Today in Podgorica, a “Meet the Superschools” event was held, during which agreements were signed with nine Montenegrin schools whose projects were awarded within the 4th cycle of the Superschools RYCO program. The program aims to contribute to peacebuilding, reconciliation, intercultural learning, and dialogue within the framework of the Western Balkans School Exchange Scheme.
The event was organized by the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO), Local Branch Office in Montenegro.
The event was attended by representatives of the European Union, the German Embassy, the Ministry of Sports and Youth, and the Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation.
In her opening remarks, Bojana Lalatović, RYCO Program Coordinator, welcomed both new and returning schools awarded in this cycle, and emphasized:
“We deeply believe that a better and more prosperous region rests on young people, as evidenced by the numerous experiences of students and their teachers who have had the opportunity to participate in exchanges. In this context, our cooperation with teachers is of key importance, as their enthusiasm provides an invaluable contribution to RYCO’s mission. They are the ones who ensure that every student feels safe and comfortable, that every exchange is engaging and educational, that young people have space to speak and learn about topics they find relevant, and that through these exchanges they build deeper connections with their peers.”
Riccardo Serri, Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro, speaking on behalf of the EU as a long-standing partner, reflected on the achievements of previous cycles:
“The results of the first cycles of this programme speak for themselves: more than 120 projects supported, 240 exchanges implemented, and over 3,000 students and 480 teachers involved. Each of these exchanges represents a step forward in strengthening trust, understanding, and cooperation in the region. For Montenegro, given its size, these results are even more impactful. We look forward to seeing the ideas and projects that you will develop and to learning from your experiences.”
Addressing the directors and teachers present, Darko Stojanović, Director General of the Directorate for Youth and Cooperation with NGOs at the Ministry of Sports and Youth, stressed that the Ministry remains a dedicated partner in this project, thanking those who have already participated in previous cycles:
“I am confident that the synergy of our joint efforts will bring lasting results—not only in the fields of education and cooperation, but also in consolidating peace and mutual trust.”
Ralf Reusch, Deputy Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, emphasized:
“The RYCO Superschools program is such a project. It strengthens the initiative of students and teachers and gives participants the opportunity to develop an individual and authentic view of the region, its history, and the future of the Western Balkans. I therefore hope that all your exchange projects will be a great success—and that more schools in Montenegro will be inspired by your example.”
Closing the opening remarks, Dragan Marković, State Secretary at the Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation of Montenegro, underlined that the Ministry highly values RYCO’s mission:
“It clearly demonstrates that human rights, mutual respect, and trust are the best foundations for long-term stability and development of the region. In this sense, ‘Superschools’ are not just an educational program—they are a school of life, a school of solidarity, and a school of peace.”
Following the opening remarks, the event continued with the ceremonial signing of agreements and the presentation of the upcoming activities related to this project
Background
About the Superschools program
Superschools is a RYCO program for school exchanges in the region with the objectives to support the peacebuilding and reconciliation process and intercultural learning and dialogue among schools, students and their communities. The program is part of a multi-donor project “Western Balkans School Exchange Scheme” co-financed by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) together with the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO).
About RYCO
RYCO is an intergovernmental organization that stewards and promotes regional and intercultural cooperation of young people within and among Western Balkans societies. RYCO’s programs focus on creating opportunities for young people to engage in activities that build mutual understanding and reconciliation in the civic, social, educational, cultural, and sports domains. RYCO initiates and participates in policymaking and advocates for reform. It supports the development of a political and social environment that empowers and facilitates youth exchange.
