The safety of our children must be a priority, and the fight against peer violence requires joint efforts and better protection mechanisms, said the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović.
He met with the head of the UNICEF representative office in Montenegro, Mikele Servadei.
On that occasion, it was pointed out that the safety of children and the fight against violence against children, especially peer violence, requires a serious and comprehensive approach by all actors, the Cabinet of the President of the State announced.
Servadei expressed his agreement with Milatović and pointed to UNICEF's recommendations.
"Our recommendation is to increase the number of school psychologists and social workers so that the system can provide more effective support services to families facing challenges. Also, the implementation of the new Survey of the State of Children's and Women's Rights in Montenegro (MIKS) is crucial, because the data from the previous one from 2018 is already outdated. It is necessary to replicate across the country the existing good practice programs that are implemented with the support of UNICEF, through which the socio-emotional skills of children and young people are developed and parents are supported. In this way, violence can be prevented, and when it happens, the system can adequately respond to it," said Servadei.
Milatović emphasized that the fight against child poverty is one of the most important issues facing Montenegro. As one of the possible measures to help the most vulnerable families, he said that an increase in child benefits should be considered in the coming period.
He particularly emphasized the importance of improving the education system as a key factor for a better future for children in Montenegro. He emphasized that quality education is not only a question of knowledge, but also the basis for creating a safer and fairer society.
"We must ensure every child in Montenegro a safe and quality education, because it is the foundation for their successful development and future," said Milatović.
Servadei praised Montenegro's decision to have a universal child allowance and expressed his agreement with the president regarding the importance of accelerating the fight against child poverty. He also pointed out that providing quality education to every child is key to breaking the multigenerational cycle of poverty.
"UNICEF, in partnership with the EU, supports the development of a new, ten-year strategy for the reform of the education system through a participatory approach, so that it adequately responds to the concerns and recommendations we hear from teachers, parents and students. UNICEF is cooperating with the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation on the assessment of school infrastructure, improving the quality of teaching, including through the use of digital tools, as well as the inclusion of children with developmental disabilities and children from minority groups," said Servadei.
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