Montenegro Invests Over €2 Million in School Heating Systems

Montenegro has allocated over €2 million for the modernization of heating systems in schools across the country. This investment aims to ensure that all educational institutions are prepared for the upcoming second semester, according to a statement from the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation, led by Minister Anđela Jakšić-Stojanović.

The ministry has confirmed that there are currently no issues with the heating systems in schools. All educational facilities possess adequate heating, whether through central, alternative, or individual systems in classrooms. The ministry provides funding annually through both current and capital budgets to improve conditions in educational institutions. Each year, a number of schools receive new, more efficient heating systems as part of ongoing modernization efforts.

Monitoring of heating standards is conducted through regular inspections and reports from school administrations. The ministry also allocates funds for emergency interventions in the event of heating system failures. This proactive approach aims to prevent the challenges that have previously led to shortened class hours or online lessons due to inadequate heating.

In the past year, more than €2 million has been invested in upgrading heating systems in various schools, including institutions such as JU OSŠ “Polica” in Berane and JU OSŠ “Milun Ivanović” in Rožaje. Other schools included in this initiative are JU OSŠ “Mojsije Stevanović” in Kolašin and JU OSŠ “21. maj” in Bijelo Polje, among others.

Many schools are implementing energy efficiency projects to further enhance their heating systems. Notable participants in this initiative include JU OSŠ “Jugoslavija” and JU OSŠ “Srbija” in Bar, as well as JU Gimnazija in Cetinje.

Historically, there have been instances where schools struggled with heating during winter months, leading to shortened classes and students attending lessons in jackets. With the second semester starting soon, school directors have reported that they are fully prepared, with some heating systems operational even during the winter break.

Directors have stated that their institutions rely on various heating fuels, including pellets, gas, heating oil, and wood. They anticipate no problems with heating and confirm that there are sufficient supplies to maintain uninterrupted heating. Recent cold spells have seen temperatures drop as low as -20 degrees Celsius, but school administrators remain confident that all rooms are adequately heated.

Notably, some schools, such as the First Secondary Technical School in Nikšić, have not undergone major renovations for years. While their heating systems function correctly, the challenge remains in adequately heating rooms with older wooden fixtures. School officials expect renovations to begin in May 2024 to address these issues.

As Montenegro approaches the start of the second semester in January 2024, the government’s significant investment in school heating systems reflects a commitment to providing a conducive learning environment for students across the country.