I enjoy writing, drawing, and learning. I also like socializing. As she browses through her notebook, smiling and alternating her gaze between her classmates and heli, her assistant, eleven-year-old Hana Medjedovic looks up at her teacher Gordani to discuss her love for school and the reasons behind it.

Hana is a fourth-grade student at the “Marko Miljanov” Elementary School in Bijelo Polje and has special educational needs.

Her school is among over 120 in Montenegro that has adopted the “My Values and Virtues” program, designed to help teachers cultivate social and emotional (SE) skills in students, such as tolerance, empathy, creativity, and self-confidence.

In Hana’s class, these skills appear to be second nature to everyone:

“Hana enjoys spending time with all of us, and we love hanging out with her,” her friends of eleven years assert in unison.

“Hana is my best friend,” states Helena Lekovic. “I help her write, color, hold her hand, style her hair, and even assist her during long breaks.”.

Another friend of Hana, Hasa Catovic, proudly shares her admiration for Hana:

“When I looked at her notebook, I was amazed at her writing and drawing skills, all thanks to Jela’s support.”

The “My Values and Virtues” initiative in Montenegro, supported by UNICEF, has been in operation since 2015, implemented by the Institute for Education. According to coordinator Ljiljana Ivanovic, the program currently engages 777 teachers across 128 primary and secondary schools throughout Montenegro.

“The program emphasizes how values, attitudes, and virtues shape the holistic development of young people’s personalities and their connection to academic success. By focusing on SE skills like empathy, optimism, teamwork, persistence, gratitude, honesty, and tolerance, we aim to foster social cohesion within school communities, creating an inclusive and safe environment where every child feels accepted and valued,” she explains.

Declining Empathy Among Children

At the “Marko Miljanov” Elementary School in Bijelo Polje, which Hana attends, the program has been in place since 2017, with the latest workshop held in March.

“We prioritize the professional development of our teachers while emphasizing inclusive education,” says director Tatjana Damjanović.

Regarding the program’s values for both students and staff, she elaborates that it encourages “recognizing diversity and developing empathy and tolerance.”

“Moreover, we identify social values that should be acknowledged by both teachers and students. Unfortunately, we observe a decline in children’s empathy and tolerance levels.”

This year, the program is being primarily implemented in northern areas, particularly in smaller schools. In February, six rural schools within the Bijelo Polje municipality were included in the initiative, and Damjanović anticipates training for two more city elementary schools, “Dušan Korać” and “Risto Ratković,” shortly.

These schools were previously involved in the program, though not all staff attended the workshops.

Creating a Respectful and Safe Classroom Environment

Gordana Radović, Hana’s teacher, is committed to not just imparting knowledge but also fostering an atmosphere where every child feels accepted, respected, and secure. The “My Values and Virtues” program aligns with her goals.

“The training enriches our professional and personal lives. I learned how to nurture empathy, cooperation, and mutual respect through daily activities. The positive changes are evident in children’s interactions; they include Hana in all endeavors. She now feels part of the group, smiles more, engages more frequently, and participates to the best of her ability. While her assistant Jela provides crucial support, the backing from her friends is also remarkable.”

This sentiment is echoed by Hana’s father, Haris:

“She truly adores her teacher and assistant, reflecting her trust and sense of belonging. She thrives in this classroom dynamic, where her peers actively support her and include her in all activities, leading to more joyful moments.”.

Positive Changes at Home

Hana’s father has also observed significant improvements in his daughter:

“Since we started working with Hana intensively, she’s become more stable, communicates better, and shows a greater understanding of her surroundings. I notice she’s calmer, happier, and has gained self-confidence. The best moments are her little surprises, like learning a new word or completing a task independently—small yet significant milestones for me as a parent.”

Collaboration with Hana extends beyond school into the home environment:

“We reinforce her school exercises at home, particularly focusing on communication and daily activities. I ensure she participates in everything we do, from chores to play, and I consistently encourage her to try things independently,” her father Haris shares.

He notes that her daily routine remains consistent—waking, exercising, walking, and attending school—which she eagerly anticipates, knowing it’s time for school:

“She is ready on time and looks forward to each school day with her teachers and friends. This fosters a sense of security and belonging.”

Haris emphasizes the immense support Hana gains from the “My Values and Virtues” program:

“It’s invaluable to have individuals who comprehend our challenges and know how to assist her. This creates opportunities for Hana to thrive and develop.”…

Building a Foundation for a Healthy Community

Teacher Gordana encourages all her colleagues to participate in the “My Values and Virtues” program.

“This program is not merely an addition to the curriculum; it’s the foundation for nurturing a healthy and inclusive school community. Every child should grow in an environment that values them as individuals. This training equips teachers with confidence and practical tools to truly make a difference, benefiting not just children like Hana but the entire classroom.”

Principal Tatjana Damjanović also advocates for participation in the program, suggesting it would be beneficial for parents as well: “Together, we can cultivate children ready to face the challenges of modern society.”

By focusing on the development of SE skills such as empathy, optimism, teamwork, perseverance, gratitude, honesty, and tolerance, we can improve social cohesion in school communities, fostering a nurturing and secure environment for every child, states Ljiljana Ivanović from the Institute for Education.