'Hiking School' begins: 4,067 seventh-grade students on the mountain trails of Bjelašnica, Igman and Trebević

(Patria) - For 4,067 seventh-grade students of primary schools in Sarajevo Canton, the new season of 'Hiking School' began today, a unique project implemented by the Ministry of Education of Sarajevo Canton in cooperation with the Institute for the Development of Pre-University Education. The program has been conducted for the fourth consecutive year as a mandatory part of Physical and Health Education classes.

During September and October, students will visit Bjelašnica, Igman and Trebević in three hiking trips.

The first trip gathered more than six hundred students, distributed across three mountains, on trails ranging from seven to eight kilometers in length. On Bjelašnica, 202 students are hiking from Babin do to Lisičja glava; 219 students on Igman are covering the section from the large parking lot via Ravna Vala to Veliko polje; while the third group of 208 students is exploring Trebević, following the route from Ravni to Vidikovac via Dobra voda, Studenac, the PD Trebević lodge and the former bobsleigh track. The central gathering was held on Igman, at the Mrazište site, a place of strong historical symbolism.

“Mrazište on Igman is not just the starting point of the hike, but also a place that carries strong historical symbolism. 'Hiking School' gives children the opportunity to love their homeland, to connect with nature and its benefits, but also to acquire new knowledge and skills through socializing and movement: how to behave in nature, orient themselves and responsibly overcome challenges. I am especially pleased by the enthusiasm of students and teachers, as it confirms that this project has become an important part of our education system,” said the Minister of Education of Sarajevo Canton, Naida Hota-Muminović.

The Minister emphasized that this is a project of great importance for students, as time spent in nature contributes to their physical and mental health, develops social skills, strengthens the sense of responsibility and encourages awareness of environmental protection. She reminded that alongside 'Hiking School', the Ministry also implements other mandatory programs: 'Swimming School' for fourth graders, 'Skiing School' for sixth graders, while high school students will soon have study visits across Bosnia and Herzegovina through which they learn about the broader history and geography of the country.

She particularly highlighted the role of the Institute for the Development of Pre-University Education in coordinating and implementing these activities, assessing them as invaluable for the proper psychophysical development of new generations.

“We want every child in Sarajevo Canton to feel the joy of hiking and to carry with them values that will accompany them throughout their lives. It is important for me to emphasize that the implementation of this project, as well as 'Swimming School' and 'Skiing School', has never been in question, because these are mandatory teaching contents and one of the priorities of the Ministry,” added Minister Hota-Muminović.

Funds for the implementation of 'Hiking School' are secured in the Budget of Sarajevo Canton. The Ministry and the Institute implement this project with the support of the Mountaineering Association of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Mountain Rescue Service – Sarajevo station, the Institute for Emergency Medical Assistance of Sarajevo Canton, as well as teachers and mountain guides who accompany the students.