Gogić: If we don't have security in and around schools, we have nothing to talk about

The safety of children in schools should be a priority, the Parents' Council of Podgorica's "Radojica Perović" Elementary School (OS) said after the recent attack on children in the Blok 5 neighborhood, which caused concern among parents.

They sent a letter to the Minister of Education, Science and Innovation, Anđela Jakšić Stojanović, requesting the urgent introduction of a school police officer in all primary and secondary schools in Montenegro.

They say that the excuse that there are not enough police officers should not be an excuse.

"Find the staff. We have money for everything else. Let's prioritize. If we don't have security in and around schools, we have nothing to talk about. Not about education, not about growth, not about the progress of children. Believe me, after the incident in Block 5 that happened, there are many fewer children in the neighborhood in the evenings for days," said Milica Gogić, president of the Parents' Council of the "Radojica Perović" Elementary School.

The Parents' Council believes that a police officer in the community could help reduce incidents around schools, as these are often attacks that occur outside the schoolyard, where the school has no jurisdiction.

"We requested additional security, because the circumstances in our society, which include violence and attacks on children, clearly indicate the need for such measures. The Ministry of Education agreed with our request and contacted the Ministry of Internal Affairs. We believe that the presence of a uniformed police officer, whether in school or in the community, is crucial to reducing violence," said Gogić.

Advice from parents of other schools is in agreement with this request.

"Parents are scared, children are scared. We can't wait for another incident to happen. After the attack in Block 5, the atmosphere has become even more tense. Children are no longer safe, and parents have no trust in the system," Gogić added.

They are calling for swift action and for children to be a priority.

"It doesn't matter whose jurisdiction it is, this is a matter of general safety, and we all have to work together to protect our children," concluded Gogić.