The Association of Montenegrin Writers for Children and Youth (UCPDM), with the participation of young poets "Poenta Poetika", organized a program on the occasion of the Association's 30th anniversary.
"Children's literature and children's writers have a special gift. They are the ones who shape the worlds of imagination and convey life lessons to the young generations with their stories and songs, creating bridges between childhood and the adult world. Children's books are more than words on paper - they are crucial for the development of creativity, imagination, empathy and moral values in the youngest", said the president of the Association, Žarko Vučinić, in a letter that was read at the ceremony.
As he pointed out, the role of writers for children is not only to create stories that will entertain them, but also to offer them the opportunity to think about the world around them, to ask questions and seek answers.
"The works of great children's writers leave a deep mark on the hearts and minds of young readers, shaping their values and outlook on the world. Throughout the generations, children's writers have taught us important lessons about friendship, courage, love and responsibility," reads Vučinić's letter.
He thanked everyone for their cooperation and wished that the 30th anniversary would be an incentive to continue writing stories that will inspire, teach and enrich the lives of children. The President of the UCPDM Assembly, Branko Vuković, recalled the history of the Association, but also the writers Dušan Đurišić and Milenko Ratković, who left an indelible mark on the development of children's literature in Montenegro, founded numerous cultural manifestations, and who are responsible for the fact that three decades ago the aforementioned Association was founded.
"It rarely happens in literature, let alone in life, that fate brings together two such strong and colorful personalities, surpassing the written word. "Dušan was the locomotive from Ratković's story, and Milenko was a discreet writer, showing only a glimpse of the strength that peeked out in him, and which, with some miraculous warmth, poured into the hearts of readers, people who knew him or collaborated with them," said Vuković and listed the founders of the Association.
He pointed out that they are planning to restart the publishing activity of the "Sokolić" edition, which in the earlier period, under the leadership of Đurišić, published over 80 titles for children and young people.
"By the end of the year, the first editions of the books can be expected, despite the complex financial situation that greatly limits our work," said Vuković and appealed to the competent institutions to support their work. After a 17-year break, in December 2021, the literary magazine "Smile", which was and remains the Association's trademark, was renewed.
Goran Radojičić, editor-in-chief of "Osmijeh" and editor in JU "Zahumlje", reminded that the magazine was the predecessor of the Association, because it started to be published two years before its establishment, in 1991, and was published until 2004. When the work of the Association was renewed , the magazine was also renewed.
"Together with the editorial staff, with the help of young talented authors, and respected fellow writers from the entire region, we are fighting the battle for the magazine 'Osmijeh' to survive and to continue the bright tradition and continue on the path blazed by Đurišić, Ratković, Čedo Vuković and others," Radojičić said. .
He pointed out that in the renewed magazine they tried to keep all the values that "Smile" promoted from the first issue, but also to respect the needs and interests of today's children. He presented the columns and pointed out that they received positive opinions and praise from magazines from the region. He called on the authorities to support children's literature, and to work together to preserve universal values in reality.
The audience had the opportunity to see the presentation of the magazine and the works of the youngest, which were renewed in the new issues. The 103rd issue is being prepared, and Radojičić invited all talented children to send them art and literary works, because "Smile", above all, exists because of the youngest.
Young poets Mia Drašković, Andrea Mijušković, Lara Vujković and Miloš Jocović, who are members of the UCPDM Youth Council, took part in the program. The moderator of the program was Tijana Vujović.
The cooperation of the Association of Montenegrin Writers for Children and Youth, "Zahumlja" and the Literary Club "Poenta Poetika", the organizer of the event, has been going on for several years and so far they have successfully implemented several programs. The program was realized as part of the manifestation "September Days - Nikšić 2023" and the Nikšić cultural scene.
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