In a time of rapid change and the increasing value of knowledge, female leadership is becoming the key to driving social change. Today, women are leading processes in science, innovation, and education, making decisions that shape policies and opening space for new generations.
At such a moment, Montenegro is implementing the most comprehensive transformation of the education system to date. The Education Reform 2025–2035. lays the foundations for a fair, modern and European system, and is headed by Minister Prof. Dr. Anđela Jakšić Stojanović – a leader who brings together schools, experts and the community around the goal that education prepares children for life, not just for grades. She leads the reform through dialogue, arguments and a constant presence in the field.
Along with curriculum modernization, digitalization, inclusion, and strengthening support for teachers, educational infrastructure is also being significantly improved. During 2025, schools across Montenegro were renovated and modernized, with a clear vision that every child has a safe and supportive learning environment.
In this issue of the magazine, we bring you an interview with the minister and portraits of women who lead key directorates.
They don't just shape policies, they build trust, continuity and change. They are the face of reform that deserves to be seen.
The Education Reform Strategy 2025–2035 has been adopted as a key document for the next decade. What is your personal motivation in this work?
Honestly – children. Everything we do, from strategy to the smallest project, has only one goal: that no child grows up in a school that holds them back, but in a school that supports them. That is my motivation. And every time I enter a classroom and see how children, both in urban and rural areas, react to changes, it further convinces me that everything the team of the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation is doing makes sense.
The education reform encompasses the entire system. What is the key change brought about by the Strategy?
The Education Reform Strategy 2025–2035 has created the basis for the largest reform of the education system to date, with more than 145 million euros of planned investments. The essence is clear: to put the child at the center and create a system that is better quality, fairer, more flexible and focused on the real needs of society.
The public is mostly talking about investments in school infrastructure. How important is this investment cycle?
For me – it is an investment in dignity.
A child sitting in a cold classroom, under a leaky roof, does not have an equal chance.
That is why, with the support of our international partners, we have started the largest investment cycle in education. Since the beginning of this Government's mandate, over 100 million euros have been invested in the reconstruction and adaptation of existing facilities and the start of construction of new ones at all levels of education - from preschool to higher education. I recently visited one of the completely renovated schools and saw the reaction of children who are entering warm, bright, modernly equipped classrooms for the first time. That reaction is the best proof that these are not technical interventions, but changes that create the foundations of a modern, high-quality and inclusive education system. And that is what every child in Montenegro deserves.
Curriculum reform is a complex process. What do we want to achieve?
Less reproduction, more understanding. Less fact-finding, more application of knowledge. More critical thinking, problem-based learning and digital, "green" and "soft" skills. More culture and art. And more empathy both in and out of the teaching process. In short, we want to create an environment in which every child and teacher will feel comfortable, enjoy the process of learning, discovering and creating, we want to encourage children to think, connect, explore, create and be ready for a changing world.
Teachers are the drivers of reform. How do you support them?
By providing them with trust, clear standards and the training they really need. In all my school visits, talking to teachers is my most important source of information, they know best what the system needs. That's why we strengthen the professional integrity and autonomy of educators. Without teachers, there is no reform.
Vocational education is gaining new importance. What do you expect as a result?
That young people leave school with skills that enable them to meet the needs of the modern labor market. That is why we are introducing more practical training, improving its quality, developing a special scholarship program for dual education and strengthening partnerships with the economy. When a student sees the meaning of what he is learning, when he applies what he has learned in practice, his motivation and self-confidence grow. And this is a necessary prerequisite for creating quality personnel in all fields.
In this issue of the magazine, we celebrate female leadership. What is the strength of the women on your team?
The strength lies in the combination of expertise, responsibility and empathy. Each of them leads a sensitive and complex part of the system, from early education to science and innovation. These are women who make decisions, solve problems and keep the pace of reform. Their commitment gives the system stability.
What would you like children, parents and teachers to know while the reforms are ongoing?
That changes are not quick, but they are necessary, fundamental and focused on children. Everything we do, we do so that their future is better than our present.
Team of Minister Anđela Jakšić Stojanović
Mr Tatjana Ćalasan, Secretary of State
Tatjana Ćalasan is the backbone of the reform processes in the department. She leads the most demanding interdepartmental tasks, monitors the implementation of key measures and ensures that decisions are implemented precisely and responsibly. She is known for her calm but firm approach, bringing stability and order to the system that encompasses all levels of education.
Svetlana Drobnjak, Director General of the Directorate for Preschool and Primary Education
Svetlana Drobnjak manages the largest segment of the system. She is recognized for her ability to translate complex challenges into clear policies that change the practice of kindergartens and schools. She builds the foundations of education - where all future possibilities begin.
Marija Gošović, Director General of the Directorate for Secondary and Vocational Education
Marija Gošović connects two paths for young people: academic and practical. She improves high school education and strengthens vocational schools through modern practice and cooperation with the economy. She leads processes that open up real opportunities for young people and make education aligned with the needs of the labor market.
Jasna Jovanovic, MSc. Director General of the Directorate for Lifelong Learning
Jasna Jovanović is building a system that enables lifelong learning – from retraining and digital skills to adult programs. She creates flexible learning paths and connects formal and non-formal education.
Dragana Cetkovic, M.Sc. Director General of the Directorate for Higher Education and Student Standards
Dragana Ćetković leads key processes in the field of higher education: the quality of study programs, European standards and a fair student standard. She works in strong partnership with universities and students, convinced that higher education must be both modern and accessible.
Marica Melović, MSc. Director General of the Directorate for Scientific and Research Activities
Marica Melović leads the development of science policy based on quality and a long-term vision. She focuses on strengthening research infrastructure, supporting institutes and encouraging young scientists. She restores science to a strategic place in society – as a driver of innovation and sustainable knowledge-based development.
Ivana Janković Mijanović, MSc, Acting Director General of the Directorate for Innovation and Smart Specialization
Ivana Janković Mijanović connects science, business and technology through the development of an innovation ecosystem and smart specialization. She works to turn good ideas into projects more quickly, and projects into concrete solutions.
Aleksandra Gogić, MSc. Chief of Staff
Aleksandra Gogić stands out for her precision and confident management of the most sensitive processes in the Ministry. Professional and always in tune, she maintains a clear rhythm of work and ensures that decisions are implemented accurately and without delays. Combining consistent organization and an exceptional sense of people, Aleksandra creates an environment in which challenges are resolved quickly, quietly and flawlessly.
Education reform is a long process, but what gives it stability are people – leaders who take responsibility every day, lead teams and build policies that make education more equitable. The vision of Minister Prof. Dr. Anđela Jakšić Stojanović gains its full strength thanks to women who lead key segments of the system. Together, they are building an education that changes step by step – stable, thoughtful and for the benefit of every child.
And here the circle naturally closes: a shared vision, team strength, and responsible leadership of a long process of reform. All with one goal – to leave our children an education system better than the one we inherited.
(Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation of Montenegro)
