We are delighted to inform you that on 15 of May 2026 the National Conference “Youth and Mental Health: What is Missing?”, organized within the project “When Scars Become Art,” was successfully realize.
The event was moderated by Urmeta Arifovska, Deputy Director of Roma in One and National Coordinator of the project, who led the discussion focused on the challenges and needs of young people in the field of mental health and well-being.
The conference brought together representatives from local government, educational institutions, youth workers, civil society organizations, and young people, who jointly discussed challenges related to youth mental health, peer violence, bullying, and the need for timely and accessible support.
During the panel discussion, the following speakers shared their views, experiences, and recommendations:
Jelena Davitkova – Principal of Primary School “Kocho Racin” – Kratovo;
Radmila Stojkova Kitanova – Secretary of the Municipality of Kratovo;
Dragana Andreeva – Principal of Secondary School “Mitko Pendzukliski” – Kratovo;
Emilija Panovska – Youth worker and Young European Ambassador.
Through an open and constructive discussion, the participants addressed the current challenges facing young people today, as well as opportunities for improving prevention, institutional support, and cooperation between schools, local government, professional services, and the youth sector.
The event also featured the presentation of key project results and recommendations resulting from research and consultations with youth, institutions, and civil society organizations. Additionally, the online application for supporting youth mental well-being was presented, along with the “Well-being and Inclusion Manual for Youth Workers Supporting Young Roma, Migrants, and Refugees.” Both were developed within the project as practical tools to advance support, inclusion, and mental health among youth.
The event was further enriched by a presentation of the creative outcomes from the international training course “Youth Action – Create, Share, Inspire – the Voice of Young Roma,” which involved young people from Romania, Germany, Turkey, Italy, Spain, Serbia, and North Macedonia. Through a theater performance, a musical act, and an art exhibition, the youth presented their creative messages and reflections on the topics of mental health, social inclusion, and the fight against antigypsyism, sending powerful messages of equality, understanding, acceptance, and solidarity.
We extend our gratitude to all panelists, participants, partners, and supporters who contributed to the successful realization of the conference and to opening an important dialogue on youth mental health.
Together, we continue to build a society where every young person feels safe, heard, accepted, and supported.
The project is co-funded by the Erasmus+ program, and this conference represents the final national event for the dissemination of project results.
🌟”When scars become art, the space for healing, understanding, and positive change begins.”