Centre for Civic Education (CCE) commends the decision of Ministry of Education to seek the opinion of Agency for the Protection of Personal data and Free access to information during the creation of Proposal of Questionnaire for parents within the procedure of enrolment of children to first grade of primary school, in terms of their harmonisation with the provisions of Law on Protection of Personal Data. By doing so, Ministry of Education acknowledged, but also corrected, the mistake of previous management which designed the questionnaire that encroached right into the privacy of citizens and posed a potential mean of party misuse.

New questionnaire was improved compared to the previous, based on which CCE made a substantiated reaction and launched the Initiative for the monitoring over the compilation and dissemination of Questionnaire on basic information of pupils at the Ministry of Education and Primary schools „Štampar Makarije“ and „Radojica Perović”. »

Centre for Civic Education (CCE) congratulates 3 May – World Press Freedom Day – to all media and media practitioners in Montenegro, though unfortunately they have no reason to celebrate it this year either. On the other side, this is a chance to indicate on difficult environment in which Montenegrin media work and operate, as well as on the fact that media freedoms have been downgraded on every ground, which has a limiting effect on the overall democratisation of society.

Role of media in the development of democratic society is immeasurable. However, in order for media to achieve their role, the state must ensure an ambient where journalists can work free, without any pressure and fear of aftermath of their work. Lack of progress in this respect is evidenced by numerous challenges which encumber media scene in Montenegro, to which CCE has been indicating for years, and which remain without the adequate reaction from competent state bodies, thereby without the solution. Political pressures, inadequate legislative framework, numerous unresolved cases of assault on journalists, media and their property, which investigation and processing is not in the interest of the state, uninspiring financial framework and opaque allocations from public funds which directly affect the media market, are just some of the causes of deep division on media scene and decrease of quality of media reporting. Media cannot exercise their role of watchdog over political officials in such surrounding, or inform the citizens of Montenegro in an objective, timely and professional manner. »

Centre for Civic Education (CCE) has employed eight persons with disabilities during April, within the framework of the project Through employment to inclusion. Their working engagement will last six months, and they will be placed in seven NGOs and one independent institution. Project is implemented with the support of Employment Agency.

More precisely, partners from civil society and institutions which will hire those persons with disabilities for six months are from three Montenegrin municipalities. Namely, SOS Hotline for women and children victims of violence and the Association of paraplegics from Nikšić are participating in this part of project activities, then there is the Association of parents of children and young people with special educational needs of Montenegro «Let’s grow together» from Danilovgrad. When it comes to Podgorica, those persons will work in NGO Juventas, Human Rights Action (HRA), Centre for investigative journalism (CIJ) and in CCE. In addition, the Ombudsman is involved in this part of project activities, where one person will be also have working engagement. »

Centre for Civic Education (CCE) hosted the award of diplomas for the participants of Peace Education Programme. In total, 51 participant received the confirmation of attendance on PEP’s ninth cycle.

Same as before, PEP has enjoyed great level of interest, both by the citizens of Podgorica and other cities of Montenegro. It was marked by diverse and stimulating workshops with distinct materials which offered selection of key issues that were publically addressed in front of international audience by Prim Ravat, world renowned expert in that area. Each workshop consisted of several video footages, reflection time and accompanying reading material.

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A total of 60 candidates from Central, Northern and Southern region acquainted with the communication world

Total of 60 candidates from entire Montenegro have completed their first round of training in the communication area. By entering the communication world, during past two weekends, they have gained basic presentation skills, learned how to function in team and how to best resolve a conflict in the team. Candidates have also acquired the skills for online communication through theoretical lectures and practical exercises. An interview simulation has helped to create a good basis for young unemployed people on how to make a great first impression and present their qualities during their encounter with the employer.

Expectations of Aleksandar Bulatović from Mojkovac, one of the selected candidates, were reached. “Apart from the many details that I have learned, which are important in order to present myself in best manner possible, I would also commend both the professional and friendly relation of lecturers. Also, the interaction between us – listeners and lecturers, was on a very high level, which leads to conclusion that the presentations and manner of presentation were both very interesting and appealing. Therefore, I am truly happy for having the honour to be a part of this group and this training, thereby to expand my knowledge and views in this area”, stated Aleksandar Bulatović.

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