The Association of Montenegrin Writers for Children and Youth (UCPDM), with the participation of young poets from 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 with their stories and songs to young generations, 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 in 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.
President of the UCPDM Assembly Branko Vuković he recalled the history of the Association, but also the writers Dusan Đurišić i Milenko Ratkovića, who left an indelible mark in the development of children's literature in Montenegro, founded numerous cultural manifestations, and who are responsible for the establishment of the aforementioned Association three decades ago.
"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 plan 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.
After a 17-year hiatus, in December 2021, the literary magazine "Smile", which was and remains the trademark of the Association, was renewed. Goran Radojicic, editor-in-chief of "Osmijeh" and editor at 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, it was renewed and magazine.
"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, Cedo Vuković and others", said Radojicic.
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.
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 artistic and literary works, because "Smile", above all, exists because of the youngest.
Young poets participated in the program Mia Drašković, Andrea Mijušković, Lara Vujković i Miloš Jocović, who are members of the UCPDM Youth Council. She was the moderator of the program 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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