FOUNDATION STONE FOR A NEW KINDERGARTEN IN LOZNICA – 270 NEW PLACES

Today, the First Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of Serbia and the Minister of Education, Science and Technological Development Branko Ružić and the Mayor of the City of Loznica Vidoje Petrović laid the foundation stone for the construction of a kindergarten in Loznica, which will provide 270 new places for children. The value is almost 148 million dinars, and the works on the construction of the facility should be completed within 12 months.

Minister Ružić pointed out that the construction of kindergartens and the expansion of the capacity of PU “Bambi” is good news for parents in Loznica, because the waiting lists for kindergartens will be greatly reduced. Also, the preschool institution will relieve its capacities and existing groups, new jobs and better working conditions will be provided.

The Ministry provided funds for the kindergarten construction in Loznica as well as for courtyard design from a World Bank loan through the project of Inclusive Early Childhood Education and Care. This kindergarten is just one in a series that will be built under this Project. So far, three new kindergartens have been built in Doljevac, Zitoradja and Sremska Mitrovica, two are under construction in Krusevac, and by the end of the year, work will begin on the construction and extension of facilities in Prokuplje, Vladicin Han, Tutin, Smederevo, Sid and Novi Pazar.” said the minister.

He added that the Ministry, with the support of the Project and in cooperation with the Novak Djokovic Foundation, is carrying out minor adaptations and conversions of existing spaces in several cities, which will provide 100 new rooms for 2,500 children who will be included in the preschool program and education for the first time. According to the Minister, they are also working on improving the quality of the system of preschool education and professional development of employees in the preschool system, but also on strengthening partnerships between preschool institutions and local institutions in order to improve inclusive early childhood education and care.

The Minister pointed out that the capacities for the realization of preschool programs in Serbia have been increasing in recent years, because local self-governments, in accordance with their competencies, are investing in this area and building new kindergartens.

In order to achieve the strategic goals of the Ministry related to greater availability of various programs and forms of educational work with young children, providing support to families in achieving educational function, professionalization of educators and inclusive environment, it is necessary to further expand existing space and optimize the network of preschools. in accordance with the needs of children and families in specific local communities,” stated Minister Ruzic.

Vidoje Petrović, the mayor of Loznica, expressing satisfaction with the beginning of the construction of the new kindergarten, pointed out that the waiting lists for enrolment in kindergartens in Loznica will now be reduced.

We need a young, new impulse of life. I think that together we are on the best way to realize that.” Petrovic pointed out.

The project of inclusive preschool education is being realized with the help of a World Bank loan. The total amount of the loan is 47 million euros. The goal of the Project is to improve the quality of the preschool system, with special emphasis on increasing the availability of preschool education to children from socially vulnerable groups. The project mostly provides for the construction of new, or upgrading of existing kindergartens in 35 municipalities in Serbia.