€50,000 for better physical education: Four schools receive complete sports equipment

A large number of Montenegro’s top athletes took their first steps on school sports grounds, which is why the Government’s goal is to bring students back to sports, Prime Minister Milojko Spajić said during a meeting with the principals of four primary schools that have received complete sets of sports equipment.

The Prime Minister, together with Minister of Education, Science and Innovation Anđela Jakšić-Stojanović, hosted the principals of the primary schools “Meksiko”, “Olga Golović”, “Štampar Makarije” and “Vuk Karadžić”.

Through the joint efforts of the Ministry of Sports and Youth and the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation, students at these schools will now have access to new sports equipment worth nearly €50,000.

Prime Minister Spajić said that a strong foundation is essential for the development of every athlete and that schools are the best place for children to build that foundation.

He said that this is the main reason why the Government is working intensively to improve conditions for students. He added that he was pleased that complete sports equipment had been provided so that every child could enjoy quality conditions for sports activities, while physical education teachers would have all the necessary equipment to deliver the curriculum more effectively.

Minister Jakšić-Stojanović said that the Ministry has recently devoted special attention to the development of sports within the education system. In addition to building new and reconstructing existing sports halls, she said the focus has also been placed on upgrading outdoor sports facilities and procuring sports equipment and teaching aids. According to her, these investments will enable both physical education classes and extracurricular activities to be carried out at an appropriate standard, while promoting sports and healthy lifestyles from an early age.

Among other items, the schools received gymnastics mats and equipment, footballs, basketballs, volleyballs, handballs and basketball hoops. According to the principals, the new equipment will significantly improve the quality of physical education classes.

Lela Koljenšić-Drašković, Principal of “Olga Golović” Primary School in Nikšić, said that the support provides additional motivation to further improve the quality of physical education and achieve even better sporting results.

Novica Gačević, Principal of “Štampar Makarije” Primary School in Podgorica, said that the support represents a significant contribution to creating better working conditions for teachers and improving the delivery of educational programmes, but above all to fostering healthier and more active lifestyles among students. He added that the equipment would enable more diverse activities, enhance the quality of teaching and further encourage students to engage in physical activity.

Speaking on behalf of “Vuk Karadžić” Primary School in Bijelo Polje, Principal Milena Novović thanked the Government for the donation of sports equipment and teaching aids, noting that they would significantly improve the quality of physical education classes. She said the equipment would help create better teaching conditions, improve student safety and promote team spirit and cooperation among students.

Lola Bulatović, Principal of “Meksiko” Primary School in Bar, said that investments in education and sports are among the most important investments in the future. She expressed gratitude for the recognition of schools’ needs and for the continued support aimed at improving the education system. She also thanked the Government of Montenegro, particularly the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation, for its dedicated efforts through numerous reforms, investments and support programmes to improve the quality of education and create better conditions for schools across the country.