Through strategic investments realized in the period from 2021 to 2024, Sarajevo Canton improved its education system, investing 175 million BAM in key projects such as building new schools, digitalization and strengthening psychological support. With these measures, the total value of the educational reform exceeded 200 million BAM.
“Education is our biggest responsibility, not only to today’s students, but also to future generations. That is why we have invested significant efforts and resources to create better conditions in which every child from our Canton will have the opportunity to develop their potential. We are aware that there is still a lot of work to be done and that we still have significant challenges ahead of us, but this investment in the future of every child in the Canton represents a solid foundation for continued work,” said the Prime Minister of Sarajevo Canton Nihad Uk.
Free textbooks, expansion of the extended stay network and construction of a new school
Of exceptional importance is the construction of the new Stup na Ilidža Elementary School, a strategic project of the Sarajevo Canton. Thanks to this investment of 22 million BAM, the Cantonal Government is fulfilling a long-standing promise and offering a solution for citizens who have been advocating for their children’s right to quality education in their neighborhood for decades.
The Sarajevo Canton has introduced free textbooks for all primary school students, with an allocation of four million BAM. The extended day care network has been expanded, with co-financing of 1.12 million BAM, and kindergarten places have been secured for 6,300 children through subsidies of 17.25 million BAM. The improvement of support for students is also reflected in a significant increase in professional staff: 107 school psychologists have been hired, compared to seven hired in 2018, 400 assistants and 78 members of professional teams for inclusive education.
Teacher salaries increased by 48%
In November, a contract was signed for the purchase of school furniture worth almost four million BAM, which will provide each school in the Sarajevo Canton with two fully equipped classrooms. The infrastructure renovation also includes the introduction of modern network equipment, the purchase of 2,100 new computers, and fully equipped science classrooms in all schools by the end of 2025. 17,000 students were included in sports and recreational programs, and teachers’ salaries increased by 48% in the aforementioned period. A total of more than 88 million BAM was invested in infrastructure from 2021 to 2024.
“Every mark invested in education is an investment in the dignity of our citizens. We continue our work with the same dedication, because we know that although the path to an ideal system is long, this is the most important investment for the future of the Sarajevo Canton,” concluded the Prime Minister Uk.
