05 October 2026
From September 27-30 2026, a training for school leadership teams was held at Hotel Olimp on Zlatibor as part of the second round of training activities within the project "Action for Reducing Inequalities in Education – Strengthening Schools to Overcome Barriers and Build Equitable Learning Environments (ARISE)".
The training brought together 25 representatives from five schools: Rada Miljković Primary School from Jagodina, Technical School from Ćuprija, Braća Vilotijević Primary School from Kraljevo, Hospitality and Tourism School from Novi Pazar, and Đura Jakšić Primary School from Trnava near Novi Pazar. Each school was represented by a five-member leadership team consisting of the school principal, professional associates and teachers.
The four-day training covered two modules: “Educational Poverty and Its Roots” and “A Comprehensive Approach to Overcoming Deprivation in Education”. Through interactive workshops, teamwork and exchange of experiences, participants discussed the barriers faced by students from low socio-economic status families, as well as ways in which schools can provide more equitable conditions for their participation and progress.
The first part of the training focused on individual and group identity, the purpose of school, and recognising discrimination and practices that may contribute to the exclusion of students. Participants reflected on their own beliefs and everyday school practices, with particular attention given to fostering interculturality and understanding the diverse experiences of students.
The second part focused on school values, culture and climate, as well as the role of leadership in improving them. School teams explored ways of identifying students who need additional support, the principles of Universal Design for Learning, and planning changes that strengthen safety, well-being and a sense of belonging within the school community.
The training was characterised by an open and supportive atmosphere. School representatives connected through joint activities and discussions about the challenges they encounter in their everyday practice, laying the foundations for further cooperation and peer learning. Following the completion of the full training programme, the teams will work, with mentoring support and through exchange with other schools, on planning and implementing changes that contribute to a more equitable educational environment.
Since August 2025, the ARISE project has been implemented by the Centre for Education Policy (CEP) and the Centre for Interactive Pedagogy (CIP Centre), in cooperation with the Network of Education Policy Centers (NEPC) and partner organisations from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia and Croatia, with financial support from the UniCredit Foundation.
The project involves 80 schools across the region, including 10 primary and 10 secondary schools from Serbia, with the aim of reducing educational inequalities and supporting the social inclusion of students from low socio-economic status families.
