New investments in "Aleksa Šantić" Primary School in Zenica

(Patria) - The completion of the roof reconstruction project for the central building of JU OŠ "Aleksa Šantić" in Zenica was marked today with a ceremony. The project was realized with the financial support of the Embassy of Japan in BiH and the Government of the Zenica-Doboj Canton (ZDC).

Prime Minister of ZDC Nezir Pivić stated that the Government he leads continuously invests in improving conditions in educational institutions across the canton.

- In every school, we strive to ensure better working conditions for students and teachers through infrastructural investments. Today, we witnessed a quality partnership with the Government of Japan, for which we are extremely grateful.

This project has provided our students and teachers with better and safer conditions for staying and working. We will continue to implement similar projects in the future - said Prime Minister Pivić.

Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of ZDC Mirza Mušija thanked the Embassy, the Government, and the people of Japan for their long-standing support to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

- Since the end of the war, Japan has invested more than 300 million euros in Bosnia and Herzegovina through various projects. We are particularly pleased that they have recognized the importance of investing in education and culture.

On behalf of the school, the canton, and the country, I thank them for this valuable support. When we took responsibility for managing the education sector, we thought about how to improve the existing situation - said Minister Mušija.

Ambassador of Japan to BiH Aiki Toshihiro emphasized that the project was realized based on the school's request, with the aim of improving conditions for students and teachers.

- The Embassy of Japan provided 181,000 KM for the realization of this project. The renovation of the roof and facade will enable better maintenance of the building, especially during the winter period.

We are pleased that 540 students and teachers will have a better and safer environment for work and stay. Japan continuously supports projects in the fields of education and healthcare, as we want to contribute to improving the quality of life for the citizens of BiH - said Ambassador Toshihoro.

- The Government of ZDC, despite its limited budget, continuously invests in education and improving the status of educators. In the past three years, the income of employees in education has increased by more than 50 percent.

At the same time, we are aware that more than 300 school buildings require additional investments, which is why it is important to jointly seek models of cooperation and support to improve working conditions in schools - said the president of the Independent Trade Union of Primary Education and Upbringing of FBiH Selvedin Šatorović.

School Principal Mirsada Čoloman thanked all partners who supported the project's realization.

- This investment means safer, better quality, and improved conditions for students and teachers to stay and work. I extend special thanks to the Embassy of Japan for understanding the needs of our school, the trust shown, and the selfless support.

This assistance represents a strong message of friendship, solidarity, and investment in the future of children and education. I also thank the Government of ZDC, Prime Minister Pivić, and Minister Mušija, who recognized the importance of investing in education and provided support for the realization of this project - added Čoloman.