ANNUAL REPORT 2005

 

 

After 5 years of activities and great efforts invested into the process of education reform in Montenegro, external evaluation of the FOSI ROM Education Program was carried out in order to see into the scope and quality of what has been done and to set the basis for the education strategy in 2006/7. Main findings were that our work "over the past decade is recognized and greatly valued". Words like ground breaking and historic were used in describing the role FOSI ROM has played in shaping education reform in Montenegro." Among many activities undertaken to support education reform in 2005, two can be pinpointed as the most important ones: trainings for teachers of Civic Education as a new compulsory subject in primary schools, and support to the project of evaluation of the first year of implementation of education changes (see publications).

 

In the field of legal reform, FOSIM supported the projects related to drafting of the laws and regulations concerning judicial education and rules of procedure of the State Prosecutor Service. A round table was organized for law practitioners to discuss the problems and good practices in implementation of the new criminal legislation. Following their conclusions, support was provided to expert commissions responsible for revising the Criminal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure. Projects related to monitoring of the implementation of the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the European Convention on Human rights as well as implementation of the Law on Financing of Political Parties were also supported. Finally, the Foundation supported the public poll about the attitude of citizens towards organized crime.

 

For the purpose of increasing the capacities of civil servants, the Public Administration and Local Government Program supported a series of trainings on the new standards in inspection control, new standards of operation in the implementation of investment projects, as well as preparation and implementation of the projects supported by the EU bodies. In order to empower local political leaders, PALG supported trainings on the process of decentralization, as well as seminars about the EU structures and lessons learned in the process of Stabilization and Association of the new EU member states.

 

Through the European Program FOSIM continued with the five-month EU Integration School with the third and fourth generation of students. General awareness raising campaign was supported through providing funds for publishing of the quarterly "Euromont" in the daily paper "Vijesti," as well as through trainings for the media.

 

In order to contribute to creating a constructive atmosphere conducive for developing informed judgments on the statehood issue and referendum in Montenegro, FOSIM organized a big international expert round table titled "Legal Aspects for Referendum in Montenegro in the Context of International Law and Practice". Within OSI network initiative for extending the EU pre-accession assistance to the Western Balkans states, FOSIM organized a presentation of the Study on the Economic Situation and European Prospects of the West Balkans Countries. Moreover, through FOSIM support inputs were provided to the European Commission report on progress made in the Stabilization and Association process. Wishing to bring to the attention of the national and international public the challenges that the Montenegrin society is facing in developing democracy and rule of law, FOSIM supported the preparation of the Joint Declaration On the Conditions for Further Democratization of Montenegro signed by a number of Montenegrin NGOs.

 

In 2005 FOSIM supported implementation of the second phase of the Roma Education Initiative (REI) project in three Montenegrin municipalities, aimed at contributing to full integration of Roma children into the formal educational system in Montenegro. FOSIM also supported establishing of the database of all the Roma children enrolled in the formal education system (according to municipalities, schools and grades) in Montenegro, which was the first systematic step in providing and maintaining exact data on the Roma children attending schools.

 

Women’s Program was to a great extent focused on support to engendering of the process of EU integrations in Montenegro. For this purpose a research was done into the capacities of WNGOs to promote gender equity within the EU process, all relevant EU and Council of Europe documents were translated and published in the local language, and a capacity building seminar was organized for WNGOs and state institutions on the EU Gender Equity Framework and the EU directives for gender equality. All of these activities were organized as crosscutting projects with the FOSIM European and PALG programs.

 

In 2005, the amount of EUR 690,219.24 and USD 76,683 was invested to support reforms in Montenegro and out of that EUR 587,683.93 from the Foundation budget, while network institutions in Budapest, Ljubljana and New York invested EUR 102,535.31 and USD 76,683.

 

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EDUCATION REFORM

 

Program Coordinator: Maja Kovacevic

 

In 2005, Education Reform Program was focused on the support to government institutions and non-government organizations active in the implementation of new teaching programs and methods in Montenegro education system.

 

Like in previous years, special attention was paid to versatile forms of training of teachers as persons who are actually carrying out the reform. We also supported Bureau for Education and Examination Center that are expected to provide key contribution in establishing quality, successful and sustainable education system through activities related to development of their institutional, organizational and staff capacities.

 

Fruitful cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science that commenced in the year 2000 in the field of education has continued with the range of activities among which we particularly emphasize projects implemented through Capacity Building Program and activities related to participation of Montenegro in OECD Program for International Student Assessment (PISA).

 

We have also financially supported the Bureau for Textbooks and Teaching Aids - Podgorica this year in organizing a workshop on books marketing. It was a natural continuation of years’ long cooperation with this institution in building its institutional and human resources.

 

Convinced that education reform cannot actually be implemented if its principles and objectives are not known and adopted by its direct and indirect participants - beginning from teachers and school directors, through students, parents and local communities, in 2005 we supported the project of training high school students on their rights and obligations pertaining to participation in school work arising from new education laws.

 

After five years of support to education reforms in all key areas, external evaluation of FOSI ROM Education Reform Program was carried out. Mrs. Johanna Crighton, World Bank, OECD and UNESCO education expert, performed comprehensive evaluation of activities of the Foundation in the field of education reform and, to our great pleasure, concluded that the work of the Foundation was recognized and highly graded by all counterparties. Results and recommendations of the evaluation served as the basis for preparation of the new two-year strategy for the Education Reform Program.

 

1. FOSI ROM, in partnership with the Bureau for Education Services and Examination Center, was engaged and supported, both financially and with experts, a range of projects that can be divided into several areas:

 

a) Building of institutional, organizational and human resources for implementation of education reform

  • Republic testing of educational achievements of students of the 3rd grade of elementary schools in mother tongue and mathematics, the results of which will enable thorough analysis of education system functioning in Montenegro and set guidelines for improvement of success of students in each school and increase of standard at the entire system level: EUR 35,462.83

  • Organization of seminars aimed at coordination of work of panels for testing, for defining school samples and for making questionnaires for teachers, children and school directors: EUR 1,550

  • Engagement of consultants for two-day consultations related to World Bank procedures and preparation of documents needed for the use of World Bank loans: EUR 1,240

b) Expert and General Public Awareness Raising

  • Support in developing and maintaining web page and database of the Bureau for Education Services : EUR 4,950

  • Preparation, translation, printing and distribution of education documents/curricula needed for implementation of education reform in Montenegro: EUR 18,730.50

  • Preparation and publication of the study on results of Republic level testing of 3rd grade elementary school students' achievements in mother tongue and mathematics: EUR 6,215

c) Training of teachers for implementation of new curricula and teaching methods

  • Training of civic education teachers to use debate method in teaching this subject: EUR 5,923.83

  • Training of teachers in modern teaching techniques - interactive teaching of languages, mathematics, nature and society: EUR 26,250

  • Preparation and printing of Teachers’ Guide through Inter-subject Fields - Civic and Ecological Education: EUR 5,310 (and EUR 1,500 that remained from the project in 2004. when curricula were analyzed as to see the correlation with goals and contents of civic education).

