LocationsNorwegian Ambassador Reinertsen visiting Tesanj: Invest in the education of the generations to come!
October 17, 2022
Norwegian Ambassador in Bosnia and Herzegovina, H.E. Olav Reinertsen, was in Tesanj, where he visited the "Huso Hodzic" Primary School, which was equipped with a STEM classroom as part of the project "The Economic Governance for Growth (EGG 2)" and introduced a new section for students. On this occasion, the Ambassador visited the STEM Ideas Fair, where students presented their projects, and then held the first in a series of "Generation Talks" with young people, which is an activity through which he wants to present the ideas of the Kingdom of Norway's support for innovation and education in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
"STEM education enables young people to think more about the environment and to combine theoretical knowledge with practice. At today's Ideas Fair at the "Huso Hodzic" Elementary School, I had the opportunity to talk with students at the age of 13 - 14 who already think so widely about what their community needs, how they can improve the lives of their fellow citizens and propose smart solutions for their city. It is a great pleasure to see that the support of the Government of the Kingdom of Norway through the EGG projects give such results, and that the STEM cabinets are really used to bring new ideas closer to students and a different approach to knowledge"Norwegian Ambassador in Bosnia and Herzegovina, H.E. Olav Reinertsen
With the support of the Kingdom of Norway, in close cooperation with local authorities, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is implementing the second phase of the project " The Economic Governance for Growth” (EGG2). Through these activities, UNDP seeks to support community investment in education, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Within the framework of the EGG project, approximately one million KM was provided for equipping over 30 schools with STEM cabinets that support joint activities, education, encouraging innovation and expanding the circle of students involved in sections that encourage research and innovation.
"In a nutshell, STEM is all about science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Occupations that are covered by STEM are in short supply in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and they are extremely important for the development and future of this country. We must bring these fields of research closer to the younger generations, give them the opportunity to learn and they will provide practical solutions. In today's conversation with young people from Tesanj, I said that they should see education as an investment and that they are not afraid of improving learning conditions."Norwegian Ambassador in Bosnia and Herzegovina, H.E. Olav Reinertsen
Ambassador Reinertsen thanked the director of the Elementary School "Huso Hodzic", Tarik Kantic, as well as the teachers and students who hosted the meeting.
"Through today's conversation, I had the opportunity to learn more about how young people see their school, their community and their future. I talked about my childhood, the education system in Norway and everything that we have improved in the last few decades. I am convinced that these students bring fresh and critical thinking in every discussion. After all, knowledge and educated citizens are the greatest resource in any country, BiH as well," Ambassador Reinertsen concluded.
