Through the project “Inclusive Preschool Education and Care” implemented by the Ministry of Education, the adaptation with the furnishing of ambient space for two work rooms in the separate department of the Elementary School “Emilija Ostojić” in Gorobilje has been carried out, and two more are in progress in Prilipac.

The preschool institution “Olga Jovicić Rita” in Požega was founded in 1965 (primarily at the Social Services Centre) and celebrates its 60th anniversary next year. Currently, the institution operates with 42 educational groups, accommodating 1042 children and approximately 157 staff members.

Within the town itself, the institution has three facilities, and since 2016, it has initiated a pilot project for full-day programs in separate departments of rural schools. The interest in enrolling children in rural schools at that time was unexpected and continues to show a trend of steady growth.  This step has created multifunctional benefits. Closed rural schools have started to regain their former glory and have become lively again. Young people are staying in rural environments, and employment rates in suitable kindergarten profiles have increased.

Today, we have eight rural schools with a full-day program from our preschool institution, forming twelve groups with over 170 children. It’s worth noting that there have been no capital investments in rural schools since the 1980s.

Through this project of the Ministry of Education and the World Bank, equipping four work rooms involving construction work and furnishing ambient space has unequivocally not only brought closer but also aligned the working space with European standards. The furniture was carefully selected according to age groups and standards, in line with spatial units that will evoke personal affinities, permanent engagement, and wonder in children. Didactics, consumables, and literature are in accordance with the new program foundations.

Thanks to these and similar projects in our country, we ensure quality upbringing and equal conditions for children wherever they are born on the map of Serbia. Children are the only true, unmissable investment that should be made.”

You can see the photos here.

Within the project “Inclusive Preschool Education and Care” implemented by the Ministry of Education, financed by the World Bank loan, 7 educational rooms have been equipped in the kindergarten “Poletarac” Ljubovija.

The kindergarten “Poletarac” Ljubovija has been engaged in educational work continuously for over forty years, since its foundation in 1981 in a building constructed the same year.

In the academic year 2023/2024, a total of 254 children were enrolled, with 236 in full-day and 18 in half-day programs. In recent years, the institution has faced a space shortage for accommodating children. The number of newborns increases annually, leading to growing interest in kindergarten enrolment. In the latest enrolment competition, 40 preschool-aged children remained on the waiting list.

Over the decades, the institution has renovated within its capabilities, participated in various projects, conducted adaptations, and expanded capacities to admit more children. In the past decade, the Municipality of Ljubovija also faced two major floods that affected the kindergarten. The latest reconstruction in 2023 involved renovating the entire facility, necessitating the temporary relocation and subsequent return of all furniture, which further affected its wear and tear and quality.

The implementation of the Ministry of Education’s project ‘Inclusive Early Childhood Education and Care’, which equipped educational rooms in the institution, is of great significance. It collectively ensures quality conditions, a healthy environment, and surroundings for every child attending the institution, aiming for their holistic development—intellectually, physically, and educationally—thus contributing to happier childhoods and a solid foundation for the future.

A total of seven rooms are fully equipped with furniture, didactic materials, and toys that are tailored to the needs and ages of the children attending the respective educational groups.

You can see the photos here.

Within the project “Inclusive Preschool Education and Care” implemented by the Ministry of Education, financed by the World Bank loan, 2 work rooms have been equipped in the kindergarten ‘Arilje’, Municipality of Arilje.

The preschool institution ‘Arilje’ was founded in 1976.

The kindergarten’s location is ideal, surrounded by a large green area, centrally located among buildings and away from the street. The playground space exceeds the prescribed norms.

The institution’s main activities are governed by the Law on the Foundations of the Education System, the Law on Preschool Education, the Law on Public Services, and the Statute. Activities are carried out in three facilities at the headquarters and in separate facilities at primary schools in rural areas, with a capacity of around 650 children. The kindergarten has long faced problems due to lack of space for accommodating children. Currently, there are 150 children on the waiting list.

Through the World Bank loan, the Ministry of Education, under the project ‘Inclusive Early Childhood Education and Care’, allocated part of the funds to fully equip 2 work rooms, enabling enrolment of an additional 30 preschool children. This contribution aims to reduce the number of children on the waiting list.

The rooms are equipped with furniture, toys, didactic materials, consumables, picture books, and books, carefully selected to meet the needs of different age groups.”

You can see the photos here.