Today, professors from the First Niš Gymnasium “Stevan Sremac” prepared beans in large cauldrons in the schoolyard for students, faculty, and peers from other institutions.

They mentioned that beans were historically seen as a source of strength and awareness, which inspired the name of their campaign, “Be Beans”.

“Togetherness, clear minds, and open hearts are needed now more than ever. We gather around this large pot of beans—because beans nourish the body, and unity sharpens the mind,” expressed the professors from “Stevan Sremac” high school.

Zorica Milenković, a professor at “Stevan Sremac” high school, urged those who have hesitated to support the students’ and professors’ demands, out of fear or uncertainty, to find the courage to stand with them.

“We must endure this journey together for a greater purpose: improving education and instigating foundational changes. When we return, we aim to truly start afresh and ensure effective teaching. We are advocating for better working conditions for a 21st-century education,” Milenković stated.

The staff at “Stevan Sremac” High School has decided to suspend classes until the students’ demands are addressed, using the blockade period to conduct workshops, forums, and lectures.

“Our colleagues from the faculty join us, and we also visit them. We are preparing an exhibition, and our drama section is in daily rehearsal for a humanitarian play,” Milenković added.

In addition to “Stevan Sremac”, three more high schools in Niš, namely “Bora Stanković”, “Svetozar Marković”, and “9. maj”, are also under blockade.

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