Out of 100,000 children in BiH aged 3 to 6, only 13% attend kindergarten

According to data obtained by UNICEF during the campaign "Kindergartens for All", there are 100,000 children aged 3 to 6 in BiH, and this number drastically decreases every year, writes the BiH news agency Patria. This campaign is part of UNICEF's project "Increasing Early Learning Opportunities for Children in BiH".

The project was implemented in cooperation with competent educational institutions, and last year it enabled access to preschool programs for more than 7,500 children across BiH.

The enrollment rate of children in preschool institutions in BiH is only 13.7%, while among the countries in the region, Serbia has as much as 44% enrolled children, Macedonia 22%, Kazakhstan 37%, Ukraine 62%.

- A child who has preschool education achieves better results, and it is an investment in the future. Preschool education is also important for a child's development, and it is the highest quality and best investment in this country – said Abulaban.

He said that UNICEF will continue to support this project, but that it is not only the responsibility of individuals or UNICEF, but of the state.

- The response of authorities is positive, but political will and funds are needed because preschool education is not a luxury but a necessity.

Abulaban also emphasized that the enrollment rate of Roma children in kindergartens is 2%, but the enrollment rate of children with developmental disabilities has increased by 17% compared to the set goal.

Within the project, more than a hundred schools and institutions received assistance in the form of equipment and professional development for educators.

According to research, parents and children have a great desire for such education, but the main problem identified is the unavailability of preschool institutions, especially in rural areas. On the other hand, many parents leave childcare to family members and do not enroll their children in kindergarten.

Abulaban once again stressed that all funds will be made available to ensure children's rights to preschool education are realized.