2. In cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science, the Foundation supported the following activities:

  • Engagement of experts in negotiations and preparation of documentation for the use of World Bank loans: EUR 1,016

  • Implementation of OECD program for International Student Assessment (PISA): EUR 22,390

  • Capacity Building Program for local government in the field of information technology system development in education and public information: EUR 10,000.

3. Bureau for Textbooks and Teaching Aids - Podgorica, with the support of the Foundation, organized training for editors and commercial sector in the field of marketing plan preparation: EUR 3,646

 

4. Additionally, the Foundation enabled the implementation of the following projects of importance to the process of education reform:

  • Support to the Office for Protection of Students Rights and Care about Students Standard in the implementation of project Be a Responsible Student: EUR 6,134

  • Support to the organization of seminar "Epics of Bosniaks in Montenegro", in cooperation with the Association Almanac for Research, Presentation and Protection of Cultural-Historic Heritage of Bosniaks/Muslims in Montenegro: EUR 1,081

  • Support to the Center for Emigrants from Montenegro in publishing "History of Montenegro from Ancient Times to 2003", written by Serbo Rastoder, PhD and Zivko Andrijasevic, PhD: EUR 15,590

  • Examination of public opinion in Montenegro in 2005, organized by the Center for Democracy and Human Rights (CEDEM), and analysis of results and trends in attitudes to education reform: EUR 23,760.

5. The Foundation enabled participation of Montenegrin representatives at the international conference on education named: "Education and Open Society: Critical View to New Challenges and Needs": EUR 1,272.00

 

6. The amount of EUR 1,521.80 was allocated for evaluation of FOSI ROM program Education Reform.

 

7. The amount of EUR 1.733,87 was allocated for raising public awareness on activities of the Foundation in the field of education reform.

 

8. With the support of the OSEP SEE Office (Open Society Education Program for South East Europe, Ljubljana) that cooperates with a large number of renowned experts from Europe and the Balkans, the Foundation engaged several experts to support local reform teams. Those are: Algirdas Zabulionis (Lithvania), Johanna Crighton (Great Britain), Snezana Klasnja and Gordana Miljevic (Serbia), Tomislav Reskovac (Croatia, and Veselin Pavicevic (Montenegro).

 

In addition to expert support, OSEP SEE financially supported organization of training of civic education teachers as well as participation of Montenegrin representatives in regional conferences in Budapest and Ohrid, in the total amount of EUR 22,000.

 

9. Activities of NGO "Pedagogical Center of Montenegro" that implements training of teachers to use the programs Step by Step and RWCT (Reading and Writing for Critical Thinking), were supported with funds of OSI-New York in the amount of USD 23,000.

 

Funds in the amount of EUR 215,776.83 and USD 23,000 were invested in the Education Reform Program.

Out of this sum, the Foundation in Montenegro invested EUR 193,776.83, regional center OSEP SEE spent EUR 22,000, while network program OSI-New York invested USD 23,000.

 

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EUROPEAN PROGRAM

 

Program Coordinator: Bego Begu

 

FOSI ROM, through European program in 2005, supported strengthening of European idea in Montenegro, getting acquainted with EU structure and standards, mobilization of civil sector for more intensive participation in European integration process, training of civil servants to act in line with European standards and raising public awareness on European Union and the stabilization and association process in Montenegro.

 

1. Getting acquainted with the EU structure and standards and strengthening of European idea in Montenegro:

  • School of European Integration - New Ideas, New Cooperation - project submitted by: Center for Civic Education, Center for Development of Non-Government Organizations, European Movement in Montenegro - The project is the follow-up of the previously supported project School of European Integrations. When the first two generations completed the School, selected students, organizers' and FOSI ROM's representatives met to present their activities and to point to the possibility of involving the School students herein. The common workshop yielded new ideas for the project that will be developed by the attendants themselves or in cooperation with the aforementioned organizations and opened possibility to engage and use creative potentials of attendants of the School of European Integrations. Experience and knowledge acquired in this projects were used in planning the teaching and work process in the School’s 3rd Generation - 2,469 EUR [implemented with funds that remained out of the donation for the School of European Integrations - 2nd generation, in 2004].

  • School of European Integrations - 3rd generation - submitted by: Center for Civic Education, Center for Development of Non-Government Organizations, European Movement in Montenegro - This project is the continuation of the unique program of alternative education that makes attendants capable to understand processes of European integrations. Further to this, forty attendants acquired basic knowledge in history, law, political system and institutions of the European Union, as well as economy of European integrations and system of human rights protection in EU. The School should inspire the attendants to undertake activities by themselves related to promotion and foundation of European standards in contemporary Montenegrin society. Third generation of the School worked from March 10 to July 5, 2005 and lecturers were experts from different academic and other institutions and organizations from the country and abroad, members of diplomatic choir in our country and others - 31,254 EUR

  • School of European Integrations - 4th generation and Regional School of European Integrations - submitted by: Center for Civic Education, Center for Development of Non-Government Organization, European Movement in Montenegro - Training was been going on from August 15, 2005 to January 15, 2006, at the same time for two groups of 25 attendants - in Podgorica and Bijelo Polje (for students from the North of Montenegro) - EUR 32,506.84

2. Mobilization of civil sector with purpose to have more intensive participation in European integration process:

  • Contribution of Montenegro NG-Sector to Monitoring of the European Commission Reports on the Process of Stabilization and Accession - submitted by Center for Democracy and Human Rights (CEDEM) - European Commission regularly monitors reform courses in certain areas that are important for the process of stabilization and accession. Non-government organizations in Montenegro expressed interest in submitting to the European Commission their opinion with regard to these areas and thus contributing that the responsible persons in the European Commission better understand and more easily monitor progress in Montenegro. Open Society Institute - Brussels offered to the Foundation in Montenegro the possibility to, in cooperation with partners from the non-government sector, send material to the European Commission analyzing the situation in the following areas: economy, judiciary and internal affairs, human rights and civil sector. Situation analysis and recommendations were prepared by experts of the Center for Democracy and Human Rights - EUR 2,050

