Activities / News

Nineteen participants, divided into four teams, developed proposals in mid-March to address the problems identified by citizens of Montenegro’s southernmost municipality. The Local Dialogue held in November 2024 pointed to several obstacles to greater social cohesion, of which four interrelated issues - a limited cultural program, lack of safe urban infrastructure, deep social divisions, and eroded trust in institutions - were selected as the key challenges for which the teams would design solutions. A distinctive feature of the Ulcinj gathering was that it was held bilingually, which allowed the shared identity capital to be used as a driver of change.

The workshops followed a standardized two-day agenda: Day One - target group, redefining the challenges, and shaping solutions; Day Two - budget, success indicators, and preparation of the final presentation. Recognizing the predominance of informal groups and the language barrier, the mentoring team emphasized individual support to help participants with project proposal writing and public speaking techniques, making their innovations as impactful as possible.

The four supported solutions were as follows:

“Theatre for Change” - an interactive play in Albanian, complemented by a digital version with translation, aims to open dialogue on important social topics such as gender norms, urban development, and youth emigration. The team of Bashkim, Edina, and Jetmira created this innovative proposal. Their play is not just entertainment but also a kind of school of engaged creation! Through the power of humor, these young artists boldly address major social issues, encouraging dialogue within the community. The process of working on the play itself is a valuable educational experience for youth, who gain hands-on insight into all aspects of theatre production: from scriptwriting, directing, and acting to set design, costume design, and technical work. “A city without theatre is not a city!” is the powerful message of these young creatives, who enthusiastically craft a comedy with a clear social message.

“Learning Together, Growing Together” - this project envisions transforming a schoolyard in a rural area into an inclusive space for learning and play. The team of Luljeta, Rita, Reshit, and Mirjete is dedicated to this idea. The inspiration comes from an outdoor classroom that existed in the 1950s in the village of Vladimir and was considered one of the most progressive schools in Yugoslavia. This group of tireless educators aims to revitalize that very method of the “school that breathes,” applying modern learning methods. The core idea is that knowledge grows best in direct contact with nature, and that students’ focus and motivation flourish in a creative, environmentally stimulating open-air setting.

“Heart of Ulcinj” - this initiative focuses on adapting existing playgrounds in Ulcinj, with special attention to installing equipment suitable for children with disabilities. Arjona and Eliana worked on this project with the goal of creating a space that encourages additional socialization for mothers. The “Heart of Ulcinj” initiative has the potential to transform a park into a safe and functional space for the entire community. Parents will have a place to rest and spend quality time with their children, children will enjoy creative play, and all citizens will be encouraged to engage in dialogue and interaction. Special emphasis is placed on inclusive features that allow equal participation for everyone. Project sustainability is key, with a botanical corner becoming a green oasis for future generations. “After the Local Dialogue and the Lab, we are no longer the same citizens. I now have more trust in my fellow citizens, in institutions, and in the common good,” Arjona said.

“Understanding Ulcinj Through Its Flavors” - this project uses traditional cooking workshops as a tool to empower young women and preserve the rich local heritage. Hadixha and Mustafa worked dedicatedly on this proposal. Ulcinj’s cuisine hides numerous recipes that are now rarely prepared, and even more rarely passed on to new generations. It is high time to change that! By organizing workshops and promoting traditional dishes, with the support of top mentors, the goal is to uncover the secrets of authentic Ulcinj flavors while simultaneously opening new work and income opportunities for young women. This project represents a unique blend of tradition and practical skills, designed for those who want to transform their knowledge into the future and give value to Ulcinj’s intangible cultural heritage.