ŠABIĆI Promised 'School in Nature' still closed, institutions silent: Who benefits from letting the newly built facility decay?

By: A. Čorbo-Zećo

The "School in Nature" project was conceived as a unique experience for fourth-grade students of elementary schools in Sarajevo Canton – a stay at an altitude of 1,100 meters, in a natural environment at the crossroads of Bjelašnica, Treskavica, and Visočica.

Although the project's ambitions were high and the promises clear, today the "Šabići" facility stands closed and is decaying. And has been for years! We will recall that the KS Government even held sessions in these premises once.

The plan envisioned that the expansion of capacity would enable free stays for as many as 4,000 students, who through the school in nature would have the opportunity to enjoy fresh air, learn about natural and historical landmarks, and enjoy a peaceful rural environment.

The architectural solution envisioned a modern, functional school adapted to mountain conditions, with an educational section, hostel accommodation, and catering facilities – a fireplace hall, a restaurant, and a kitchen. It was planned to expand the accommodation capacity to about 130 beds, an additional floor and attic, as well as sports fields for basketball, volleyball, and football.

And everything, it seems, has been done, citizens' money has been invested, but their children still go to school in nature outside of Sarajevo Canton.

The Ministry of Education KS recently, after talk that the 'School in Nature' would not even be held, announced that 950,000 KM is foreseen in the budget for the 2024/2025 school year for the realization of the "School in Nature". It is therefore clear that services will be paid to private individuals, and elementary schools must conduct public procurement procedures and submit complete documentation.

While the paperwork is being sorted out, children are deprived of the educational and extracurricular activities that were promised to them years ago.

The space that was supposed to become a place of learning and play today is a symbol of institutional irresponsibility; the facility is decaying, and the promised paradise in nature still awaits its users – the students.

The Patria News Agency sent several inquiries to the responsible minister Naida Hota-Muminović regarding the problem of the facility in Šabići, one dating back to last year. The inquiry has been ignored for over a year. In the meantime, Ibro Berilo, the former mayor of Trnovo, is also 'gone'; he was replaced by Adel Koso, but there are no requests for the legalization of the facility.

Who benefits and why from letting the newly built facility decay?