| Abstract [eng] |
Petraitienė, M. (2025). Cooperation between NGOs and Municipal Institutions in Promoting Youth Employment: The Case of Panevėžys District Municipality. Master’s Thesis. Supervisor: Assist. Dr. Violeta Kiurienė. Vilnius University, Šiauliai Academy, Institute of Regional Development, Šiauliai. SUMMARY This Master’s thesis analyzes the cooperation between the institutions of Panevėžys District Municipality (the Council and the Mayor) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the field of promoting youth employment. The study examines the factors shaping partnership, the legal and political forms of cooperation, identifies major obstacles, and outlines opportunities to strengthen this interaction at the local level. Conclusions and practical recommendations for the institutions of Panevėžys District Municipality are provided. The object of the research is the cooperation between municipal institutions and non-governmental organizations in promoting youth employment. The aim of the work is to examine the possibilities for strengthening cooperation between the institutions of Panevėžys District Municipality and NGOs to increase youth employment. The research consists of three parts. The first part examines the theoretical aspects of the interaction between NGO activities and municipal institutions. It analyzes the concept of NGOs, the role of the Municipal Council and the Mayor in local policy-making, and models for promoting youth employment within the context of public governance. The second part presents the research methodology: the theoretical framework, research design, and selected strategy. A qualitative research strategy was applied, encompassing the content analysis of strategic documents and semi-structured interviews with 10 informants (municipal leaders, administrative staff, and NGO representatives). The third part presents the results of the empirical research. It analyzes the dynamics of the partnership between Panevėžys District municipal institutions and NGOs, identifies the most effective forms of cooperation, and highlights obstacles (administrative burden, lack of communication) and opportunities for improving youth employment programs. The research revealed that cooperation with NGOs in the field of youth employment in Panevėžys District Municipality is highly dependent on political will and administrative flexibility. It was established that although the municipality possesses significant financial and infrastructural resources, cooperation often remains project-based rather than structured. Fragmented information and bureaucratic barriers limit the potential of NGOs to respond more swiftly to specific youth needs in remote wards. The research results indicate that the most successful partnership examples are achieved through open youth work centers and youth voluntary service programs; however, there is a lack of long-term strategic mechanisms to ensure NGO participation in all stages of decision-making. Geographical inequality of services also emerged—youth living in remote areas have fewer opportunities to engage in activities offered by NGOs. The directions for strengthening cooperation are focused on more transparent delegation of services to the NGO sector, modernization of inter-institutional communication, and the expansion of mobile youth work forms. The study showed that more effective youth employment would be fostered not only by direct funding but also by strengthening the role of the Municipal Mayor and Council as a "partner-enabler," reducing the administrative burden, and promoting the recognition of non-formal education within the local community. |
