GOLUBOVIĆ: BAM 6.73 MILLION ALLOCATED FOR THIS YEAR'S INVESTMENTS

BANJA LUKA, AUGUST 28 /SRNA/ – Republika Srpska Minister of Education and Culture Borivoje Golubović says that BAM 6.73 million has been allocated this year for investments in primary and secondary schools and student dormitories, as well as for the construction of facilities for extended-stay programmes at four primary schools in Banja Luka, adding that conditions within the education system are being continuously improved.

By: Ana BENCUN In his SRNA interview, Golubović stressed that investment in school infrastructure is one of the Ministry's priorities and that funding for certain capital projects has also been secured through the Public Investment Programme. "This shows that infrastructure is being addressed systematically and that funds are being directed where the needs are greatest," Golubović said. ALL NECESSARY ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN TO ENSURE STUDENTS BEGIN NEW SCHOOL YEAR IN THE BEST POSSIBLE CONDITIONS He said that all activities related to the start of the new school year in primary and secondary schools are in their final stages and that he is confident the school year will begin smoothly. “The Ministry of Education and Culture, together with schools and other competent institutions, has undertaken all necessary activities to ensure that students and teachers begin the school year in the best possible conditions,” Golubović stressed. According to him, among the most significant projects are the construction of the new Stevo Kaluđerčić Primary School in Istočno Novo Sarajevo, for which more than BAM 4.5 million has been allocated, and the reconstruction of the Nikola Tesla Primary School in Derventa, in which around BAM 7 million has been invested. "I would also single out the extension of the Petar Petrović Njegoš Primary School in Bileća, worth BAM 600,000, as well as the renovation of sanitary facilities at the Nikola Tesla Electrical Engineering School in Banja Luka, for which BAM 300,000 has been allocated," Golubović said. BAM 16 MILLION ALLOCATED FOR FREE TEXTBOOKS FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS Speaking about the provision of free textbooks for all primary school students, the minister said this represents significant support for families and an important step toward ensuring equal educational opportunities. "Free textbooks have been provided for around 80,000 primary school students, for which nearly BAM 16 million has been earmarked," Golubović said. EFFORTS UNDERWAY TO INCREASE EXTENDED-STAY CAPACITY He said that continuous investment is also being made in school infrastructure and the expansion of extended-stay capacities, stressing that there is an increasing need among parents for daytime childcare services for children in the first three grades of primary school and that the ministry he heads is working diligently to increase capacity for these children. "During the previous school year, extended-stay programmes were organised in 149 primary schools for more than 13,600 students, which is more than half of all students in the first three grades. We are aware that some communities do not have sufficient space, and at the initiative of the prime minister of Republika Srpska, a measure of financial support is being implemented for families whose children attend the first three grades of primary school but whose schools cannot provide extended-stay services due to limited capacity," Golubović said. He explained that the support is provided through the Child Protection Public Fund and that the subsidy for first-three-grade students enrolled in private preschool institutions amounts to BAM 200 per student during the school year. At the same time, he added, significant funds are being allocated to strengthen schools' physical capacity to organise extended-stay programmes. SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN WITHOUT PARENTAL CARE AND CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DIFFICULTIES Speaking about improvements to the educational system, Golubović highlighted particularly important support for children without parental care and children with developmental difficulties. "The Child Protection Public Fund has so far allocated BAM 1,087,962 to co-finance their attendance at preschool institutions, and 545 children have exercised this right," Golubović said. He said that the role of teaching assistants is also very important and noted that the Ministry has paid particular attention to improving this area. BAM 5.6 million was allocated for the engagement and financing of assistants in the 2025/2026 school year. "In accordance with a conclusion of the Republika Srpska Government, the Ministry has also begun a detailed analysis of the effects of engaging assistants, so that any potential changes to the legal framework can be based on the actual needs of the system and the experiences of all participants in the educational process," Golubović said.