ADAPTED 2+2 WORK ROOMS IN THE SEPARATE DEPARTMENT OF THE KINDERGARTEN “OLGA JOVICIĆ RITA” IN POZEGA

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.