Children with disabilities in Montenegro still face systemic obstacles, as nine municipalities lack the services and professional support they need on a daily basis, it was assessed at a conference by the UNICEF office in Montenegro.
The conference concluded that it is necessary to improve these services in other municipalities in order to improve their quality and make them available to every family with children with disabilities.
As announced by the UNICEF representative office in Montenegro, the Women's Parliamentary Club, the International Women's Club and the HEMIIAS Foundation jointly organized a donation campaign last year.
They said that more than 167 thousand euros were collected, thanks to which UNICEF provided the necessary equipment and teaching materials for 17 day centers for children with disabilities in Montenegro.
UNICEF said that more than 400 children and youth with developmental disabilities use the services of day care centers.
"Today, thanks to donations provided through a public-private partnership, they have access to new, diverse equipment - assistive technology and IT equipment, devices and materials for sensory stimulation, equipment for physiotherapy and rehabilitation, as well as didactic and educational materials tailored to the individual needs of children," the statement said.
Jelena Kovačević, mother of little girl Nikolina, a beneficiary of the Bijelo Polje Day Care Center "Tisa", confirmed that the support that day care centers provide to children with developmental disabilities is of enormous importance for families.
The statement states that the Bijelo Polje day care center was the first in Montenegro to open 21 years ago, with the support of UNICEF, as part of the reform of the social and child protection system.
Kovačević said that a parent cannot do everything alone and that her daughter learned to believe in herself at the Day Care Center.
"They use assistive technology, Montessori materials, a therapeutic pool, a sensory room, but what means the most is that they look at it with eyes that see value, not an obstacle," said Kovačević.
She thanked everyone who believed that such a place should exist and emphasized that every child deserves a chance.
As stated in the statement, in order to make services more accessible, more investments are needed, as well as the planned development of human resources - specialized experts in the fields of health, education, social and child protection.
The Head of UNICEF's Representative Office in Montenegro, Mikele Servadei, emphasized that the donor initiative is a good example of how the joint efforts of institutions, the private sector and international partners can advance the rights of children, especially the most vulnerable groups, including children with disabilities.
"We need continued and continuous investment, because in nine municipalities in Montenegro there is still no day care service for children with disabilities and their families," Servadei pointed out.
As he said, in order to achieve equal rights and opportunities for children with disabilities, they need the support of the entire society - the Government, the Parliament, local governments and the private sector.
The Minister of Social Welfare, Family Care and Demography, Damir Gutić, said that every child should grow up in a family and be part of a community that supports that family.
"For this to be possible, it is important that all stakeholders - from local governments to state institutions - take responsibility for providing necessary services," said Gutić.
According to him, the Government should ensure that the health, social protection, education and finance sectors work in harmony and plan funds in a timely manner.
"Because only through coordinated action is it possible to ensure that children and their families receive support within the community they belong to, even when they need it most," Gutić emphasized.
Founder and Board member of the International Women's Club of Montenegro, Zorica Mišković Pavićević, believes that the donation campaign sent a clear message - that they do not forget the most vulnerable.
"The strength of a society lies not only in the economy and institutions, but also in how we treat those who are different but equally valuable. I believe this is the beginning of even deeper cooperation and an inspiration not to stop, because every child deserves an opportunity, support and a smile," she said.
The statement said that daycare centers allow children to remain in their family environment while having access to quality services.
"Therefore, it is important to create conditions so that in every municipality, every family raising children with disabilities receives the necessary support," the statement emphasizes.
Co-president of the Women's Club of the Parliament, Zdenka Popović, said that the donor initiative has deep meaning, as it is dedicated to children with developmental disabilities, who often remain invisible in Montenegrin society.
She stated that, through joint efforts, they managed to secure funds and provide necessary equipment to day care centers throughout Montenegro.
As Popović added, they have thus improved the quality of work of these centers, providing children with disabilities with the opportunity to develop, progress and be equal members of Montenegrin society.
"Today we celebrate understanding, solidarity and responsibility towards our children together," said Popović.
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