  • Connecting of Montenegrin NGOs with Decision-Makers in Brussels and Peer NGO Institutions - in-house project - The project refers to establishing of contacts and making partners in the European Commission acquainted with possibilities of the non-government sector in Montenegro to contribute to introduction of European values and continuation of reforms in Montenegro. Further to this goal, the Director of the Foundation Sanja Elezovic and the President of the Managing Board of CEDEM Srđan Darmanovic had meetings in Brussels in cabinets of the High Commissionaire Javier Solana and Commissionaire Olli Rhen, with the officer of the European Commission for Montenegro, representatives of EU member countries, representatives of the King Baudouin Foundation and in Open Society Institute-Brussels. - EUR 1,366.30

  • Public Advocacy Campaign in Connection with Legitimacy, Legality and Transparency of the Process of the State-Legal Status Resolution - in-house project - The Foundation, with the support of the offices OSF-London and OSI-Brussels, supports the initiated communication and cooperation of Montenegrin non-government sector and EU member countries to enable European officials to gain more complete picture on Montenegrin society and its needs. The project Public Advocacy Campaign in Connection with Legitimacy, Legality and Transparency of the Process of Montenegro’s State and Legal Status Resolution leans on the previous in-house projects: Contribution of Montenegrin Non-Government Sector to Monitoring of European Commission Reports on the Stabilization and Association Process and Connecting of Montenegrin NGOs with Decision-Makers in Brussels and Peer NGO Institutions. The project includes organization of consultancy meetings with NGOs from Montenegro that resulted in adoption of Joint statement on conditions for further democratization of Montenegro and use of the Statement in Public Advocacy Campaign at meetings with EU representatives - EUR 5,462.84

  • Round table: Legal Aspects of Montenegrin Referendum in the Context of International Law and Practice - in-house project - The project includes organizing of international expert round table on legal framework of plebiscite and passing to public information on conclusions and recommendations from the meeting. Following the holding of the round table, publication presenting attitudes, findings and recommendations was published. The publication was submitted to EU high officials, representatives of all 25 member countries and USA, respectable non-government organizations, institutions that have impact on policy development in EU, members of Venetian Committee, institutes and domestic stakeholders from government and civil sector. The project should contribute to creation of peaceful and stable environment for holding of referendum on Montenegro’s state status and accepting of referendum outcome - EUR 33,696.93

  • Current Expenses of the European Movement Office in Montenegro (April - December 2005) - submitted by NGO European Movement in Montenegro - Having restarted its activities, at the end of 2004, the NGO European Movement in Montenegro established cooperation with a number of actors in public and private sector and implemented and initiated activities that promote European idea and contribute to its better understanding. The Foundation supports institutional strengthening of NGO European Movement in Montenegro by covering current expenses of the organization by the end of 2005. This project is the continuation of the support to the office of European Movement in Montenegro from 2004 - EUR 6,794

  • Gender Equality in International Documents - submitted by Gender Equality Office in the Government of the Republic of Montenegro - The project includes translation, preparation and printing of documents of the Council of Europe, European Union, United Nations and OSCE related to human protection rights, introduction of non-discriminatory legislation and providing equal rights for women and men. It is about four documents that have not been translated in any related south Slavic language so far. Those publications are necessary for legislation and will be used by the School for Human Rights, School for European Integration and School of Democracy. It will also be distributed to students, non-government organizations and state institutions - EUR 6,000 [This project is also supported by the Foundation through Women’s Program with EUR 560, in total with EUR 6,560]

  • Women Civil Sector in Montenegro towards European Integrations - submitted by WNGO Women Action - The basic goal of the project is to examine readiness and capacity of women’s non-government organizations in Montenegro to take over the role of awareness raising and monitoring of gender aspect of overall negotiations in accession to EU. Government of the Republic of Montenegro adopted and published Communication Strategy for informing public on the accession process of Montenegro to European Union. In the strategy, non-government sector is a special target group that needs to be provided with information and at the same time it advocates and supports the process of European integration. This research need to show what are the capacities and needs of women’s non-government organizations in the field of European integration and enable designing of the appropriate training program - EUR 5,489 [this project is also financed with EUR 1,000 from Women’s Program, total of EUR 6,489.]

3. Training of civil servants to act in line with European standards:

  • Seminar on Fiscal Impact Assessment of Regulations on Budget - project of the Foundation in cooperation with the Capacity Development Program - Capacity Development Program (CDP) and the World Bank initiated in April 2004 activities for introduction of fiscal impact assessment of regulations on budget (Fiscal Impact Assessment-FIA). It is the analysis of the future expenses for every proposal submitted by the Government and has been in implementation in many countries for a long time. Introduction of such procedure is one of the prerequisites that Montenegro needs to meet in order to get a Structural Adjustment Loan from the World Bank. FOSI ROM, in cooperation with CDP, organized three-day seminar for FIA implementation for representatives of the Ministry of Finance and other ministries. Lecturers were the sector experts from the region - EUR 6,083.82

  • Further activities of the Capacity Development Program for Local Government / Capacity Development Program (Partnership program of the Government of RM, the Foundation and UNDP). In 2005, the Foundation through CDP, continued support to the Ministry of Education and Science, Ministry for Foreign Economic Relations and European Integration and Ministry of Justice - EUR 10,000 [The project is also financed with EUR 30,000 from the Local Government and Local Self Government Program and EUR 10,000 from the Education Reform Program, total of EUR 50,000]

4. Raising of Public Awareness on European Union and Stabilization and Association Process in Montenegro:

  • European Stability Initiative - Presentation of Study and Recommendations - in-house project - George Soros, the founder of the network Open Society Institute, commenced the initiative for extension of pre-accession support of European Union to countries of the Western Balkans (Serbia and Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia and Albania). For the time being, these countries that are potential candidates for EU membership, are planned to be given only a part of the so-called IPA fund (Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance), while the countries-candidates (Croatia and Turkey) can fully use the fund. Within this initiative, NGO European Stability Initiative (ESI) prepared the Study on the Status of the Economy and European Prospects of the Countries of Western Balkans. The Foundation organized presentation of the Study, meetings and media promotion with purpose to make the expert and wider public acquainted with conclusions and recommendations of ESI and experiences from the region. Following the presentation, a number of consultation meetings with NGOs from Montenegro was organized concerning the extending the pre-accession assistance of the European Union to countries of Western Balkans. Proposals of NGO activities for improvement of communication of Montenegro with institutions of European Union resulted in a letter that was sent in July by fifteen NGOs to the Commissioner of EU Extension Olli Rhen with the proposal that European Commission opens its office in Podgorica that would facilitate cooperation of the two sides and more efficient activities of the present NG-sector in the process of European integrations - EUR 1,940.25

