One Click Closer: Challenging Stereotypes and Unleashing Creativity

Addressing Roma youth unemployment requires integrated solutions, and digital skills are key. With access to digital training, Roma youth can gain valuable skills in digital marketing, coding, or data analysis, unleashing entrepreneurial talent and growing their businesses. This shift can switch the narrative from exclusion to inclusion, and from prejudice to opportunities. 

The eyes of the young Doan Uzeiroski from Prilep sparkle with excitement and curiosity when he talks about his life dream. A year ago, he completed his primary education and later he finished the 5 days of digital training within the EU-funded project.   

The goal of the series of digital training is to equip Roma returnees and other marginalized groups with everyday digital skills that will lead to better access to rights and opportunities in the communities.
He is now one of 145 young Roma and returnees training in partner municipalities in North Macedonia who have completed the course.  

"I am so proud that I succeeded in finishing the digital training for basic and Adobe Illustrator CC with the support of an excellent mentor. My idea is to use the newly learnt digital skills and develop further my YT channel. Later, I plan to open my own barber shop, create my own logo and web site, shoot my stylist sessions and promote myself as an artist in the digital world. Digital world is so huge and full of opportunities, I have just started, but I feel confident that I can find my “digital spot” in it.” – says Doan.  

The EU-funded, UNDP-implemented Regional Returnee Reintegration Project (RRR) in Albania, North Macedonia, and Serbia works with partners and returnees to highlight the importance of digital inclusion and invest in digital training programmes tailored to returnees’ and Roma’s needs. These initiatives have equipped Roma and returnees with essential digital skills, contributing to a more equitable and just society.