On February 18, 2025, a high-level visit was held to one of the awarded Superschools programs, implemented as part of the second cycle of this regional initiative, connecting secondary schools from Nikšić and Bugojno. The event brought together representatives of the European Union, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Ministry of Sports and Youth of Montenegro, and RYCO. This visit was an opportunity to showcase the ongoing student exchange between these schools and highlight the importance of their long-term partnership, which has been successfully fostering intercultural dialogue and youth cooperation for the past two years.
During the visit, students from Bugojno stayed in Nikšić, where they participated in educational programs and workshops to further strengthen their collaboration and acquire new knowledge. Officials attended a media literacy workshop, where students had the opportunity to test their knowledge through an interactive quiz and learn more about the importance of critical thinking, recognizing misinformation, and safely consuming media content.
Deputy Head of the EU Delegation in Montenegro, Riccardo Serri, highlighted the importance of youth cooperation and the European Union’s commitment to supporting such initiatives.
“The European Union proudly supports programs like RYCO Superschools because we believe in the power of youth as future leaders and drivers of change. Moreover, as a generation that has grown up with mobile phones, it is crucial for them to develop media literacy,” Serri stated.
Enis Čindrak, advisor to the Ambassador at the German Embassy in Montenegro, reaffirmed Germany’s long-standing support for RYCO initiatives and conveyed a message from the German Ambassador Dr. Peter Felten to the young participants of the workshop.
“The Ambassador wanted to share his personal experience, as he himself participated in a similar program when he was young. He knows firsthand how valuable such exchanges are for future opportunities, career development, and building meaningful connections. He is confident that students from Nikšić and Bugojno will take away valuable experiences and friendships that will benefit them in the future,” said Čindrak.
During the visit, Darko Stojanović, Director of the Directorate for Youth at the Ministry of Sports and Youth, emphasized the importance of programs like Superschools in empowering young people.
“These programs are a great way for young people to get involved and actively contribute to their communities. The Ministry of Sports and Youth will continue to support initiatives that strengthen their role in society,” said Stojanović.
Edin Koljenović, Head of the RYCO Local Branch Office in Montenegro, addressed the participants, emphasizing the crucial role of young people in driving social change.
“Real change starts with young people. They are the ones who have the power to shape the future through their engagement and initiatives. That is why it is essential for them to seize such opportunities for their development—because if they don’t initiate change, no one else will do it for them,” Koljenović stressed.
The Superschools program enables students from different local communities to take part in seven-day exchanges, during which they engage in joint activities that foster intercultural dialogue, share experiences, and participate in peacebuilding initiatives across the region. This program encourages young people to develop tolerance, openness, and a better understanding of regional perspectives by directly experiencing the cultures, traditions, and values of their peers.
