Назад Coding for change in Montenegro

Podgorica 10-11 December 2024
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Coding for change in Montenegro

Six high school teams from across Montenegro gathered in Podgorica for the “Equal Hack: Code for Equality” hackathon, an exciting two-day event where young minds designed solutions to promote inclusion, respect, and safer online and offline spaces for all.

The hackathon, which brought together teams from Bar, Nikšić, Podgorica, Rožaje, and Tivat, showcased the creativity, energy, and technical skills of Montenegro’s youth. Over two days, students developed innovative projects aimed at fostering positive behaviour in their schools and communities. They worked alongside mentors from the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro (NTP), who provided guidance on project development and pitching skills.

Opening the event, Marija Gošović, Director General of the Directorate for High School and Vocational Education in the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation encouraged students to design innovative digital and other solutions that will promote inclusion, respect and safety in our schools and communities. „This is an opportunity to contribute to social change that will make education more accessible and equitable for all, especially those who need support the most,” she said offering support of the Ministry for the most succesful projects.

Valentina Radulović , Director of the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro called for better support of the youth creativity stressing that “the hackathon connects young people, develops their skills and promotes inclusion and equality”.

Lejla Dervišagić, Head of the Program Office of the Council of Europe in Podgorica, congratuled the shortlisted teams and asked them to help uthe Council of Europe to further strengthen the application of its standards with their creativity, energy and knowledge”.

Vesna Atanasova, Head of Unit in the Education Department in the Council of Europe, advised students “while you think, build and create, think big. Question obvious, embrace diversity, and above all, believe in the power of what you can achieve together. There are no boundaries in this room—only possibilities. Let's code for equality, hack for inclusion and dream of a future we can all be proud of.”

Out of 12 teams that applied, six were shortlisted to compete in the final event. After intense brainstorming, coding, and mentoring sessions, the top three teams hailed from Nikšić, Podgorica, and Bar. Their projects stood out for their innovation, practicality, and potential to drive positive change in schools and communities.

Recognising the potential of every team, the Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation invited all six teams to present their projects to the Ministry. This opens the door for additional support to bring their creative ideas to life and implement them on a broader scale.

The event was organised within the action "Quality Education for All," which is part of the joint programme of the European Union and the Council of Europe, "Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Turkey."