School Prevents Violence with Assistant Program in Montenegro

A pilot program at the Milan Vuković Elementary School in Herceg Novi has successfully implemented the role of an assistant to prevent violence and vandalism among students. The initiative, launched last year, aims to address incidents of aggression through proactive measures, as highlighted by Mare Vujinović, the school’s director. She emphasized that the program has proven effective in deterring potential violence among students.

Vujinović explained that the school has recorded only a few cases of psychological and minor physical violence, which were managed effectively by the staff following established protocols. “We have a zero-tolerance policy on violence, and we openly discuss this issue at our school. Incidents are addressed transparently and are not brushed under the rug,” she stated.

The Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation has yet to provide comments on the assistant program’s broader impact across other schools. Currently, only educational institutions with more than 700 students qualify for an assistant under the program, which requires a tripartite agreement between the school, the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, and the Ministry of Education.

Vujinović noted that the Milan Vuković Elementary School was the sole institution in the Boka Kotorska region participating in this pilot program and has now established a permanent assistant role, aimed at enhancing safety. The assistant, hired under a contract for ten months, is tasked not only with responding to incidents but also with identifying potential risks of violence before they escalate.

Since September 1, 2023, the assistant has been contracted for an additional thirty days due to recent regulatory changes that allow schools with over 700 students to employ such personnel. Vujinović highlighted that the assistant’s responsibilities include ensuring the safety of students and safeguarding school property, as detailed in a standardized job description.

The fight against violence and vandalism at the school is supported through continuous education initiatives led by the school’s psychologist and class teachers. These efforts include workshops from the “Skills for Adolescence” program and collaborative activities within the Student Parliament. Vujinović emphasized the importance of open communication with parents, which has garnered strong support from the community.

Looking ahead, Vujinović identified key challenges, particularly the need for early intervention. She stressed the importance of intensifying workshops for younger students to nurture non-violent behavior. “We recognize that children learn social interaction skills at an early age, and additional efforts are needed, especially for those who may not have the same opportunities at home,” she noted.

Training for assistants is conducted at the Police Academy in Danilovgrad, lasting 35 days. Candidates must meet various criteria, including holding a driver’s license, proving Montenegrin citizenship, and demonstrating psychological and physical fitness. Additionally, they must provide documentation ensuring they have no criminal convictions related to violence.

In a related development, authorities recently announced that physical security personnel will be deployed in certain schools starting October 1, 2023, in a bid to combat peer violence. This temporary measure will affect 68 elementary schools, 44 secondary schools, and one student dormitory, with funding of €418,200 allocated for the hiring of 205 security personnel.

This initiative, described as a transitional solution, was deemed effective during the previous school year. Plans are in place to establish a permanent system of protection, potentially involving school police or alternative security methods in collaboration with the Ministry of Internal Affairs.