Forty Montenegrin schools receive modern, digitised classrooms thanks to 54,000 euros worth of equipment donated by the Council of Europe and the European Union in response to the pandemic crisis. The donated equipment, which includes video-conferencing system, laptop, TV screen, led dimmable light and other, will serve for digitalisation and diversification of educational content, but also for the promotion of democratic values ​​such as inclusion of all students.

The Elementary School "Milija Nikcevic" from Niksic, has also received the equipment, which was handed by the Ambassador of the European Union Oana Kristina Popa and the Head of Operations of the Council of Europe Programme Office Evgenia Giakoumopoulou.

Oana Kristina Popa, Ambassador of the European Union Delegation in Montenegro, said that since the beginning of the pandemic, the European Union has advocated for inclusive and continuing education: “With this donation, we have ensured a continuation of education and classes in these changing and challenging times. In parallel, we also donated computers to vulnerable families, especially in the north of Montenegro. After these two difficult years, we adults have a great responsibility to give back to the young generation that is eager to make up for lost time. By digitising and diversifying educational content, we can expand the horizons of young people, their empathy or other competencies. This will help new generations to grow and be ready for a democratic culture in the new world after the pandemic. Together with the Council of Europe and the Ministry of Education, science, culture and sports we will continue our efforts to make education accessible and available to all, to foster inclusion and address discrimination”.

Evgenia Giakoumopoulou, Head of Operations of the Council of Europe Programme Office in Podgorica, also highlighted the action's contribution to building an inclusive, peaceful and democratic society: “In response to the pandemic, the Council of Europe supported the creation of a digital democracy classroom in each of the pilot schools and used it for connecting schools, not only in Montenegro, but also in the region. In this way, we managed to share ideas, experience and knowledge, to empower each other to advocate for equal rights in education, to reach out to key stakeholders and bring about positive change. The current crisis has also stressed the fact the schools’ mission is not just about acquiring knowledge, it is a space for becoming a citizen of tomorrow, it is about ensuring socialisation of young people and conveying values of democracy and inclusion”.

Nataša Kujundzic, director of Primary school “Milija Nikcevic” said, expressing gratitude, that the equipment has already served its purpose: "We are sure that this will contribute to quality education for all. Thanks to the equipment, our school has already hosted the first online workshop on the topic "Challenges and ways to support students of the Roma and Egyptian population". More than 40 schools participated, so it was a great opportunity to exchange opinions and examples of good practice with colleagues and representatives of the NGO sector, as well as to hear the voice of our students, which is most important to us."

The equipment was provided through the joint European Union and Council of Europe action "Quality education for all", that has been implemented with the aim of fostering a quality education for all by promoting inclusion and solutions to address discrimination in the education system and in this way contribute to an inclusive, peaceful and democratic society. The action includes 40 pilot primary, secondary and vocational schools in Montenegro.

The action organised several trainings for teachers, students, and school administrations on how to use education for democratic citizenship in everyday activities. Co-operation with civil society organisations through support for small projects and the participation of local communities in the promotion of a democratic environment in schools has also been strongly affirmed. "Inclusive Day", on the initiative launched within the action, is celebrated with schools every October 11.