Ministry of Education and Science KS on SAFER document: We are surprised by insinuations and prejudices

(Patria) - After the Minister of Education and Science of KS, Naida Hota-Muminović, first scheduled and then cancelled a press conference where she was supposed to speak about the "Towards SAFER Learning" document, which has caused numerous reactions within both the educational and political communities, the Ministry issued clarifications today.

"The Ministry of Education and Science of Sarajevo Canton pays attention to public communication, is open, and seriously considers all reasoned criticisms directed at it, with the aim of improving the processes it leads. At the same time, the Ministry does not succumb to pressures initiated by unfounded reasons, incomplete arguments, and often daily political motives and various interests. Therefore, we are responding to false claims and accusations that we believe can cause irreparable damage to Sarajevo Canton and its community as a whole.

1. "Towards SAFER Learning" (eng. SAFER – safer) is not a new reform, it is not a "new way of teaching", it is not a strategy, nor a replacement for curricular reform.

"Towards SAFER Learning" is a concept with recommendations that can be used, refined, and adapted to the context and needs of educational reform. In this sense, this document is a contribution to the reforms initiated in Sarajevo Canton.

2. SAFER contains the following values that are addressed in this document:
- (S)ustainability - covers issues such as climate change, economic and gender inequality, social justice, and is not defined in a narrow ecological sense;
- (A)wareness - implies understanding constant changes and global trends, respecting the richness of diversity and pluralism in BiH;
- (F)uture literacy - recognized by UNESCO and implies the ability to observe changes and find ways in which we can participate and influence the future;
- (E)thics - which should encompass all values we strive to promote and encourage in all areas of society;
- (R)esilience - as creative and flexible action in facing unexpected changes and challenges.
These are universal values that we want our children to adopt and cherish.

3. For the purpose of drafting the document "Towards SAFER Learning", the Ministry formed a focus group that actively participated in its creation, consisting of: Pavle Krstić, then Minister of Science, Higher Education and Youth of KS, Dženana Husremović, professor and vice-rector at the University of Sarajevo, Dušanka Bošković, professor and vice-rector at the University of Sarajevo, Mirza Sarajkić, associate professor at the University of Sarajevo, Stanislava Matić and Sedžida Hadžić from the Institute for the Development of Pre-University Education of KS, Erzumana Fukelj, director of the Primary School 'Vrhbosna', Seid Alibegović, director of the Second Gymnasium, Lamija Husić, assistant minister in the Ministry of Education and Science, Elma Kico and Emil Hodžić, employees of the Ministry of Education and Science, and Azra Dedović, consultant at the Ministry of Education and Science.

Naida Hota-Muminović, Minister of Education and Science of KS, also participated in the work of the group. The work of the focus group was organized on weekends, and the members received no compensation for their work.

4. Despite a detailed review and analysis of the criticisms received, it is unclear from which part of this document the critics conclude that it is about "compromising secular education", as they do not state this anywhere. The document "Towards SAFER Learning" does not lead to a deviation from the principles of secular education.

5. Partnerships in improving the educational system are important to us, and we strive to establish and maintain them. The Ministry collaborates with dozens of different domestic and international, governmental and non-governmental organizations and values their contribution to improving education and science in Sarajevo Canton, as well as in the country. Within these frameworks and contexts is the cooperation with the "Mulalić" Foundation on this specific project and the British Centre for Postnormal Policy and Future Studies for the document preparation process. We are grateful that they helped this document see the light of day. Although the "Mulalić" Foundation did not directly participate in the creation of this document, we are grateful for their coordination and overall support, especially to the coordinator between the Foundation and the Ministry, Prof. Dr. Mirza Sarajkić, professor at the University of Sarajevo.

6. We remind you that we have been committed to the transparency of the process from the very beginning. A representative of the Federal Ministry of Science, Education and Youth was present at one of the organized workshops. The leadership of the KS Assembly, heads of parliamentary groups in the KS Assembly, members of the Sarajevo Canton Government, and the Rector of the University of Sarajevo were also invited to the workshops.

In addition to the directors of primary and secondary schools in Sarajevo Canton, the Ministry invited media representatives (through the Protocol and Press Service of KS), the Minister of Science, Education and Youth of the Federation of BiH, the leadership of the KS Assembly, heads of all parliamentary groups in the KS Assembly, presidents of the Education Committee and the Youth Committee in the KS Assembly, the Mayor of the City of Sarajevo and the mayors of all municipalities in Sarajevo Canton, the Rector of the University of Sarajevo, the Agency for Preschool, Primary and Secondary Education of BiH, representatives of the EU Delegation to BiH, the Association of Councils of Parents of Primary and Secondary School Students, UNICEF, Save the Children, OSCE, UNDP, UNFPA, Goethe Institut, Yunus Emre Institute, Maarif Foundation, the Independent Trade Union of Primary Education and Upbringing of FBiH - Cantonal Board of the Independent Trade Union of Primary Education and Upbringing of KS, the Trade Union of Secondary and Higher Education, Upbringing, Science and Culture of Bosnia and Herzegovina - Cantonal Board Sarajevo, as well as other Ministry partners.

7. The Ministry will continue to present the document in the coming period as announced, inviting all interested parties to attend public presentations. Therefore, we once again invite everyone to direct their criticisms to the content of the document and to discuss the values that this document brings. The document "Towards SAFER Learning" should open discussions about values and improve educational reform in Sarajevo Canton.

Finally, we are surprised by the amount of prejudice displayed in the public space, which at times resembles an organized campaign with far-reaching harmful insinuations, and we refuse to defend ourselves against views articulated through hate speech.

In its work, the Ministry follows the vision of development of Sarajevo Canton, which includes fostering openness, respecting diversity, and developing a sense of belonging to the European way of life", the statement from the Ministry of Education and Science of KS stated.