This strategic document lays the foundations for a systemic, high-quality and sustainable reform of the education system, with the aim that every child has access to quality education, one that develops the skills and knowledge needed for life in the 21st century. We are building an education system tailored to every child!

The Government of Montenegro has adopted the Education Reform Strategy for the period 2025 -2035, the first document of its kind to integrate all levels of education, including teacher education. This comprehensive Strategy is part of the initiative 'Quality Education for Every Child in Montenegro', implemented in partnership with UNICEF and financial support of the European Commission.

On the presentation of the Strategy, the Minister of Education, Science and Innovation Mrs. Anđela Jakšić-Stojanović, reminded that the preparation of this document took a year: 
"We identified challenges, asked questions and searched for answers. We wanted to listen to the needs of all participants in the educational process, because we were aware that this is the only way we can make fundamental changes in our education system". She concluded with: “…without educational reform, there is no substantial progress in our society”, said Jakšić-Stojanović.

The Strategy includes key directions of the development of the education system, including strengthening the educational infrastructure, improving the quality and inclusiveness of education, supporting teachers through initial education and continuous professional development, as well as improving the management and financing of education.

The novelty compared to the previous period is that a consultation process was conducted with children, parents, teaching staff, professional associates and school administrations, in cooperation with UNICEF, the Association of Psychologists of Montenegro and NGO Parents, which gave useful insights and recommendations later integrated into the Strategy.

Special attention is given relevant topics, such as: mental health, socio-emotional learning, gender equality, child safety, violence prevention, strengthening digital skills, as well as school preparedness for emergencies such as natural disasters or pandemics.

The Strategy was designed in accordance with the Reform Agenda of Montenegro 2024-2027 and represents a key step towards education as a pillar of social development within the new EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.

The four main goals of the Strategy are as follows:

1. Improving the quality and inclusiveness of education, ensuring that every child — whether they are children with special educational needs, come from a low-income family, or speak a minority language — learns in a safe and supportive environment.
2. Supporting teachers through enhanced training and strengthening school teams with psychologists, pedagogues, and social workers.
3. Improving education management and financing, with clear accountability mechanisms and targeted resource allocation where they are most needed.
4. Modernising school infrastructure, including digitalisation and adapting spaces to be inclusive, safe, and climate-resilient.
    

This Strategy relies on these four strategic pillars, in order to transform schools into stimulating and safe environments for all children and adolescents, where they can acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for academic success, employment and general well-being.

For more information: https://www.gov.me/clanak/usvojena-strategija-reforme-obrazovanja-2025-2035

Source: Eurydice Unit Montenegro