Students across Montenegro returned to school today, and the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation (MESI) says that all educational institutions are ready to welcome the start of the second semester.
Guesting on the show Boje jutra on TV Vijesti, the secretary of the relevant ministry, Marko Šljukić, said that schools are provided with energy and that heating systems are functioning in all parts of the country, including the north, where winter conditions are the most demanding.
Over the past year, more than two million euros were invested in the rehabilitation and improvement of heating systems in schools, and the works included educational institutions in the north, central part and on the coast.
"I think we all know that certain schools in the north of Montenegro were built in a period when the number of students was significantly higher than today. In these buildings, there are individual heating systems, per classroom, for which energy is provided and according to the information we have, the classrooms are warm. It is precisely because of equality and the desire to provide equal education for all students, whether they live in urban or rural areas, that we strive to provide decent conditions for learning and work throughout the territory of Montenegro, including smaller rural schools," said Šljukić.
Reconstructions are currently underway in Bijelo Polje and Pljevlja, and are expected to be completed by the end of March. The Ministry announces the continuation of a large investment cycle, including the construction of a new gymnasium in Podgorica, as well as several kindergartens in Bar, Nikšić, Berane and Ulcinj.
Special attention was also paid to the City Quarter in Podgorica, where the construction of an elementary school is expected to begin in the first half of the year, while the kindergarten project is in the main design phase.
When it comes to staffing, the education system is facing a shortage of mathematics, physics and chemistry teachers, as well as teachers and educators. In order to overcome this problem, the number of students in pedagogical study programs has been increased and new majors have been opened in cooperation with the University of Montenegro, with the announcement of additional equipment for schools.
"We have provided EdTech laboratories for more than 100 schools, in order to provide students with more modern learning conditions and respond to the challenges of the times we live in," added Šljukić.
In the coming period, in addition to infrastructure investments, the Ministry's focus will be on the development of a national curriculum and comprehensive education reform, in accordance with the Education Development Strategy for the period 2025–2035.
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