  • Dialogue and Analyses - Involvement of Public, through Media, into European Integration - submitted by Montenegro Media Institute - The project is a series of two-day specific forms of training for experienced journalists and editors that are expected to provide timely and thorough information to the public on topics related to the European Union and European integration. They are faced with a special task to present to the public effects of European integration to economic and social relations in Montenegro, particularly effects to living of an average citizen. Workshops (1. EU News as Media Event; 2. EU is News! When? Why? How?) were organized in direct or indirect contact of training attendants with focus groups - EUR 4,860.68

  • Get Acquainted with the European Union to Make it Closer to Others - submitted by Montenegro Media Institute - The project refers to a special module within the School of Journalism of the Montenegro Media Institute that is introduced for this year, third generation of attendants - young journalists that improved knowledge. In addition to professional knowledge and skills, this year generation also acquired general knowledge in politics, law, economy, social policy and protection of human rights. Since the issues related to the European Union are in focus in Montenegro, young journalists have worked on the following topics: history of EU, EU institutions, functioning of EU, Communication Strategy of Montenegro for Accession to EU - EUR 2,516.38

  • Preparation and Printing of Three-Months Bilingual Newsletter "EuroMont" - submitted by Ministry for Foreign Economic Relations and European Integration - the Ministry, together with non-government organizations informed public on the process of accession of Montenegro to European Union by way of newsletter "EuroMont". The Bulletin is printed in our language as a supplement to daily newspapers "Vijesti", and the version in English is sent to certain addresses in the country and abroad in electronic form. "EuroMont" is also regularly put on web-page www.integracije.cg.yu. The goal of the project is to fully inform the overall public on EU, its organization, work, institutions and common policies, on relations between the Republic of Montenegro and/or Serbia and Montenegro and EU as well as on activities related to integration processes - EUR 14,328

  • Printing of the Book "Enlarged Europe, Economic Changes and Expectations" - submitted by Ministry for Foreign Economic Relations and European Integrations - The Book "Enlarged Europe, Economic Changes and Expectations", written by Marie Luise Heschtel, represents comprehensive analysis of political and economic events in creating the united Europe. The project refers to printing of additional 100 copies. Prior to this, the Ministry for Foreign Economic Relations and European Integrations of RM, within the bilateral cooperation with the Government of the Republic of France concerning translation and issue of books for civil servants, issued 200 copies of the title. It contributes to better understanding of the structure and manner of functioning of EU and it turned out that it would also be useful to non-government organizations, faculties and other partners of the Ministry - EUR 690.30

The Foundation spent funds in the total amount of EUR 165,039.34 on projects implemented through European Program in 2005.

 

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LAW PROGRAM

 

Program Coordinators: Tamara Srzentic and Darko Curic

 

1. Projects supported from the national law program:

  • Taking into account immense importance of law to have a fair trial within reasonable period of time as well as the fact that it is the most frequently violated right and freedom guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights, the Foundation supported the project related to ten-months research of judicial proceedings duration at courts in Montenegro. Within the project, criminal cases heard before the basic and superior courts in the Republic were examined as well as cases in civil law at basic courts. The objective of the project is to detect practical obstacles to exercise right to trial within a reasonable period, to present the findings of the research to the public and propose directions for amending the regulation to responsible state bodies and give recommendations concerning education and work organization in courts. NGO Center for Rule of Law is implementing the project- EUR 15,000

  • Continuing its support to projects directed to promotion and implementation of European Convention on Human Rights, the Foundation supported four seminars organized by the Council of Europe, AIRE Center, Center for Training of Judges and NGO Center for Democracy and Human Rights from Podgorica. The first seminar was held on February 4 and 5, 2005 in Herceg Novi, and its goal was to provide recommendations for reconciliation of family law in Montenegro with European Convention on Human Rights. Seminar was meant for representatives of justice, prosecution, advocacy, Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare and centers for social work that discussed problems in the field of family law in Montenegro and conditions for introduction of European standards in domestic laws from the field. The following two seminars were held on April 23 and 24 and July 1 and 2, also in Herceg Novi and they were attended by 35 judges, prosecutors, lawyers and representatives of the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Internal Affairs. Experiences after one-year implementation of new criminal laws in Montenegro were reviewed at the seminars and participants compared their practice with the practice of the European Court for Human Rights particularly in the part that refers to lose of freedom, right to efficient defense in pre-criminal procedure and the role of judge in the investigation procedure. In the second seminar particular attention was paid to main process and appeal procedure and modern solutions on evidence acceptability and execution of criminal sanctions. The fourth seminar, that was dealing with implementation of rights protected by the European Convention on Human Rights, was held on November 11 and 12 in Przno. The topic of the seminar was relation between right to privacy and freedom of expression and the objective of its holding was to contribute that the practice and attitudes of the European Court for Human Rights in this field are implemented in domestic legal system. The participants were made acquainted with the experience of European jurists that represented parties at the court in Strasbourg as well as prominent domestic jurists who worked on cases in the field of right to privacy and freedom of expression - EUR 14,630

  • The Foundation covered a part of costs of the so-called professional discussions on the topic "Media and Society" that were held in Podgorica on January 22-23, 2005, in the organization of the Montenegro Media Institute. That event represents the second phase of the wider project that points to the role of media in democratization of the society, need to improve professional and ethical standards in journalism and encouragement of professional and public debate on media. Within the first phase of the project, in December 2004, the following researches were carried out: "Freedom and Responsibility of Media in Montenegro", "Defamation and Media" and "Evaluation of the Effect and Success of the Training Organized and Mediated by MMI". These researches were presented within the project Professional discussions: Media and Society - EUR 4,303.65

