educational system that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of young generations, ensuring them a bright future and an active place in society.