Leaving a children’s home or foster family represents a turning point in the lives of children without parental care, when they need additional empowerment, support and a sense of security.
The fundraising evening is just one of the measures envisaged under the Union’s project entitled “Social and Economic Inclusion of Children and Young People without Parental Care – Connecting with Local Communities in Montenegro”, emphasized Mišela Manojlović, Secretary General of the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro, at the fundraising evening for children without parental care held in Podgorica and organized by the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro and the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro.
The project aims to establish a sustainable support system for this target group, based on the applicable regulatory framework at the central and local levels, the country’s strategic priorities, and European standards in the field of social and child protection. What gives the project a new qualitative dimension is the more structured involvement of local governments and civil society in the system of integrated institutional and community-based services.
Manojlović emphasized that the measures to be included in this Programme are not limited to meeting their basic needs, such as housing, education and employment, but are also focused on providing psychological support, developing talents, and strengthening social and other skills.
“The aim of these measures is to ensure that every child without parental care grows up in a safe, supportive and inclusive environment in which they can develop their full potential and integrate into the local community. The measures must therefore be diverse, ranging from strong psychological support, assistance with learning and talent development, and the development of social and other skills, to strengthening and educating the biological family with a view to the child’s reintegration, as well as preventive measures aimed at preventing separation, trauma and other consequences. The implementation of these measures requires a serious approach, including the engagement of carefully selected experts and mentors, cooperation and strong mutual support between central and local authorities, the involvement of civil society, international cooperation, and the use of all available donor funds,” Manojlović concluded.
The President of the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro, Dr Nina Drakić recalled that the Chamber of Economy is the voice of the Montenegrin business community, which is ready to demonstrate unity and solidarity, particularly when it comes to building a better and safer future for young people. On this occasion, the focus is on providing support to children and young people who are leaving institutional or foster care, beginning an independent life and embarking on new challenges and achievements.
“As we all know, they will face many challenges along the way. But the community has come together to help ensure that they are not alone when facing new situations and challenges, and to help them overcome these difficulties as easily as possible. As a society, it is our responsibility to provide them with the support they need during this crucial period. I believe that this socially responsible initiative will demonstrate and prove that, as our slogan says, STRENGTH LIES IN ALL OF US, and that we are strong enough to give these young people the opportunity they deserve, because their future is also our future,” Drakić emphasized.
The President of the Capital City Assembly pointed out that young people without parental care face numerous challenges after leaving institutional or foster care, ranging from adapting to new social circumstances to coping with emotional changes Jelena Borovinić Bojović.
“It is very important that we recognize these challenges in a timely manner and provide an effective systemic response to ensure that these young people experience this social transition as smoothly and comfortably as possible. I therefore acknowledge and welcome the efforts of the relevant ministries, state institutions, social welfare centres and all other stakeholders involved in the implementation of this project,” Borovinić Bojović emphasized. She also stressed that humanitarian events such as this one, in addition to their practical purpose, bring the community together and encourage an active approach and concrete contributions to finding solutions for the generation of young people who are beginning independent life this year.
“We readily come together around good ideas, but our task is not only to provide them with immediate support; we must also work continuously on systemic solutions that will enable them to lead safe and dignified lives,” Borovinić Bojović concluded.
The Ministry of Social Welfare, Family Care and Demography is working to improve the support provided to young people after they leave the care system, emphasized Minister Damir Gutić noting that young people without parental care who leave institutional or foster care are provided with financial assistance equivalent to the amount received by a five-member family until the age of 23, as well as one-off financial assistance, support in finding employment and housing, counselling services, and supported housing, which is provided to a certain number of young people depending on their individual needs.
As Minister Gutić pointed out, data show that young people leaving the alternative care system often lack sufficiently developed support networks, stable sources of income or secure housing. Without adequate support, many of them face social exclusion, unemployment and financial difficulties.
“Our task is to give them a better start, to empower them and show them that they are not alone. That is why this gathering is of exceptional importance. We are here to work together to find solutions and provide concrete resources for their education, vocational training, employment and independent living. Every donation and every helping hand means more than material support – it represents faith in their potential and their future,” Minister Gutić concluded.
Numerous embassies, ministries, businesses, municipalities and well-known humanitarians responded to the invitation to the fundraising evening. The total funds raised through this initiative will be published in a dedicated account of the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro, together with detailed information on expenditures.
