FLEX alumni organize Civic Education School through MAYAA

Civic Education School in Montenegro

Montenegrin American Youth Alumni Association (MAYAA) led by FLEX alumni and funded by the U.S. Embassy in Podgorica organized a three weeks long virtual Civic Education School for 46 high school and university students from Montenegro.

Civic Education School is an initiative focused on raising awareness about the importance of being actively engaged in the communities we live in.

,,I firmly believe that civic education is a necessity in today's society. Therefore, I am thrilled that we were able to provide 46 participants with the opportunity to learn from their dedicated mentors and from interesting guest lecturers on these important topics. It feels great to contribute to the upbringing of the new generation of educated, engaged and active citizens. “Zerina Bosovic, FLEX alumni and one of project coordinators shared.

This workshop gathered young people from Montenegro interested in 5 topics – human rights, rule of law, environment protection, anti-corruption, and entrepreneurship.

Participants learned more about these topics from their mentors – USG alumni who in cooperation with prominent organizations developed workshops curriculums.

Besides workshops on the main topics, participants had the opportunity to learn more from the guest speakers from the Parliament of Montenegro, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Atlantic Council of Montenegro American Councils for International Education, Office of the Ombudsman, U.S. Embassy and others.

Due to COVID19 Civic Education School had to be organized entirely online. One of the workshop organizers – FLEX alumna ’15, Dina Abazovic shared that ,,Organizing this project in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic was a real roller coaster, but I am proud of our team that has overcome all obstacles and created a great program for young people’’.

At the closing ceremony participants had the honor to meet the Ambassador of the United States in Montenegro Ms. Judy Rising Reinke who had an inspiring conversation with participants. Ambassador spoke about her experiences but also shared advice about youth activism, gender equality and answered many questions from participants.

Following the Schools participants will work on implementation of projects they developed during the School.