  • Considering the significance and impact of the public opinion survey and its results to policy designing, and generally efforts to accelerate social development, the Foundation supported project of NGO CEDEM that encompasses four public opinion surveys in Montenegro in 2005 carried out in quarterly intervals. The project also includes detailed analysis of the tendencies indicated by public opinion and their timely presentation to the public. Attitude to main social reforms was also subject to research - judicial system, education and local government and attitude to European Union. Research was made at the sample of 1.000 respondents that, according to ethnic, social and other relevant characteristics, represent the population in Montenegro. On the basis of results of these researches the Foundation also defines directions of its actions in the stated reform segments - 6,000 EUR

  • Continuing its support to reforms of the criminal legislation in Montenegro, the Foundation supported the project of the Ministry of Justice whose objective is to draft the Judiciary Education Law that would regulate mandatory professional training of judges and prosecutors in the Republic in line with the international standards included in many international documents, primarily with documents of the Council of Europe. The new law should contribute to further professionalism, expertise and efficiency of persons performing high judicial functions. The project refers to covering of costs of working group drafting the legal text and to holding of the round table that should review the first draft of the Law - EUR 4,250

  • Among its activities in the sphere of criminal legislation reform, the Foundation, in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice of RM and OSCE Office in Podgorica, organized on April 18-19, 2005 two round tables titled "Experiences in Implementation of New Criminal Legislation in Montenegro", on the first anniversary of the implementation of Criminal Code and Code on Criminal Procedure in Montenegro. The round table held on April 18 was devoted to the Criminal Code and the one held on April 19 to the Code on Criminal Procedure. The gathering was attended by about 40 representatives of judiciary, prosecutor office, non-government organizations and donors with the objective to give their comments concerning the implementation of the stated legal codes in practice of Montenegrin judicature. Members of work groups that dealt with the drafts of these laws also took part in expert and quality discussion. Remarks and problems met in practice were raised by members of all professions working on the implementation of these regulations. Remarks and suggestions articulated at these round tables paved the way to work groups that had initiated work on amendments of these legal texts - EUR 6,720

  • With purpose to further strengthen prosecution institute and in context of the endeavors to establish the best possible organization, the Foundation supported the project focused on preparation of Draft State Prosecutor Internal Operation Rules. It appeared to be needed after the adoption of the new Law on State Prosecutor and establishing of modern standards in the comparative law. The Operation Rules should fully and comprehensively govern the activities of the prosecution administration that include internal assignment of tasks (that provides for regular and timely work of the state prosecutor), review of complaints and submissions, information system management, keeping of prescribed records and reports, work of intake office and archive, financial and material accounting etc. The project includes preparation of Draft Rules and holding of the round table at which the final version of the Draft Rules, based on comments of the Council of Europe and OSCE, would be reviewed. The Foundation financially supported the preparation of the initial version of the Rules and a part of the round table expenses - EUR 3,900

  • The Foundation supported the project of the Ministry of Justice focused on adoption of the Law on Criminal Liability of Legal Entities as one of the last laws that Montenegro needs to adopt to have fully completed reform of the criminal legislation and have domestic legal system reconciled with the international standards in this field. The goal of the project is drafting of the Law on Criminal Liability of Legal Entities and establishing of its Proposal by the Government of the Republic of Montenegro. When the Government establishes the Proposal it will be sent to the Parliament procedure and the adoption of the Law is expected by middle of 2006. This law will stipulate criminal liability of legal entity, criminal sanctions that will be applied against legal entities as well as criminal procedure in which the sanctions will be imposed - EUR 2,400

  • The Foundation got involved in the support to anti-corruption initiative by supporting the second phase of the project NGO CEMI that refers to entry of data and maintaining of database on financing of political parties, on public procurement and on earnings of civil servants that was established in the previous phase of this project. The project should enable citizens to have access to information and support transparency in the field of financing of political parties, earnings of public officials and public procurements. Research and monitoring team of CEMI collected new available information, processed them and filled-in the base that will be placed on internet and available to public - EUR 3,413

  • In view of the fact that the Parliament of the Republic of Montenegro adopted the Law on Amendments to the Law on Financing of Political Parties and that according to first reports it deviates from international standards in the field, the Foundation supported the project of NGO CEMI that deals with establishing of an expert team to analyze effects of the recently adopted Law on Amendments to the Law on Financing of Political Parties, to identify disputable provisions of the law, consider international standards and recommendations of the international organizations and to prepare analytical study of disputable provisions. The final result of the project would be Draft proposal for amendments to the present Law on Financing of Political Parties that would be the grounds for starting a broad campaign for exercise of fair, transparent, limited and sustainable financing of political parties - EUR 2,625

2. Projects Nominated by the Foundation to the network institution Open Society Justice Initiative (Budapest) and financed 50% each from both budgets:

  • Considering significant increase of organized crime and its large impact on all forms of living, the Foundation, as a part of wider research that is implemented on the network level of Soros Foundations for the Balkans, supported the public opinion poll project in Montenegro on attitudes about organized crime. Following the completion of research, the Foundation organized presentation of the results of the public opinion poll for representatives of prosecution office, judicial system, police and law practice in Montenegro, with the goal to contribute to better defining of strategy for fight against organized crime. The project of this public opinion poll was jointly financed by the Foundation and the OSI's network institution in the total amount of EUR 9,360, while the Foundation independently financed the presentation of the research results (EUR 387.64)

  • In cooperation with OSI's network program from Budapest, the Foundation also supported the following stage of the project Monitoring of Financing of Political Parties, implemented by NGO CEMI. The project consists of monitoring of implementation of the Law on Financing of Political Parties and the Law on Conflict of Interest in Montenegro and it identifies directions and methods for their successful implementation. It is also planed by the project to strengthen the cooperation with state regulatory bodies as well as Election Committee and Committee for Prevention of Conflict of Interests and to provide assistance for their capacity building and for the empowering to fight political corruption. Monitoring of their activities and quality of work and implementation of their legal obligations are also planed by the project. At the end, the project includes further maintaining and entry of data into database on financing of political parties, earnings of civil servants and public procurement - EUR 16,616

  • Further support was provided to the project of the Law School in Podgorica "Improvement of Work of Legal Clinics" which creates conditions for further work of Legal Clinics that as of this year have become a part of the curriculum and teaching program on third and fourth year of studies - EUR 6,301.

Total funds invested in this program in 2005 amounted to EUR 95,906.29, of which the Foundation invested EUR 79,767.79 and network institution Open Society Justice Initiative contributed with EUR 16,138.50.

