Fostering Inclusive Education in Montenegro: A Month of Field Activities Supporting Roma Youth and Families
Montenegro – Throughout June and July, a series of field visits and community-based activities took place across Montenegro, with a strategic focus on Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Secondary Education (SEC).
These initiatives were part of the project “EU Regional Action for Roma Education: Increased Education Support and Opportunities for Roma Students in the Western Balkans and Turkey (RARE), Phase II”, funded by the European Commission through the Directorate-General for Enlargement and the Eastern Neighbourhood. The project is implemented by REF Romania and REF Serbia, in partnership with local organisations HELP and Udruženje Roditelji.
The events brought together Roma families, young people, educators, and facilitators, showcasing a strong commitment to inclusive education, early learning, and community empowerment.
A capacity-building training session for early education professionals took place at JU Đina Vrbica Preschool, organized by Udruženje Roditelji. The training introduced inclusive teaching methods and strategies for supporting Roma children in multicultural classrooms.
In another day, a gardening workshop was hosted at the Community Center, engaging preschool children and their caregivers—primarily mothers—in hands-on learning activities. Through planting and nature-based exploration, the children developed cognitive and motor skills while caregivers explored the importance of play-based learning and family involvement in early education.
Earlier in June, HELP organization facilitated a soft skills workshop for Roma youth. The session aimed to empower young participants with practical tools for navigating personal and professional challenges. Across all activities, local educators, trainers, volunteers, educational mediators, and youth leaders were actively involved.
“I want Roma communities to know that we’re here for the long run — to offer real support, to listen, and to stand with them as partners in overcoming the barriers they face. This project is built on trust, respect, and a shared belief in a better future,”, Kristina Cetkovic, REF facilitator in Montenegro.
Kristina participated in several activities organized by IPOS in Montenegro, as part of the primary, early childhood education, secondary, and tertiary programs aimed at supporting the our Roma community.
The project “EU Regional Action for Roma Education: Increased Education Support and Opportunities for Roma Students in the Western Balkans and Turkey (RARE), phase II” is funded by the European Commission through the Directorate-General for Enlargement and the Eastern Neighbourhood and is implemented by REF Romania and REF Serbia
