15.08.2022
Six months have passed since the Russian aggression against Ukraine started. It is more than clear that the war will last even longer. Around 7 thousand refugees who sought refuge in Montenegro will have to adapt to life here. Among the refugees is a large number of children of different school ages, and they will start attending local schools in September.
Among a number of activities financed by Help, thanks to the network of German humanitarian organizations for quick action in disasters – Aktion Deutschland Hilft, for the Ukrainian refugees, are lessons of the Montenegrin language for children and adults. The interest in attending these classes is very high. The classes are organized in volunteer centers for Ukrainian refugees in Podgorica and Budva.
Learning the language is of particular importance for children, who after the numerous stresses they have been exposed to in the past six months, will also face the challenge of continuing their education in a foreign language.
Professor Ms. Sanja Vojinović says that the language courses are based on the textbook, “Montenegrin language for foreigners”, which is a good starting point and base for upgrading knowledge fast.
“I think this is a good project, because it allows these people who were brought here by the tragic developments in Ukraine to live easier, better and happier. Going to school for children will be a big challenge, but for us here in Budva, despite the generally bad situation in education, it is still a little easier process, having in mind we have had experience for years with the enrollment of children who had to learn Montenegrin language, in addition to the regular curriculum.”
We attended classes and testified the enthusiasm with which both groups children and adults approach learning. Adults, says Professor Vojinović, are helped by the fact that it is a Slavic language with a lot of similarities. For children it is a bit more difficult; however, as we have seen, they can already introduce themselves and tell basic information about themselves and others.
When asked how they feel in Montenegro, everyone says it is pleasant, because they feel welcomed, and apart from the unbearable heat that lasts for a long time, which they are not used to, they have no complaints. They used the opportunity to thank the citizens of Montenegro for their hospitality and Help for the support provided.
In addition to language learning, Help supports Ukrainian refugees also through psychosocial assistance. Help organized six summer camps for children; the fifth one is ongoing now in Vučje. The previous four camps were organized in Vojnik mountain and in the Ethno village of Montenegro.
For the sake of better interaction, the groups include, apart from Ukrainian children, peers from Montenegro, along with instructors, who organize numerous joint activities for them.
Help also provided sports equipment for a number of sports activities in Podgorica and Budva. In the two towns, live Ukrainian tennis and basketball coaches, who have organized groups that regularly train these popular sports.
Previously, Help also supported Ukrainian refugees in cooperation with their volunteer organization Good Deed with food packages (400), as well as some clothes, shoes and other items for the children. Help supported the establishment of day care premises in Herceg Novi for Ukrainian refugees for their activities.
About 7,000 refugees live in Montenegro. They are mostly women with children and single mothers. Most of them are in Budva, Bar, Herceg Novi, Tivat and Podgorica.
Below is the atmosphere from basketball, tennis, language classes and summer camps.
