OSCE in Serbia helps bring citizens and Government closer together

Thanks to OSCE efforts, some 80 high school students from Sjenica and Majdanpek had the chance in March to visit and learn about three of Serbia's most important democratic institutions: the National Assembly, the Office of the President of the Republic and the Belgrade City Hall.

Funded by Germany and the United States, the project is part of a larger programme started in 2003 that aims to promote public access to the Serbian Assembly and uncover the rich cultural heritage of the country's central government buildings.

An unforgettable experience

On 2 March this year, students and teachers from "Jezdimir Lovic" high school in Sjenica, a multi-ethnic and under-developed town in south-western Serbia, arrived in Belgrade. For many, it was their first visit to the Serbian capital - and a memorable experience. One student even asked to be invited again.

The group was given guided tours with presentations on the roles of the institutions, important artefacts and the architecture of the historical buildings, which for years had been closed to the public. Students had their questions answered throughout the visit.

"This is a big day for Sjenica," said history professor Ismo Gicic, expressing his gratitude to the Mission and staff members at the institutions.

The students also produced a film of their trip that will be used for teaching purposes back at their schools.

Connecting citizens and the state

A week later, students from Majdanpek high school in eastern Serbia came to visit the institutions. School principal Mile Arsenijevic had gladly accepted the OSCE invitation and municipal officials immediately promised to organize free transportation for the students.

"The programme was outstanding," said Gorcilo Potpara, a teacher who accompanied the students. "I believe projects like this show that the Government cares about its citizens. Our students had the opportunity to learn about the institutions so vividly - institutions that even today can seem quite remote - in a way that cannot be done in the classroom.

"We walked through the corridors of history and learned about the constitutional role and work of the institutions. These children are going to have a completely different view and understanding of them now," he added.

The doors are open

Employees of the National Assembly, the President's Office and the City Hall were also happy with the visits, which they felt were conducted very professionally - an opinion echoed in the visitors' written evaluations.

Depending on the availability of funds, the Mission aims to continue organizing similar excursions to Belgrade for high school students from around the country as often as possible.

It is not only students, however, who will be able to visit. The three institutions will open their doors to all citizens at the beginning of June. Those interested in learning more about democratic government in Serbia will have the opportunity to register individually to see how it works from the inside.

In addition to supporting public access to the Assembly, the Mission's Parliamentary Programme is also aimed at building the capacity of the Assembly, including its committees and services, and Members of Parliament.