An environmental education summer camp bringing together more than 200 children and young people from nine countries of the diaspora and the region has been officially opened in Smederevo.
This important project is being implemented jointly by the Ministry of Diaspora Relations and the City of Smederevo, with partner support from the Environmental Protection Association “Eko Trend”.
As a reminder, Smederevo was selected as one of the best hosts in the call for applications thanks to the quality of its project, and over the coming days, until 26 June, the children and young people from the diaspora will have the opportunity to visit Smederevo Fortress and the city’s other landmarks, to spend time with their peers from Smederevo and to make friends with them.
In addition, by taking part in various workshops, they will broaden their knowledge of ecology, which will bring home to them the importance of protecting nature and its riches.
“Camps like this are the best way to invest in the future and to preserve our national identity.
Through these programmes, the state aims to motivate young people to one day apply their knowledge in their homeland,” said the Minister of Diaspora Relations, Đorđe Milićević, at the opening ceremony of the camp.
Mayor Jasmina Vojinović expressed her great pride that Smederevo is a gathering place for children and young people from different parts of the world.
“It is a great honour for us that Smederevo is hosting our compatriots.
In this way, we are erasing borders and teaching young generations to love their country and its traditions, to preserve the identity of our people and to develop environmental awareness.”
“Enjoy the coming days, spend time together, learn through the workshops and get to know our city.
The doors of Smederevo are always wide open to you, and I believe you will take lifelong friendships with you from here,” said the Mayor, who, together with Minister Milićević and the city’s guests, took part in planting trees and creating new green oases at Plavinac.
The camp programme also includes learning the Serbian language and the Cyrillic alphabet, as well as Serbian history and culture.