 

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PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT PROGRAM

 

Program Coordinator: Bego Begu

 

Through Public Administration and Local Government program in 2005, FOSI-ROM supported reforms in the field of public administration and local government, training of employees of public administration / local government / NGO members, in terms of increase of professional and technical knowledge, and preparation of bylaws. We paid special attention to research of public awareness attitudes related to reform course, to cooperation with other organizations in the reform process through joined donations and activities and to getting acquainted with the structure and standards of EU on local level.

 

1. Increase of expert and technical knowledge and capacity of employees:

  • Training of Local Government Employees in Implementation of the new Law on Inspection Control - submitted by NGO Agency for Local Democracy and Partnership of Montenegro - In 2003 Parliament of RM adopted the Law on Inspection Control (Official Gazette of RM 39/03) and the Law on General Administrative Procedure (Official Gazette of RM 60/03). The objective of the project is to train 168 municipal inspectors in 15 municipalities to have better understanding of the inspection control procedure, to implement substantive laws under their sector, to implement the mentioned laws in carrying out the control and to practically implement the Law on Inspection Control when preparing administrative documents in form of resolutions, conclusions, minutes etc. - EUR 8,400 [This project is also supported by Open Society Institute - Budapest (Local Government Initiative), in the amount of USD 42,733.00]

  • Manual for Inspectors of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Supply - submitted by NGO Agency for Local Democracy and Partnership of Montenegro - The project refers to printing of Manual-guide for inspectors of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Supply. The Manual includes all models of documents adopted by the stated inspection either on spot in the controlled entities or in offices when acting upon objections of clients. Printing of the manual represents the beginning of successfully completed project Training of Inspectors of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Supply, supported by the Foundation. The Manual - guide should help the Ministry inspectors, who are not jurists by vocation, to perform their tasks in the quality manner within the inspection control and to remove ambiguities in implementation of the Law on Inspection, particularly concerning the procedure and making decisions, resolutions and other briefs - EUR 3,202.50

  • Training for Members of Local Multidisciplinary Teams on Family Violence and Methods of Work with Abused Persons - Podgorica, Bijelo Polje, Berane, Niksic and Ulcinj - submitted by NGO SOS Telephone for Women and Children Victims of Violence - Podgorica - In three three-day seminars, 75 members of multidisciplinary teams from Podgorica, Bijelo Polje, Berane, Niksic and Ulcinj were trained to work with victims of family violence. Manual with guidelines for work with the abused was prepared within the project. It includes conclusions from each of the three seminars and their evaluation. This is a continuation of the long term project of the Foundation and Non-Government organizations SOS Hotline-Niksic and SOS Hotline-Podgorica that refers to their cooperation with local institutions in preventing family violence. The teams comprise employees from centers for social work, courts, primary health centers and security centers - EUR 7,781 [this project is also supported by the Foundation through Women’s program with EUR 7,700, in total with EUR 15,481]

  • Specialized Course - Software Support to Investment Project Management: MS project, for bodies of the public administration and local self-government in the Republic of Montenegro - submitted by NGO Mont expert, Podgorica - The objective of the project is education of local government employees who deal with investment tasks in the municipalities of Tivat, Zabljak and Herceg Novi - the first municipalities that had local elections following the introduction of the Law on Local Self-government, because it anticipates much more active role of municipalities in developmental investment projects. Education consists of lectures and training in program that deals with computer planning of investment management. The project represents continuation of successfully implemented project Modern Project Planning and Management as Part of Responsibility of Public Administration and Local Government. Local self-government employees need this knowledge to be able to respond to requests of domestic and foreign investors who set up new standards of operations, which imply efficiency, cost-effectiveness, predictability and engagement of highly skilled project teams in implementation of investment projects - EUR 4,579

  • Further Activities of the Program for Capacity Development of Public Administration / Capacity Development Program (Partnership Program of the Government of RM, the Foundation and UNDP) - The Foundation, through CDP, continues support to the Ministry of Education and Science, Ministry for Foreign Economic Relations and European Integrations and Ministry of Justice. It is also planned to carry out activities on strengthening capacities of Government for the so called horizontal coordination of activities that should work out instruments and methods for improvement of inter-sectoral cooperation, corresponding to the strategic orientation of Montenegro to Euro-Atlantic integrations - EUR 30,000 [the project is also financed with EUR 10,000 from the European Program and EUR 10,000 from the program of Education Reform, total of EUR 50,000]

  • Training for Local Government Employees in Managing EU Funded Projects - submitted by NGO Center for Development of Non-Government Organizations (CRNVO) - The objective of the project is to improve awareness of local administration employees on EU funds and on managing projects from EU funds. Through two three-days interactive workshops participants will get acquainted with writing of projects for EU funds and with manner of managing projects from EU funds. Target group comprises 42 representatives of local government (two from each municipality) and 3 representatives from the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro. Lecturers and trainers will be the attendants of the seminar "Training for Trainers in Managing Projects from EU Funds" - EUR 20,000 [this project is supported with money that remained from the implementation of the project "Civil Bureau in the Municipality of Rozaje" in 2004.]

2. Support to drafting of bylaws:

  • Drafting of the Model Decision on the Council for Development and Protection of Local Government - submitted by the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro - Every municipality, according to the Law on Local Self-Government, should establish the Council for Development and Protection of Local Self-Government. Prominent and respectable citizens in the areas important to local government will be appointed to the Council by Municipality Assembly. Every municipality should define rights and responsibilities of its Council, its structure, manner of election and operations and other issues related to functioning of the Council. This project includes preparation of the model of Decision on the Council for Development and Protection of Local Self-government and, when the Assembly of the Union of Municipalities adopts the model, its publication in our and in English language, distribution and three presentations of the model Decision - in northern, central and southern region of Montenegro - EUR 3,675

3. Increase of professional and technical knowledge and capacities of NGO sector representatives:

  • Training of Trainers in Managing EU Funded Projects - submitted by NGO Center for Development of Non-Government Organizations (CRNVO) - The objective of the project is to improve informing of non-government organizations as well as local and state administration on EU funds and managing of EU funded projects. Through four interactive workshops participants will increase their knowledge on EU funds (access through logical framework), on managing EU funded projects and on methodology of teaching the adults and carrying out of training. The training will be attended by CRNVO trainers (12 candidates), members of European Movement in Montenegro (3 candidates) and representatives of the Ministry for Foreign Economic Relations and European Integrations (5 candidates) - EUR 10,776.46

  • Civil Dialogue as Means of Reaching Efficient Local Government - submitted by NGO Consensus - With the support of this project women-activists of non-government organizations in Bar and Kolasin have been trained in efficient communication with local authorities. Through two interactive workshops, the participants got acquainted with the role, responsibilities, duties and rights of citizens and local authorities. They also learned about competencies of local authorities and techniques for establishing dialogue with them. Meetings with representatives of local government were held after the seminar to agree on mechanisms of future cooperation. The project should increase the awareness of citizens on the need to get involved themselves in democratic processes and to stimulate government institutions to have in mind priorities and needs of men and women equally when resolving problems - EUR 6,522 [This program is also financed with EUR 500 from the Women program, total of EUR 7,022.]

