A group of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civic activists announced that they had submitted an initiative yesterday to the Minister of Education, Science and Innovation, Anđela Jakšić-Stojanović, proposing the organization of school activities intended for parents and children of foreign and domestic citizens.
As they explain, the initiative comes after a worrying escalation of violence in three Montenegrin cities and the spread of hate speech against foreigners, especially Turkish citizens, who are staying in Montenegro for various reasons.
"We express disappointment at the fact that minors were involved in these incidents, which also shows that numerous opportunities have been missed to develop humanistic values and respect for diversity in young people. The media reported that many parents of Turkish nationality decided not to send their children to school out of fear. We believe that school must be a safe place, a 'second home', in which tolerance, understanding and mutual respect are developed, regardless of national, religious or other affiliation. Therefore, it is important that the Ministry recommends to all educational institutions to organize school activities that will contribute to social cohesion and acceptance of diversity," the statement from these NGOs and civic activists reads.
It is added that this could include joint school events and workshops on tolerance and diversity, where parents and children, foreign and domestic citizens, could present their cultures, cuisines, customs, music and language.
"The goal is to reduce tensions, combat stereotypes and create a safer and more inclusive school environment. We believe that the Government and the Ministry recognize the urgency of this problem and the need to send a clear message that Montenegro will not accept a wave of intolerance and violence," the statement concludes.
The statement was signed by:
Dina Bajramspahić, civic activist
Daliborka Uljarević, Center for Civic Education (CCE)
Jovana Marović, civic activist
Paula Petričević, civic activist
Milena Popović Samardžić, NGO Ipso Facto
Tea Gorjanc Prelević, Human Rights Action (HRA)
Maja Raičević, Center for Women's Rights
Aida Perović, NGO Prima
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