Donation of equipment for better services for children with developmental disabilities

In Montenegro, children with developmental disabilities still face systemic obstacles, as nine municipalities lack the services and professional support they need daily. In the remaining municipalities, these services need improvement to enhance their quality and ensure they are accessible to every family with children with developmental disabilities.

To address this, the Women’s Parliamentary Club, the International Women’s Club, and the HEMIIAS Foundation jointly organized a fundraising initiative last year. More than €167,000 was raised, which UNICEF used to provide necessary equipment and educational materials for 17 day care centers across Montenegro.

More than 400 children and young people with developmental disabilities use the services of these centers. Thanks to donations made possible through this public-private partnership, they now have access to new, diverse equipment – assistive technologies and IT equipment, devices and materials for sensory stimulation, physiotherapy and rehabilitation equipment, as well as educational materials tailored to each child’s individual needs.

At a press conference dedicated to the results of this donor initiative, Jelena Kovačević, the mother of Nikolina, a user of the “Tisa” Day Care Center in Bijelo Polje, confirmed the tremendous importance these centers have for families. The Bijelo Polje Day Care Center was the first of its kind in Montenegro, opened 21 years ago with UNICEF’s support, as part of a reform of the social and child protection system.

“No matter how much love we have, a parent cannot do everything alone. At the Day Care Center, Nikolina learned to believe in herself. They use assistive technology, Montessori materials, a therapeutic pool, a sensory room – but what matters most is that they see her through eyes that see value, not a limitation. That’s why I want to say – thank you to everyone who believed that such a place should exist. Every child deserves a chance”, she said.

To make these services more accessible, more investment is needed, as well as planned development of human resources – specialized professionals in the fields of healthcare, education, and social and child protection.

“This initiative is a great example of how joint efforts by institutions, the private sector, and international partners can improve children's rights, especially for the most vulnerable – among whom are surely children with developmental disabilities. Continued and consistent investment is necessary, because in nine municipalities in Montenegro, day care services for these children and their families do not exist yet. To achieve equal rights and opportunities, we need the support of the entire society – the Government, Parliament, local authorities, and the private sector,” said Michele Servadei, UNICEF Representative to Montenegro.

According to the Minister of Social Welfare, Family and Demography, Damir Gutić, every child should grow up in a family and be part of a community that supports that family.

“To make this possible, it is important for all actors – from local governments to state institutions – to take responsibility for providing necessary services. The Government must ensure that the sectors of health, social protection, education, and finance work in coordination and plan funding in a timely manner, because only through coordinated action can we ensure that children and their families receive support within their own communities when they need it most”, he emphasized.

Zorica Mišković Pavićević, founder and board member of the International Women’s Club of Montenegro, believes the fundraising campaign sent a clear message – not to forget the most vulnerable among us.

“The strength of a society lies not only in its economy and institutions, but also in how it treats those who are different yet equally valuable. I believe this is the beginning of even deeper cooperation and an inspiration to keep going, because every child deserves a chance, support, and a smile”, she stated.

Day care centers allow children to stay in their family environment, while also having access to quality services. That’s why it is crucial to create conditions in every municipality so that every family raising a child with developmental disabilities receives the support they need.

“This initiative has profound meaning because it is dedicated to children with developmental disabilities, who often remain invisible in our society. Through joint efforts, we have succeeded in securing funds and providing essential equipment to day care centers across Montenegro, improving the quality of these centers and giving children with developmental disabilities a chance to grow and thrive as equal members of our society. Today, we celebrate understanding, solidarity, and responsibility toward our children,” said Zdenka Popović, Co-President of the Women’s Club of the Parliament of Montenegro.

In 9 municipalities in Montenegro, there is no day care center for children with developmental disabilities: Bar, Tuzi, Andrijevica, Petnjica, Gusinje, Plužine, Šavnik, Kolašin, and Žabljak.
The development of family support services, such as day care centers, must be a priority for local and national authorities. UNICEF is ready to work with them, as well as with parents and children, to ensure that these and other family support services are made available to everyone as soon as possible – because every child has the right to grow up with support, respect, and opportunities in their community.