“Čuvaj da te čuva”: Opening of a green classroom at Pavle Rovinski Primary School

The Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation, the company One, the NGO "Let's Green Montenegro", and Pavle Rovinski Primary School, organised an event as part of the campaign "Čuvaj da te čuva", dedicated to strengthening environmental awareness and improving the education of young people.

The programme opened on the plateau in front of the school, where Headteacher Nataša Popović welcomed the guests and expressed gratitude to the EU Delegation, the Ministry of Education, the company One, and partners for their support for the project of greening the school grounds, implemented in accordance with the Ministry's recommendations. This was followed by a cultural programme in which pupils performed the school's Eco Anthem, a recitation of "Green Poem" by Dragan Radulović, a violin piece, and a short play dedicated to the arrival of spring and the protection of nature.

The central part of the event was the symbolic planting of the first tree in the school yard, carried out jointly by the Ambassador of the European Union to Montenegro, Johann Sattler, Minister Anđela Jakšić Stojanović, and the Director of One Montenegro, Branko Mitrović. On this occasion, it was emphasised that such initiatives connect education, the community, and concrete action in environmental protection.

"I am very pleased that we have started this new chapter of the campaign. I am also very pleased that the European Union is here to support Montenegro in its green transition. Much is said about Chapter 27, about laws and regulations, but the second pillar of this work on greening and transition is precisely education. That is why we have placed so much focus on this area, and I am glad that Montenegro is making progress on its European path. I am pleased that we witnessed good news last week regarding the accession treaty. Of course, the most challenging chapters come at the end, at the very end of this year, and the chapter on the environment is among them. Therefore, we must now double our efforts in order to successfully close that chapter. This campaign lives through participation, and this is one of the truly positive surprises - the wave of support we are seeing. Many people, schools, associations, and citizens are coming forward, to help because this unites the country. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has joined. Of course, I would also like to thank our institutional partners, in this case, the Ministry of Education, which has been with us from the very beginning, as well as the schools. I would also like to express special gratitude to our sponsor, the company One, which is with us in this campaign. It takes the joint effort of many actors for this to succeed," said Ambassador Sattler.

Copyright: Evropska kuća

The Chief Executive Officer of One Montenegro, Branko Mitrović, stated that the company was pleased to join the campaign.

"We are pleased that today, together with our partners and the Delegation of the European Union, we are creating a space that will serve children for years to come. From the very beginning, we supported the 'Čuvaj da te čuva' initiative, because we believe that education and ecology must go hand in hand. For the company One, the green agenda is not just a goal on paper, but concrete action. Today's tree planting and the green classroom are a continuation of the 'One Tree Matters' initiative, through which we contribute to reforestation and strengthening environmental awareness. We are proud that, together with our partners, we are demonstrating that even small sustainable steps make a big difference for the community," said Mitrović.

"We are pleased that all sectors are genuinely preparing for entry into the European Union, including the education sector. I am very glad that all major campaigns and initiatives include the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation. From the very beginning, we joined this campaign with great enthusiasm, because we are certain that there can be no real change in our society unless it begins with the youngest. This positive environmental story, which influences our youngest citizens and develops their awareness of the importance of environmental protection, is strategically important for us. It is also recognised in the Education Reform Strategy for the period 2025-2035. We are truly pleased to take part in all these activities. This is just one of the outdoor classrooms that will be promoted in the coming period. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ambassador Sattler for the excellent cooperation so far, socially responsible companies such as One, which support us so that all these initiatives can come to life, and, in this particular case, the management of Pavle Rovinski School and the Parents' Council, who have truly been exceptional and constructive partners and who, I am sure, are just as proud as we are of everything we have achieved," said Minister Jakšić Stojanović.

As part of the project, the school was also donated an outdoor "green classroom", made from recycled plastic, the production of which removed around 1,500 kilograms of waste from nature. The donation, which includes 11 tables, 10 benches and chairs, with a total value of around €4,000, was provided by the company One. The NGO "Let's Green Montenegro" provided 28 seedlings and prepared the site for planting.

Following the planting ceremony, participants toured the new classroom, where pupils presented works made from recycled materials, and a practical demonstration of the importance of plant root systems in preventing soil erosion. Special attention was also given to innovative teaching approaches.

The event was attended by representatives of the Delegation of the European Union, the Ministry of Education, the company One, the NGO sector, teaching staff, and the school's pupils. The activity forms part of a broader initiative to improve the educational environment and strengthen awareness of environmental protection, with the aim of providing young people with concrete knowledge and tools for active participation in preserving nature.