Help in Montenegro

Table of contents

Help-supported Aleksandra at the counter of her pastry shop

What is the situation like in Montenegro?

A boy on a bike in a poor neighborhood in Montenegro — Despite Montenegro's economic upswing, many Roma continue to live in poverty.©Enis Zumberi

A country with prospects – but not for everyone

On 3 June 2006, Montenegro declared its independence from the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro following a referendum. Today, the small country is recognised worldwide under international law and has been accepted into numerous international organisations. Accession negotiations with the European Union are currently underway. The state is also making great economic progress – but not everyone is benefiting.

Montenegro is home to a great diversity of ethnic groups, including many Roma and Sinti who are still fighting prejudice and often are excluded. Although access to health care and education are guaranteed by law, they are often unable to exercise these rights due to an unclear residence status. The path to a regular professional life remains blocked for many as well. According to UNDP, only 18 per cent of the 18-24-year-old Roma are in employment or apprenticeship – compared to 63 per cent in the rest of the population. As a result, numerous families still live in extreme poverty despite Montenegro's economic upswing.

How is Help providing support in Montenegro?

Help-supported Dragana working on her sewing machine — Help supports young unemployed people in Montenegro through an individual mentoring programme.

Donors and partners: ADH (Aktion Deutschland Hilft), Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare Montenegro, European Union, EuropeAid

You can find more detailed information on the local Help website of Montenegro.

Sustainable help at eye level

Help has been strengthening the socio-economic development of Montenegro since 1999. In particular, we are striving to enable disadvantaged groups to live in dignity and to strenghten social integration. In doing so, Help pursues holistic approaches and works closely with municipalities, ministries and Roma organisations. Through joint events and workshops, we reduce prejudices against the Roma and qualify the participants for the labour market.

An important component of this endeavour is the system of Roma mediators introduced by Help in Montenegro. These mediators act as a link between the Roma communities and the state authorities in Montenegro. Roma mediators are available in the areas of health, education, employment and social issues.

Currently, Help is also supporting the provision of food, medicine and clothing for refugees from Ukraine. To facilitate integration into the school system or the labour market, we also promote language courses, day care for children and psychosocial support. We furthermore help some of the Ukrainian crisis centres with furniture and rent payments.

Lejla at her workplace — Lejla from Bijelo Polje found her dream job thanks to Help.

New job, new courage

Lejla Erović, a 25-year-old single mother from Bijelo Polje, was able to find employment through Help's training and mentoring programme. After a long period of unemployment, the trained customs technician took part in Help's motivational workshops and found new courage. After six weeks of training, she was able to start as an accounting assistant at a car repair service and now is looking to the future with new hope:

"I think I have found my dream job. It is the first job that I like. Now I want to improve my skills in this job as much as possible to become really good at it."

Pictures and videos

EU Award für die Integration von Rom:nja

Spenden Montenegro: Fotoausstellung für junge Rom:nja

Spenden Montenegro: Fotoausstellung im Parlament

Aleksandra bei ihrer Arbeit in der Konditorei

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Facts and Figures

Figures about Montenegro

Capital: Podgorica
Population: 625,266 (2018)
Average income per month: 490 € (2018)
16.6% of people in Montenegro are unemployed – among Roma this rate is almost twice as high (2021)
As a result of the Russian invasion, over 10,000 people from Ukraine sought refuge in Montenegro (2022)

Source: AA, DTM

Facts about Help in Montenegro

Help has built or renovated 1,195 houses and flats for vulnerable social groups
Help has provided 2,066 families with a secure income and sustainable livelihood
In 11 Montenegrin municipalities, we are currently contributing to Roma advocacy through a media campaign
Help is currently supporting 100 young unemployed people under the age of 35 for three months with an individual mentoring programme