DATE OF PUBLICATION February 16, 2025
Strengthening Ties in Early Childhood Education: First Workshop Held in Montenegro
From February 9 to 13, 2025, the University of Montenegro hosted a workshop for the "Shared Challenges for Regional Countries in Early Childhood Education" project, funded by the Israeli Ministry for Regional Cooperation . This initiative aims to strengthen academic ties among Montenegro, Georgia, and Israel, focusing on collaborative efforts to improve early childhood education systems in the region.
The workshop featured an engaging agenda, starting with introductions from each participating university, highlighting the unique structures of their respective early childhood education programs. Representatives from Gordon College included Professor Rhonda Sofer from the International Center and faculty members Professor Shai Rudin, Dr. Fany Alezra, Dr. Dikla Hanuka Levi, and Maya Avanari from the Faculty of Early Childhood Education.
A significant panel discussion, moderated by Professor Dr. Biljana Maslovaric, included contributions from representatives of Montenegro's Ministry of Education and Bureau of Education, emphasizing the importance of collaborative strategies in enhancing educational practices.
On the second day, the focus shifted to inclusion in education. Experts discussed the state of inclusive education in Montenegro, Israel, and Georgia, outlining challenges faced in implementing effective practices tailored for diverse learners. The day concluded with a visit to the Monastery Ostrog, offering a cultural experience alongside academic discourse.
The third day included a learning trip to local institutions, providing firsthand insights into the practices at a Day Center for Children with Disabilities and various early childhood programs. This immersive experience allowed participants to discuss comparative research, evaluating each country's approaches and identifying best practices to adopt going forward.
This workshop represents the first of two planned events, with the next session scheduled to take place in May at Gordon College of Education in Haifa, Israel. The initiative is a testament to the participating countries' commitment to fostering strong academic relations and enhancing early childhood education across borders, paving the way for effective knowledge exchange and collaborative growth.
The conference is not only a milestone for the partnerships formed but also a significant step forward in addressing the shared challenges faced within early childhood education systems in the region.
The Ministry for Regional Cooperation supports the Israeli academia, recognizing it as a significant anchor for advancing collaborations with the countries of the region in the academic and cultural spheres, contributing to strengthening Israel's position and image in the regional and international stage.
