All children should learn empathy and respect in school

Podgorica, 26 May 2026 – Almost every second child in Montenegro witnesses peer violence, while nearly one in five say they have experienced it personally (Bureau for Education, 2023). To learn how the “My Values and Virtues” programme helps schools strengthen children’s socio-emotional skills, prevent violence and create a safer school environment,, Minister of Education, Science and Innovation Anđela Jakšić-Stojanović, UNICEF Representative in Montenegro Michele Servadei, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of VOLI, Dragan Bokan, visited “Njegoš” Primary School in Spuž, one of 146 schools participating in this programme.

Through this programme, children develop empathy, respect, and non-violent conflict resolution skills, and with the support of VOLI, the programme is being expanded to an additional 15 schools.

“I believe every school should have a programme like this, because it is truly useful. We talk about feelings and understand each other better,” said Andrea Popović, a student at “Njegoš” Primary School in Spuž.

Peer violence is not prevented only by reacting when problems arise, but also by teaching children how to understand themselves and others, regulate their emotions, and resolve conflicts without violence.

“Empathy, respect and responsibility are the foundation of healthy relationships among children. This is why programmes such as ‘My Values and Virtues’ are an important part of education reform in Montenegro, aimed at creating safer schools and a culture of non-violence in society,” said Minister Anđela Jakšić-Stojanović.

UNICEF and the Bureau for Education Services developed the “My Values and Virtues” programme to enable children to build solidarity, teamwork, self-confidence, respect, self-control and non-violent communication at school and in everyday life.

“Long-term change begins when children learn at school how to understand themselves and others, cooperate and  learn how to manage conflict without resorting to violence. That is why it is important that the ‘My Values and Virtues’ programme is available to every child in Montenegro,” said UNICEF Representative Michele Servadei.

With the support of VOLI, girls and boys in 15 additional schools will, through the “My Values and Virtues” programme, develop skills in communication, cooperation, understanding emotions and mutual respect.

“A successful society is not built only by good students and professionals, but by people who know how to cooperate, help others and act fairly. That is why it is important for children to learn these values from an early age. We believe that investing in programmes like this means investing in a healthier and safer society,” said Dragan Bokan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of VOLI.

Through this partnership, the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation, UNICEF and VOLI demonstrate how cooperation between institutions and the private sector can support education reform and contribute to creating safer schools for every child in Montenegro.