4. Public Opinion Research in Montenegro:

  • Public Opinion in Montenegro in 2005 - submitted by NGO Center for Democracy and Human Rights (CEDEM) - The project encompasses four public opinion researches in Montenegro in 2005, in quarterly intervals, which include detailed analysis of results and the tendencies shown in public opinion as well as their timely presentation to the public. The relation to the key state reforms - of judicial system, of education and of local self-government, as well as the relation to EU have been investigated. The research is made on the sample of 1,000 respondents who, according to ethnic, social and other relevant characteristics represent population in Montenegro. On the basis of the research results, the Foundation defines directions of its activities in the mentioned reform segments. On the basis of the findings of last year research, activities that should help citizens to understand reform processes will be carried out in 2005. - EUR 15,000 [this project is supported by the Foundation through program Education Reform with EUR 23,760 and Law Program with EUR 6,000, in total with EUR 44,760]

5. Familiarizing with the structure and standards of EU at local level:

  • School of Democratic Management 3rd Generation - Decentralization and European Integration in Montenegrin Context - submitted by NGO Nansen Dialogue Center - Montenegro - School of Democratic Management improves knowledge and skills of young political leaders (25-35 years of age) from different parties in Montenegro on political organizing and reforms. The School implies participation of other organizations (CoE, OSCE...) with regard to the topic. The Foundation supports organizing of the following seminars for the second generation of attendants: 1. "Seminar on Principles of Decentralization in Accordance with the European Practice", at which attendants find out about: basic principles of decentralization arising from the new Law on Local Self-Government, Law on Election of the Municipality President and the Law on Financing Local Self-Government; relations between central and local government; role of citizens and cooperation of all relevant actors in decision making at local level; European charters, recommendations and EU directives from the scope of local self-government. 2. "Seminar on the Process of European Integrations with an Overview of Experiences in the Region", at which attendants get to know the structure and manner of functioning of the European Union and regional experiences in the process of accession to EU (practical experiences of one country candidate). This project trains future advocates of social changes and initiators of reforms and it gives momentum to movement for getting Montenegro closer to EU - EUR 10,696.26

  • Local Government in European Integrations - submitted by Nansen Dialogue Center - Montenegro in cooperation with the Ministry for Foreign Economic Relations and European Integrations - The project encompasses five workshops - in Niksic, Bar, Bijelo Polje, Pljevlja and Tivat, at which local officers will get acquainted with European charters, recommendations and EU directives related to local government. Workshops are organized by Nansen Dialogue Center - Podgorica in cooperation with the Ministry for Foreign Economic Relations and European Integrations, whose Action Plan for Communication Strategy requires this kind of project. By financing this project the Foundation is trying to make it easier to local government employees to understand processes of European integration and to accept European standards. In that way integration processes will accelerate. - EUR 3,103.75

  • Political Parties in European Integrations - "follow up" activity of the 2nd generation of the School of Democratic Management, submitted by Nansen Dialogue Center - Montenegro - At workshops in Niksic, Kolasin, Bijelo Polje and Podgorica representatives of different political parties got acquainted with all important documents and processes necessary for European integration of Montenegro. Representatives of the Ministry for Foreign Economic Relations and European Integration of RM presented to participants European Charter on Local Self-Government, Recommendation on Participation of Citizens in Local Public Life, European Charter on Participation of Young People in Local Public Life, recommendations of the Council of Europe and European Union related to local self-government. They also presented experiences of the experts from the region and from the European Union in these fields. This project makes the attendants more familiar with the meaning of European integrations and points to the need that all political subjects jointly act at European institutions in order to accelerate processes of integrations and acceptance of standards required by the processes - EUR 1.540 [this project is supported with the money that remained from the implementation of the project "School of Democratic Managing - 2nd generation"]

  • Gender Equality in the Process of EU Integration - in-house project - The project refers to a seminar for women-activists of non-government organizations and employees in government institutions at which they were informed about attitudes and guidelines of the European Union on gender equality. The participants were also informed on regional EONET project conducted in Montenegro by the Foundation and OSI-New York. (The Project deals with comparative analysis of domestic legislative and EU directives that refer to economic status of women and with analysis of the implementation of laws). Women-experts for gender issues in European integrations from Slovenia and Czech Republic presented their experiences. Promotion of gender equality within the process of accession to European Union was also discussed at the seminar. By supporting this seminar, the Foundation continued with its engagement in meeting domestic capacities that deal with gender equality issues with EU solutions in the field - EUR 7,206 + EUR 163.97 expenses = EUR 7,369.97 [this project is supported by the Foundation through Women’s Program with EUR 1,888.15]

Funds in the amount of EUR 111,105.94 and USD 42,773.00 were spent on projects implemented through the program Public administration and Local Self-Government in 2005.

The Foundation invested EUR 55,552.97, and network program OSI/LGI invested EUR 55,552.97 and USD 42.773,00.

 

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CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

 

 

Capacity Development Program (CDP) is a joint project of the Government, Foundation Open Society Institute - Representative Office in Montenegro and UNDP. Capacity Development Program has so far supported Ministries - of Justice, of Education and Science, of Foreign Economic Relations and European Integrations, and of Finance. Project document "Strengthening Capacities of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Physical Planning to Deal with Problems of Environmental Management" was signed in the third year of the program implementation. It was signed in Podgorica on September 15, 2005 by representatives of the Ministry of Environment Protection and Physical Planning, UNDP and Netherlands Embassy in Belgrade. The project should assist the Ministry to develop structures, strategies, human resources and skills needed for reconciliation of regulations in this field with European legislation and their successful implementation. The value of the project is USD 462,507, and it is implemented with the financial assistance of the Government of the Kingdom of Netherlands.

