The survey of random passers-by in Nikšić, conducted by "Vijesti", showed that out of thirty of them, half, some of them from the second attempt, knew where the streets of "Jovan Cvijić" and "Lazar Sočica" were located, two people knew the surname of the famous hero Novak Ramov, and only one citizen guessed where the Fifth Proletarian Brigade was formed.
Thanks to the project "Streets of the city of Nikšić", which is implemented by the Youth Cultural Center (OKC) "Tibor", the people of Nikšić will now have the opportunity to learn, find out something more, or renew their knowledge, about famous people, events, according to which nine streets in the city center they bear a name.
They installed a total of 11 signs located in the streets - Njegoševa, Peta proleterska, Josip Slade, Novak Ramov, Jovan Cvijić, Lazar Sočica, Novica Cerović, Karađorđeva and Narodni heroja.
"I think the boards are significant because most people in Nikšić are not so familiar with the details from the lives of famous personalities, heroes, scientists, after whom streets in the city are named. Those boards, which are bilingual, so tourists could also get information about the streets and personalities, but also what buildings are located in that street, are at the same time the history of our country and the Balkans, because there are numerous personalities from the surrounding countries", Aleksandra Božović, from OKC "Tibor", told "Vijesta".
She explained that the choice of where to place the signs fell on the streets in the inner city center, which are frequented, and that just by placing the signs, the signs attracted the attention of fellow citizens.
"Many people do not know where a street is located, and many do not know the history of which street is named after. We think this is something interesting that could teach many people and remind them that there are people who have contributed to our country and the Balkans. Maybe we can't say that it's sad that people don't know anything about the street they live in, but we can ask ourselves why this is so," Božović believes.
In the coming days, a road sign will be placed next to the local tourist organization so that tourists know how long it will take them to reach important locations in the city such as Tsar's Bridge, Vučja, Blac, Captain's Lake...
"Nikšić has long been considered a transit city. People just pass by and don't stay, and many people from the outside don't know what Nikšić has to offer. That's why we want to set up a signpost that would provide tourists, as well as fellow citizens, with information about localities that can be visited. Maybe that guide will 'force' tourists to visit those localities that they would surely enjoy," Božović believes.
She is optimistic about the survival of tourist information boards because she believes that new generations are coming, aware that love for the city and country you live in is proven by "returning at least a part of what they gave you".
As part of the "Streets of our City" project, which was financed by the local government through a competition for the distribution of funds to non-governmental organizations, they organized workshops with elementary and high school students about the tourist potential of Nikšić, but also arranged some of the public areas in the city.
A place where knowledge, empathy and creativity are developed
KC "Tbor" is a place that offers young people in Nikšić, above all high school and elementary school students, the opportunity to acquire informal education, to express creativity, to socialize.
"We deal with the education of young people, informal education and topics that interest them and about which they want to know something, and often they cannot ask their parents or professors certain questions", explains Isidora Sarić.
In OKC "Tibor" young people can acquire knowledge in the fields of ecology, pedagogy, psychology, "let their imagination run wild" and create small and large masterpieces, learn to paint, but also play music, be humanists and donate blood, "Mountain Wreath" is mastered to the smallest detail.
"The music room is the most visited by young people. There were kids who had never played before, but now they have a band, and they have already performed five or six times, in clubs and at festivals. We also have a club of voluntary blood donors who will participate in the annual event in September and some members couldn't wait to come of age and donate blood. We also have a Reader's Club, and when high school students were preparing for the matriculation exam, we had classes where we read 'The Wreath of Gorrski' over and over again and worked on it together with them," he points out. Saric.
He admits that they exceeded expectations, because in the first six months, about 2.000 visitors came to the Center in the old space, and their guest lecturers were doctors, psychologists, actors, painters, photographers, musicians... And in the new building, which is located in Novaka Ramova Street, and where, for the needs of OKC "Tibor", they had to adapt one of the oldest buildings in the city, the practice continues - participants come who bring youth, and in return gain knowledge and learn to develop creativity, empathy, respect .
"The location is such that whoever passes by, comes to contact us. There were tourists from Chile, Great Britain, and as far as age is concerned, there are a variety of us - the youngest member is three years old and for some reason she is about to turn five," she says with a smile Isidore.
The walls of the staircase and hall are decorated with the works of talented students, while the main room contains the works of nine academic artists.
OKC "Tibor" was formed in 2021 by the Independent Boy Scout Company "Tibor", which was created two years earlier. Scouts haven't forgotten socializing with nature, so they often organize scout camps, hiking tours, and preserve the memory of Tibor Sekelj, the founder of the first scout club in Montenegro. Recently, they had the opportunity to meet his wife, Eržebet Sekelj, who did not hide her satisfaction with the way a young group of enthusiasts and scouts follows Tibor's path, but also develops activities in accordance with the times they live in and the interests of young people.
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