Ministry of Education on Safety in Sarajevo Canton Schools: Optimisation of Workplaces to Increase Safety

(Patria) - At the start of the second semester, the Ministry of Education of Sarajevo Canton issued an instruction to schools to optimise the workplaces of technical staff, in order to reduce safety risks and ensure adequate support for students and workers.

This measure comes as a response to increasingly frequent safety challenges in schools across Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region. The goal is to ensure an even distribution of human and technical resources, and to improve risk prevention in educational institutions.

According to an analysis conducted by the relevant Ministry in cooperation with the Institute for the Development of Pre-University Education of Sarajevo Canton, there are various categories of technical staff in primary and secondary schools in Sarajevo Canton: daytime guards, workers for service-technical and safety support, janitors, and night guards. In addition, many schools already use additional resources, including video surveillance, anti-burglary and fire protection systems, and contracts with security agencies.

Nevertheless, the analysis showed that in a number of schools, a better allocation of staff and resources needs to be made. For example, some schools simultaneously employ two workers for service-technical support tasks, but have no daytime guard. Also, certain schools simultaneously have multiple contracts with external agencies and video surveillance, even though the Pedagogical Standards envisage the engagement of agencies as an alternative to employing technical staff.

Currently, in 107 schools in Sarajevo Canton, a total of 365 workers are employed in technical support and safety tasks. Approximately 300,000 KM is allocated annually for securing facilities and surveillance, while an additional 400,000 KM goes to teacher duty shifts.

Minister of Education Naida Hota-Muminović emphasised the importance of optimal resource allocation in schools.

„The analysis has shown that we have significant resources in Sarajevo Canton. The goal of this measure is for every school to have sufficient resources and human capacity to carry out safety tasks in both shifts. We particularly emphasise that porter and security control tasks are not the obligation of hygiene maintenance workers nor of students through duty at entrances. That is a practice that must be abolished. We can reduce safety risks through proper resource allocation,“ stated Minister Hota-Muminović.

The Ministry called on school principals to adjust the employment contracts of technical staff in accordance with applicable laws and the needs of schools. Guidelines for improving safety, adopted after tragic events in the region, have already been integrated into legal acts and daily school activities.

In addition, the Ministry continues to invest in preventive programmes, professional development, and cooperation with professionals from various sectors. All these measures aim to create a safe environment for every student and worker in the school communities of Sarajevo Canton.