Calvino: Investing in educational infrastructure is one of the key priorities of EIB cooperation with Montenegro

Investing in educational infrastructure is one of the key priorities of the European Investment Bank (EIB)'s cooperation with Montenegro, said EIB President Nađa Kalvino, adding that the results so far are a visible example of the successful use of a combination of loans, grants and national funds.

Kalvino, Minister of Education, Science and Innovation Anđela Jakšić Stojanović, Minister of Public Works Majda Adžović and EIB Vice President Robert de Gruit visited the Secondary Vocational School (SSŠ) "Sergije Stanić" in Podgorica, as part of the official visit of the EIB delegation to Montenegro.

The Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation (MESI) announced that during the visit, a conversation with students, a tasting of food prepared using equipment financed by the EIB, and the ceremonial unveiling of a plaque commemorating the EIB's contribution to the improvement of educational infrastructure in Montenegro, within the framework of jointly implemented investment projects, were held.

"This act represents a confirmation of a shared commitment to strengthening the education system and improving learning conditions," the statement said.

Kalvino emphasized that investing in educational infrastructure is one of the key priorities of their cooperation with Montenegro, assessing that the results so far are a visible example of the successful use of a combination of loans, grants and national funds.

"It was also emphasized that the EIB remains committed to continuing to support projects that contribute to the modernization of schools, energy efficiency and the creation of better conditions for students and teaching staff," the statement said.

Jakšić Stojanović emphasized that such projects represent an important step in the long-term improvement of the quality of education.

"Investments in infrastructure directly contribute to the creation of a modern and functional education system. The partnership with the European Investment Bank is of strategic importance for Montenegro and this cooperation will be further deepened in the coming period," said JakšićStojanović.

Adžović recalled that in partnership with the EIB, Montenegro is implementing important projects that contribute to the modernization of healthcare and education, with a clear focus on better conditions for citizens.

"Cooperation with the EIB represents an important pillar in the implementation of development projects of particular importance for our society. By investing in health and education, we are not only improving infrastructure, but in the long term, we are building a better and safer life for citizens," said Adžović.

The statement states that as part of the visit, Jakšić Stojanović also held a special bilateral meeting with De Groot, during which the high level of cooperation to date was jointly noted and the continuation of a productive partnership in the coming period was agreed, especially in the area of ​​further development of educational infrastructure and investments in education.

It is added that the visit was carried out within the framework of broader cooperation between the Ministry of Education and Science and the EIB, aimed at modernizing the education system of Montenegro through investments in school facilities across the country.

It is stated that within the Educational Infrastructure Improvement Program (MEP), with a total value of more than EUR 86 million, activities are being implemented that include the construction of new, reconstruction and adaptation of existing educational institutions, the procurement of ICT equipment, VET equipment, as well as furniture for all schools, with the support of grant funds, EIB loans and the national budget.

"Among the schools included in the project is the Secondary School "Sergije Stanić", where the building was renovated for a total value of 1.925.919,07 euros," the statement says.

It is added that the works included the construction of a thermally insulated facade, the replacement of sanitary facilities and the improvement of the functional organization of sanitary facilities, the renovation of floors, walls and ceilings, the replacement of internal and external hardware, the renovation of part of the roof, the modernization of the lighting system, as well as the adaptation of the gymnasium.

It is stated that, in addition to the "Sergije Stanić" secondary vocational school, the secondary vocational schools Rožaje, Berane, "Vukadin Vukadinović" from Berane, "Baćo Bašić" in Plav, the secondary vocational school Cetinje, the secondary vocational school "Danilo Kiš" from Budva, as well as the secondary vocational schools Bijelo Polje and Bar have also been adapted.

"The main objectives of the project are to improve educational infrastructure and learning conditions in all participating schools, increase the energy efficiency of school buildings, and provide modern, functional and fully equipped spaces for students, teachers and employees," the statement added.

It is stated that through the implementation of this program, students and teaching staff have received better, safer and more energy-efficient conditions for work and learning, which further strengthens the quality of vocational education in Montenegro and confirms the success of the partnership with the European Investment Bank.

"Also, through the construction of new schools and kindergartens, in cooperation with the EIB, existing facilities that are overloaded will be relieved in the coming period," the statement said.