Albanian Youth Leadership Camp in Montenegro: Ulcinj and Tuzi Participants Build Skills, Unity, and Civic Engagement in Vuthaj Initiative

 In recent days, a youth educational camp brought together young leaders from Ulcinj and Tuzi, two municipalities with a strong Albanian presence in Montenegro, as part of the ongoing leadership development program launched last year to strengthen youth engagement and civic participation.

 Participants of the "Young Leaders – From Idea to Impact" camp engage in an interactive outdoor session in Vuthaj, developing civic skills against the backdrop of northern Montenegro's landscape.

The initiative unfolded over several days and included a journey through some of the most significant natural and cultural areas of northern Montenegro, including Kolašin, Plav, and Gusinje. The program combined structured educational workshops with interactive field experiences, allowing participants to exchange ideas, develop practical skills, and strengthen cooperation among young people coming from different communities.

The central part of the camp took place in the village of Vuthaj, a place known for its striking mountainous landscape and calm environment. This setting provided an ideal atmosphere for intensive learning, reflection, and group work. It was here that the core training activities were held, focusing on youth leadership, public speaking techniques, debate skills, and the development of youth-led initiatives aimed at active participation in community life.

Beyond the educational dimension, the camp also served an important social purpose. Young participants had the opportunity to build new connections, strengthen cooperation, and create informal networks that are expected to continue beyond the program itself. For many of them, this aspect proved just as valuable as the formal training, as it laid the foundation for future collaboration across different regions and communities.

During the program, participants also visited various natural sites and engaged with local traditions and cultural heritage. Meetings with local residents offered a direct insight into the everyday life and hospitality characteristic of the region, making the experience more immersive and meaningful.

The initiative also highlights the importance of Albanian youth participation in Montenegro’s civic and social processes. By bringing together young people from Albanian-majority areas such as Ulcinj and Tuzi, the project reinforces the idea of stronger inclusion, representation, and empowerment within broader societal development.

Overall, the camp contributed to strengthening the personal and civic competencies of participants, encouraging them to become more active, more engaged, and better prepared to contribute to social development and integration processes in Montenegro.

The project “Young Leaders – From Idea to Impact” is implemented by the civil society organization “Horizonti i Ri” from Ulcinj and is supported by the Ministry of Sports and Youth of Montenegro.