PILOT PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS THE NEED FOR A NATIONAL PROJECT
Podgorica, March 24 – Following a session of the National Committee for Financial Education, Governor Dr. Irena Radović, Minister of Education Prof. Dr. Anđela Jakšić-Stojanović, and Executive Director of the Innovation Fund Dr. Bojana Femić-Radosavović signed a Protocol on Financial Education in Schools using innovative methods.
National Project: Robotics for the Youngest
Based on the signed Cooperation Protocol, a national project for the introduction of robotics in all primary schools in Montenegro is being implemented. The first project that these three institutions will jointly realize is named “Robotics for the Youngest”.
The project includes:
• Procurement of Botley 2.0 robots for all primary schools in Montenegro.
• Organization of camps for teaching staff to acquire new knowledge on the application of robots in teaching.
• Organization of leagues (competitions) for students.
The goal is for children to adopt basic financial knowledge and develop necessary financial skills through interactive activities of programming robots.
Excellent Results of the Pilot Project
In 2022, the Innovation Fund launched the EduRobotić project with the support of the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation of Montenegro, as well as the Bureau for Education Services. The pilot phase was conducted in four primary schools in Podgorica. Due to significant interest from educational institutions, the Fund, with the help of donors, secured the continuation of the project in 2023 and expanded it to an additional 16 schools across all three Montenegrin regions. Now, the ultimate goal has been achieved, and with this protocol, the EduRobotić project will cover all primary schools in Montenegro, transitioning into the national project “Robotics for the Youngest”.
Project Goals
The protocol defines the area of assistance aimed at:
• Developing competence in financial literacy from the earliest age.
• Improving existing and developing new methods of financial education within the educational system in accordance with the needs of children.
• Encouraging the application of digital technologies to master new knowledge in the field of financial literacy.
Practical Benefits for Children
When children solve complex problems with the help of robots and learn to code, they actually discover a whole new world of possibilities. The application of robotics in early childhood education allows children to turn their play into programming. Unlike standard programming, programming with robots is less abstract, and children adopt it more easily and quickly. This project will make learning more beautiful, interactive, and fun.
Financial Education as the Key to a Better Future
From the perspective of the Innovation Fund, it is extremely important that our society develops in an innovative direction from a young age. Investing in the early development of children through projects like EduRobotić not only modernizes our educational system but also lays the foundation for a future full of innovation. Our children are the future, and by providing them with the opportunity to get acquainted with technology, logic, and creativity from an early age, we ensure them a unique and rich educational experience. We are confident that Botley 2.0 will become an indispensable partner in this process, providing our youngest generations with the tools for success in the 21st century.
“Financial education plays a crucial role in enabling citizens to make correct financial decisions and efficiently use fintech technologies, such as digital payments and crowdfunding platforms for starting businesses,” said CBCG Governor and Committee Chair Dr. Irena Radović. “In this way, financial literacy and innovations together increase financial inclusion, facilitate access to financial services and capital, and ultimately provide the prerequisites for dynamic economic development and societal prosperity,” she added.
Thank you to everyone who supported this project and enabled us to jointly improve education in Montenegro.
