Pokret Otoka hosts workshops for youth involvement in island communities

The Pokret Otoka initiative is organizing workshops to increase the involvement of young people in local decision-making processes within Croatian island and coastal communities. A scheduled online workshop, ‘Island Youth Talks #4’, aims to address how youth aged 15 to 30 can influence local governance and overcome barriers to participation.

Previous discussions under the ‘Island Youth for Global Change’ project have identified critical challenges facing young residents on the islands. Key issues include high real estate costs, lack of year-round employment, insufficient healthcare, and limited social, sporting, or cultural facilities outside the tourist season.

Proposed solutions from youth participants include municipal co-financing for housing for those committing to long-term residency, the creation of staff housing for year-round workers, and public calls for funding to allow youth to organize their own community activities and clubs.