Little Heroes Ready for Big Situations
Safety Training for Preschoolers in Mionica
June 12, 2026
Mionica, 12 June 2026 – With the support of the European Union and in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, the Sector for Emergency Management of the Ministry of the Interior, the Municipality of Mionica, the Health Centre Mionica, the Red Cross of Mionica, and the Fire and Rescue Unit Mionica, an educational event aimed at strengthening young children’s knowledge and preparedness for emergency situations was held today at the “Neven” preschool institution in Mionica.
Through engaging and age-appropriate activities, preschool children learned the basic rules of safe behaviour in emergency situations. As part of the interactive “Little Heroes Safety Course”, boys and girls explored what to do during floods or earthquakes, how to behave near rivers when ice is melting, how to react if they notice smoke or fire, and what essentials to pack in an emergency bag. The activities were designed to help children build a sense of safety, responsibility, and preparedness through play, movement, and hands-on tasks.
“Through play and fun activities, children learn most effectively what to do, how to respond safely, and who their local heroes are – firefighters, doctors, and medical staff. This helps reduce fear and build trust in the services that protect us. Every investment in children’s education is a direct investment in our collective safety. When we empower the youngest with the right knowledge and skills early on, we are building a more resilient society and a safer future for all citizens of Serbia”, said Violeta Sretenović, representative of UNDP Serbia.
“Regardless of how young children are, it is never too early for them to learn how to recognise danger, how to respond in emergencies, and who they can turn to for help. It is our responsibility to provide them with a safe environment to grow up in, quality education, and a carefree childhood. That is why programmes like this, as well as investments in early childhood education, are among our priorities”, said Boban Janković, President of the Municipality of Mionica.
“Children are our future, and their safety begins with knowledge. That is why they should be included in emergency preparedness efforts and encouraged to remain calm and ready when it matters most”, said Ivan Baras, Assistant Head of the Sector for Emergency Management of the Ministry of the Interior.
Part of the programme was dedicated to introducing children to “local heroes” - representatives of emergency response services. The children had the opportunity to explore the equipment used in fire engines and ambulances, and to learn first-hand how important the roles of firefighters, emergency medical teams, and the Red Cross are.
This event was organised within the “EU for the Healthcare System in Serbia” initiative, funded by the European Union and implemented by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Health Organization (WHO), in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of the Interior.