Councilor Jovana Todorović from the “For the Future of Budva” coalition has urged the Budva Municipality to provide assistance for the students of the “Danilo Kiš” Secondary Mixed School (SMŠ) so they can participate in the European School Volleyball Championship.

“In recent weeks, residents of Budva have seen the plea made by the director of the ‘Danilo Kiš’ Secondary Mixed School, Krsto Vuković, to the Budva Municipality leaders, yet there has been no response to his calls for help. The newly elected president of the Budva Municipality, Nikola Jovanović, along with other municipal officials, have not taken the time to meet with Mr. Krsto Vuković and the students, nor have they addressed their public appeal for support for the students’ participation in the European School Volleyball Championship scheduled from April 4 to 10. The ‘Danilo Kiš’ Secondary Mixed School proudly holds the title of national champion in both competitions and is now responsible for facilitating the attendance of 22 students and two teachers at this prestigious event. To make this happen, approximately 15,000 euros is required. Given the Budva Municipality’s adopted budget of nearly 65 million euros, it is disheartening that support is not being extended to these young talents who represent the future of our city,” stated Todorović.

She further mentioned that in the past three years alone, students from this school have achieved a remarkable 13 medals at the National Knowledge Competition (across fields such as geography, biology, mathematics, sociology, English, Italian, and German). Additionally, they have secured several accolades at the Knowledge Olympiad in Podgorica and consistently ranked among the best in the country in national competitions related to tourism, economics, hospitality, and sports.

“They have excelled at various international competitions and represented the school at the Olympiads in Greece and Ireland (in philosophy and geography), finishing in the top ten globally in elite economics contests twice. This raises the question: why have these students never received the support or recognition they deserve from the Budva Municipality? As a former student of this school and someone who built upon the knowledge gained here to become the top student of my generation at university, I feel compelled to support all students, as well as Principal Krsto Vuković, to assure them that they are not alone. Their hard work is evident, their knowledge is valued, and no one can take that away from them through silence and inaction,” remarked Todorović.

As a councilor in the Municipal Assembly (MA) of Budva (DNP – ZBCG), she stated that she has the right to voice her concerns and demand that the President of the Budva Municipality urgently meets with school director Krsto Vuković, teachers, and students. It’s not only about holding a meeting but also about ensuring the allocation of funds necessary for these talented young individuals to compete in this prestigious event.

“I am aware that the new leadership of the Budva Municipality does not place a high value on knowledge and will not gain immediate material benefits from these students, which is why their pleas for assistance are being ignored. However, I must remind them that these young individuals represent the brightest future of our city, and a time will come when, thanks to their achievements, they will have a chance to speak up and be heard,” concluded Todorović.

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