Building a More Stable Future with Community Support

Apatin, February 2026 - "I got the chance to maybe fulfil my dream. I really love what I do, and even the instructor at the course was surprised - she said it seemed like I’d been doing it for years. But I hadn’t. Everything just came naturally, and I picked it up quickly, probably because I really wanted it," Dajana Balog says excitedly, describing her experience during the nail technician course.

Before attending the course, the 24-year-old was one of many young people aged 15 to 29 who were not in education, employment, or training - in other words - in the so-called NEET status.

These young people, particularly Roma youth, face numerous obstacles when trying to find employment or start their own businesses: from institutional barriers, such as inadequately tailored policies, limited access to training and services, and systemic conditions that make it harder for young people, especially Roma, to access employment and self-employment. Other obstacles include a lack of work experience, limited access to information and support networks, as well as social prejudice and discrimination.

The project “My Career: From Zero to Hero v3.0” contributes to the goals of the “PRO” Programme through targeted measures aimed at young people from Roma communities. These measures combine career guidance, skills development, and connections with local social protection and employment services to ensure a sustainable and inclusive transition into the formal labor market.

Through the project “My Career: From Zero to Hero v3.0,” implemented by the Center for Youth Work (CZOR) with support from UNICEF, Dajana took her first steps toward self-employment: she completed a nail technician course, received work materials, and now works from her home in Apatin doing the job she has always dreamed of.

Throughout the entire process, she was supported by Milica Lekić, a youth worker from the Center for Youth Work, who emphasizes that Dajana was highly motivated and determined from the very beginning.

"I think all she really needed was someone to support her in achieving her wishes and goals. She was very persistent, even when that motivation was tested. And for me, the whole process was truly a pleasure." says Milica.

Dajana emphasizes that she is very satisfied with the approach the program offered - from outreach to training to starting her own business - and especially with the friendly communication and support provided by the youth worker, Milica.

“Milica helped me the most. Her support and advice through our conversations really motivated me to join the course and complete the training.“

The innovative model for reaching and activating harder-to-employ individuals, with a focus on young Roma, connects various actors - young people, youth workers, institutions, and private-sector employers, providing comprehensive support: from motivation and career guidance, through training and practical skills development, to following up on the first steps toward employment or self-employment. This approach demonstrates that with adequate community support, which in this model included youth workers, family assistants, and the family itself - every young person can build a more stable future.

The activities in this project are part of the “PRO – Local Governance for People and Nature” Programme, jointly implemented by United Nations agencies in Serbia - UNOPS, UNICEF, UNFPA, and UNEP, in cooperation with the Government of the Republic of Serbia and with financial support from the Government of Switzerland. The Programme contributes to improving citizens’ quality of life, strengthening social inclusion, and promoting sustainable community development across Serbia.

“The integrated ‘All in One Place’ model is important because it adapts to the context and situation of the young person, rather than the other way around. It is also a process. Support doesn’t end by connecting them with one institution, completing a training, or immediately linking them with an employer. Instead, it involves ongoing monitoring to help the young person become stable in a new situation or environment. Once we see that they can continue independently, support is gradually reduced and eventually ends.” emphasizes Milica.

She adds that the obstacles young people face are sometimes personal or family-related, but in Dajana’s case, her family was a great source of support.

"My family supported me - my husband, mother-in-law, and father-in-law. They all helped with the children and took care of them. My husband even drove me to the course, and I also had a monthly bus pass, which allowed me to complete it quickly," Dajana emphasizes.

Through her nail technician work, she got to know and become closer friends with neighbors from the community who became her clients, she says. Working from home has brought her greater financial stability and made everyday life easier.

“It is much easier when you can have a career from home, especially while taking care of your children. In our community, Roma women usually have three or four children, so being able to work from home makes it much easier to stay with their children and still earn an income.“

Dajana has big plans for the future and is confident that both the volume of her work and her earnings will continue to grow over time.

“I see myself succeeding. I believe things will get even better. I hope to gain more clients and expand the business. Maybe next year I’ll even get a small salon, so I can run everything officially. I truly hope so.“