Development projects foundation "CIRCLE"

Development Projects Foundation CIRCLE is a non‑profit organization based in the northern region of Montenegro. Established in August 2025, the foundation was created by young local professionals who wanted to provide practical and meaningful answers to the area’s biggest challenges, including youth and women’s economic empowerment, youth out‑migration, unemployment and limited employability, the lack of educational and professional opportunities, and the underuse of natural and cultural resources for community development. As a foundation, CIRCLE connects institutions, communities, and citizens, helping them turn creative ideas into visible and sustainable results. Its work covers youth development, rural and urban development, education, culture, environmental protection, and topics such as democracy, active citizenship, leadership, sustainable development, intercultural dialogue, religion and beliefs, and social inclusion, especially in relation to Roma communities and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Our main Erasmus+ priority is youth mobility, with a strong focus on youth exchanges and the mobility of youth workers. Through these programmes, Foundation CIRCLE provides safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments where young people, especially those with fewer opportunities, grow through non‑formal learning, teamwork, and active involvement in their community. Participants are encouraged to explore democratic values, youth policy, leadership roles, creative expression, entrepreneurship, and digital storytelling. Young people also gain practical tools for employability while developing a stronger sense of belonging and responsibility toward their local environment. The foundation plays an active role in coaching young people who wish to initiate their own projects or contribute to local policy‑making. In this process, youth workers receive continuous support aimed at strengthening their professional competencies, especially in inclusive youth work, non‑formal learning facilitation, and community‑based leadership. Our approach is based on practical work and close cooperation with local partners. This includes activities such as eco‑trail restoration in northern Montenegro, community workshops for youth empowerment, initiatives that support local employment perspectives, and digital campaigns promoting sustainable local development. These activities show our commitment to long‑term community impact and to equal participation for young people from both urban and rural areas. With clear internal governance, dedicated staff, and strong regional and local partnerships, Foundation CIRCLE is ready to act as a reliable partner in Erasmus+ mobility projects. The organization has the capacity to both host and send participants, ensuring that every mobility experience is meaningful, inclusive, and beneficial for the personal development of young people and the broader community.