LocationsThe Voice of Youth Transforming the Community: The Story of the Kotor Youth Club
August 8, 2025
In the heart of Kotor's Old Town, nestled among ancient stone walls that testify to a rich cultural heritage, new voices are now echoing — voices of young people who create, learn, and transform their community.
Thanks to the partnership and support of UNDP and the Ministry of Sports and Youth, the Kotor Youth Club has become a symbol of positive change and an example of how systemic support and youth potential can foster trust, community development, and human capital.
A Youth Club Growing with Its Youth
Located in the Cultural Centre "Nikola Đurković", the Kotor Youth Club was established in 2020 through a collaboration between the local self-government and the Ministry of Sports and Youth. Since then, as one of 11 youth services in Montenegro, it has become a vital hub for youth gathering and engagement — a space that not only listens but encourages.
One of the most inspiring stories from the club comes from high school students Drago Rapovac and Božo Gunjajević, who jointly launched an initiative to open a photography and film studio for youth. Drago’s idea, quickly supported by Božo, was born out of a passion for film and photography and began to take shape after a workshop held as part of a project implemented by UNDP and the Ministry. During a dialogue session with local institutions organized by the project partner NGO Prazan prostor, Božo had the chance to present the idea directly to the Mayor of Kotor. In no time, he received the answer - funding for equipment was secured.
Meeting between young people and representatives of the Municipality of Kotor
"The idea came from our love for film and photography, but also from a desire for Kotor to have a space where young people can create. We're now developing projects and looking for a suitable location, but what motivates us most is the fact that our voices were heard and respected. I’m motivated and eager to work and take initiatives in many forms. I want to seize every opportunity that comes along, especially since, as kids from a small town, we don’t get many,"says Drago.
For Drago and Božo, the Youth Club has become much more than a meeting place — it has become a support system and a platform.
“We always gathered there, talked, and exchanged experiences. Now, I go there at least twice a week. In that space, my friends and I have prepared two amateur plays we came up with ourselves. I’ve attended many workshops and I’m currently working on a project for my school,”Drago shares.
Enthusiasm and Competence for Youth work
A key figure in supporting the youth is Neđeljka Radonjić, administrator of the Youth Club. Through training supported by UNDP, the Ministry, and Prazan prostor, she developed skills she now applies daily.
“The workshops helped me build organizational skills that I use every day in the club. Assertive communication, in particular, helped me build trust with young people and create a space where they feel accepted and free,”says Neđeljka.
Neđeljka at a workshop in the Youth Club
A Support Network for Youth
Neđeljka actively builds partnerships with local institutions, NGOs, and the broader community, recognizing that this is the only path to holistic and high-quality youth programs.
She highlights the importance of partnerships with NGOs, schools, and local institutions. Together, they implement numerous projects that promote intergenerational understanding and empathy, strengthen leadership and digital skills, and encourage discussions on important topics such as intercultural dialogue, human rights, education, cultural heritage, and the city's future. Efforts also focus on resilience against harmful behaviors, crime, and addiction. Activities have included book exchanges, art, psychological and architectural workshops, and math workshops for gifted students.
Additionally, a youth group called Banfini meets daily at the club to create carnival masks for traditional festivals. Their dedication has already been recognized with multiple awards, and their enthusiasm has sparked many local initiatives.
Neđeljka’s energy knows no borders — soon, international cooperation will begin with youth centers from Turkey, along with participation in a European event bringing together youth and cultural workers from across Europe.
Youth group “Banfini” at the Carnival
Partnerships That Deliver Results
All of these activities are part of a broader systemic approach implemented by UNDP and the Ministry of Sports and Youth across Montenegro. This partnership has empowered 1,400 young people through 11 youth services, in collaboration with Forum MNE, Prazan prostor, and the Nikšić Business Centre. Through diverse training sessions, youth administrators in all services have been empowered. The Youth Strategy 2023–2027 outlines concrete improvements in this field, and amendments to the Youth Law — currently in progress — will create conditions for enhancing the work of youth services. This will enable more young people to be engaged and empowered through quality programs, providing every young person with a safe and supportive space for their ideas and the challenges of growing up.
A Community That Listens to Its Youth Becomes Stronger
The Youth Club continues to support Drago and Božo. Their idea has evolved — the Kotor Maritime High School has provided them with space to implement their studio. They’re planning to launch a youth-led podcast focusing on issues relevant to their generation.
“We’ll try to inspire others to believe in themselves and start things in their own communities,”says Drago.
Art workshops
Today, the Kotor Youth Club is much more than a physical space — it is a symbol of a community that listens to, empowers, and believes in its young people.
“The greatest potential of the Kotor Youth Club lies in projects like ours — where youth voices are heard by key people in their surroundings, and help is provided to bring their ideas to life. Most young people are unaware of the legal and technical steps needed to turn an idea into reality. I believe the club plays its most important role here, as the ‘authority’ young people can turn to. The club supported every idea I had, and without that, I think I would have given up and wasted all my motivation. So to me, the Youth Club means everything,” Drago concludes.
The stories of Neđeljka, Božo, Drago, and their peers show how a combination of institutional support and youth enthusiasm can bring real, sustainable change. When young people are heard and supported, their trust in institutions grows — and they begin to believe they are part of a larger community that supports them and works for the common good.
Overview of UNDP’s work in the field of youth policy development and youth engagement
