The leader of the civic movement (GP) URA presented the national program "Active Children of Montenegro", a mandatory skiing and swimming school for elementary school students.
As announced by GP URA, they propose the introduction of the National Program "Active Children of Montenegro" which would provide every child in Montenegro with the right to master the basics of swimming and basic skiing skills during primary education, within the framework of an organized and free state program.
"The proposed idea of URE, which is part of the "Montenegro 365" program, includes; mandatory organized swimming training in lower grades of primary school; organized winter sports programs and a school in nature through which children would learn the basics of skiing and safe stay in the snow; cooperation between the Ministry of Sports and Youth, the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation and the Ministry of Tourism, with the involvement of local governments and sports associations," the statement said.
In his authorial podcast "Friday with Dritan", Abazović said that investing in children must be above daily politics:
"Montenegro is a country of seas and mountains and there is no justification for children to finish school without knowing how to swim or ski. This is not a matter of luxury, but of basic life skills and equal opportunities for every child. The state must systematically provide what is the minimum care for future generations," he said.
GP URA emphasized that this proposal is not an experiment, but is based on good European practices, especially the Slovenian model, where swimming is an integral part of the mandatory school curriculum, while winter sports activities are implemented through outdoor schools and state initiatives.
Abazović said that the program also has a strong development dimension:
"With this program, we are not only investing in children's health, but also in the development of northern Montenegro during the winter season, extending the tourist season and strengthening the domestic economy. This is an example of how smart policy can connect education, sports and tourism," Abazović pointed out.
Speaking about the "Active Children of Montenegro" initiative, he explained that during the winter season, all children would have the opportunity to attend free ski school at Montenegrin ski resorts, with organized transportation.
He also emphasized that he believes that all children should learn to swim by the time they finish elementary school, through more modern and better organized swimming schools.
He also suggested considering the possibility of changing the dates of the winter break, to align it with holidays in public administration.
"Why is this important? Because countries that have managed to implement such a program have understood the essence of the proverb 'a healthy mind in a healthy body'. We must not allow children at the age of 14 or 15 not to know how to swim, and we are a country that prides itself on its sea, lakes and rivers. We also need to encourage ski schools, sports and spending time in nature, because today children spend too much time on phones, tablets and social networks," said Abazović.
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