The European Commission's award for outstanding achievements in promoting Roma inclusion in education is not only a recognition of the institution, but also of the entire community that believes that education must be accessible to every child, said the Minister of Education, Science and Innovation Anđela Jakšić Stojanović.
The Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation (MESI) of Montenegro has won the first European Commission award for outstanding achievements in promoting Roma inclusion in education.
The award is presented as part of the sixth edition of the EU Award for Roma Integration in the Western Balkans and Turkey, organized by the Roma organization "Roma Aktiv Albania", in partnership with organizations across the region.
As stated by the Ministry of Education, among more than 100 applications and nominations, Montenegro stood out not only through the institutional commitment of the Ministry, but also through the work of individuals, such as Sebastian Baftijari, who made a significant contribution to the development of an inclusive education system.
Jakšić Stojanović, at the ceremony to receive the award, said that it was not just recognition for the institution.
"It is a recognition of the entire community that believes in equal opportunities and that education must be available to every child," said Jakšić Stojanović.
She emphasized that the award is both a great obligation and a motivation for everyone to work even more dedicatedly and dedicatedly.
The Acting Director of the Directorate for Education and Upbringing of Minority Peoples and Other Minority National Communities, Dragan Mijušković, reminded of the importance of everyday, concrete steps that build inclusion from the earliest age.
"The special value of this recognition is reflected in the fact that it comes as confirmation of systemic changes that are visible in everyday life - in classrooms where Roma children, for decades on the margins of the education system, now have the place they deserve," said Mijušković.
The director of the Roma organization Roma Aktiva Albania, Adriatik Hasantari, emphasized that this award represents recognition for concrete work, but also a reminder of long-term responsibility.
"This recognition is not the end, but a milestone. We still have a lot of work ahead of us to ensure that every Roma child in Montenegro and the region has an equal chance for success," said Hasantari.
The Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports announced that, in cooperation with other institutions, non-governmental organizations and individuals, they will continue to work dedicatedly to create a society of equal opportunities together.
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