 

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WOMEN’S PROGRAM

 
Program Coordinator: Maja Kovacevic

 

Activities of the Women’s Program were carried out within three program components: - gender integration, - prevention of family violence and - gender and education.

 

1. Component "Gender Integration" is primarily directed to inclusion of gender aspect in areas that the Foundation deals with through its other programs, for example, European integrations, public administration and local self-government reform etc. Within this component we have supported the following projects:

  • Seminar on Gender Equality in the Process of EU Integration - in-house project. The main goal of the seminar was to inform on gender aspects of EU integration process: EU framework for gender equality and European directives related to implementation of principles of equal opportunities to men and women in economic sphere. Experiences of Slovenia and Czech Republic were presented at the seminar in promotion of gender equality through process of European integrations as well as the latest research on economic and social status of women in Montenegro. The Seminar was attended by members of WNGOs and female representatives of Trade Unions and of state mechanisms for gender equality - EUR 1,888.15. (This project is also financed with EUR 7,206 + 163.97 from the program Public Administration and Local Government)

  • Women’s Civil Sector in Montenegro towards European Integrations - NGO Women’s Action - The objective of the project was to examine readiness and capacities of women's non-government organizations in Montenegro to take over the role of public awareness raising and monitoring of gender aspects of overall negotiations in accession to EU - EUR.1,000 (this project is also financed with EUR 5,489 from the European program)

  • Civil Dialogue as Means of Reaching Efficient Local Government - NGO Consensus - The project refers to organization of training for women activists of non-government organizations in Bar and Kolasin for efficient communication with local government - EUR 500 (this project was also financed with EUR 6,522 from the Public Administration and Local Government Program)

  • Woman as a Creation of Pop Culture - NGO Manus Feminae - The project is a research on what gender and cultural messages are sent to female teenagers by popular TV series, advertising and musical video spots, and in what manner they affect the establishing of female teenagers' gender identity. - EUR 3,620

  • Gender Equality in International Documents - Office for Gender Equality in the Government of Montenegro - The project includes translation, preparation and printing of documents of Council of Europe that refer to protection of human rights, introduction of non-discriminatory legislation and ensuring of equal rights for women and men. - EUR 560 (this project is also financed with EUR 6,000 from the European Program.)

2. Within the component "Gender and Education" that includes research projects, organization of women studies, development and strengthening of Information-Documentary Center for Women (INDOK), as well as the initiative and projects related to development of gender non-discriminatory policies in education, we have implemented the following projects:

  • Activities of Information-Documentary Center (INDOK) in 2005 - NGO "Anima" Center for Peaceful and Women Education - The INDOK's project includes gathering of relevant information on women and for women in Montenegro, informing the public and awareness development of female civil sector and wider public on issues related to gender equality - EUR 15,910.

  • Women’s Studies Program, Kotor 2005 - NGO "Anima" Center for Peaceful and Women Education - Women’s Studies Program is a two-semester inter-disciplinary educational program on feminist theory and practice. The objective of the program is to develop self-awareness of women and encourage their active involvement into public life and development of civil society - EUR 3,600

3. Funds from program line "Prevention of Violence Against Women" is directed to promotion and establishing of cooperation between NGOs, state institutions and local communities, as the cooperation is necessary precondition for successful prevention of family violence. The Foundation supported the following projects:

  • Support to International Project of National STOP VAW Monitors (Stop Violence Against Women) - Monitor task for Montenegro is performed by Vanja Mikulic, SOS Hotline-Podgorica, and Irena Milatovic, Office for Gender Equality of the Government of Montenegro - EUR 1,320.

  • Coordinated Action Program for Preventing Family Violence in Niksic - NGO SOS Hotline for Women and Children Victims of Violence, Niksic - The project refers to a range of activities including seminar for heads of departments and managers of legal departments in the Primary Health Center and General Hospital in Niksic on family violence and the role of the institutions in providing support to victims - EUR 3,691.

  • Training for Members of Local Multidisciplinary Teams on Family Violence and Methods of Work with Victims of Such Violence - Podgorica, Bijelo Polje, Berane, Niksic and Ulcinj - NGO SOS Hotline for Women and Children Victims of Violence - Podgorica - The project includes organization of three seminars for about 75 members of multidisciplinary teams from the stated cities as well as preparation of manuals with instructions for their work with the abused - EUR 7,700.

  • Global Campaign "16 Days Campaign against Violence against Women" - Office for Gender Equality of GOM - Within the promotion of this campaign in Montenegro, two radio jingles were made and broadcast on 12 radio stations on the territory of entire Montenegro - EUR 2,456

4. With the support and in the organization of the Open Society Institute - New York and Open Society Institute - Budapest, Vanja Mikulic, as the representative of Montenegro and national STOP VAW monitor, participated in two international events: 

  • International Seminar of National Monitors for Prevention of Violence against Women, in the organization of OSI-Budapest and -New York and UNIFEM. - USD 950

  • AWID Forum (Association for Women in Development), the largest world gathering of non-government organizations that was held at the end of October 2005 in Bangkok.

5. At the initiative and with the support of the Open Society Institute-New York and Open Society Institute-Budapest, in the region of South East Europe, including Montenegro, several large regional projects have been implemented:

  • SEE EONET Project (Equal Opportunities for Women and Men in South East Europe) - The project includes analysis and comparison of laws and directives of European Union on mandatory implementation of principles of equal opportunities for women and men. The project will result in recommendations for amending laws and preparation of action plans in the process of accession to European Union. The analysis and recommendations will be presented to the European Parliament in May 2006. The budget of the project amounts to USD 5,000. (report, summary)

  • Roma Women’s Initiative - The Goal of the project is to support Roma women and girls to overcome numerous traditional barriers and get actively involved in fight to exercise their rights. The budget of the project is USD 3,000.

  • Project - Monitoring of Violence against Women - The project includes gathering and analysis of data on violence against women in Montenegro. Results of the project will be presented to the European Parliament in May 2006, within the above mentioned SEE EONET project. The budget of the project is USD 2,000.

Funds in the total amount of EUR 66,149 and USD 10,950 were invested in projects implemented through Women’s program in 2005.

Save the budget of the Women’s Program in the amount of EUR 40,357, projects from this program were supported from the funds of the European Program - EUR 11,489 and Public Administration and Local Government Program - EUR 14,303. Network Women’s Program of the Open Society Institute from New York and Budapest invested USD 10,950.

 

 

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ROMA PROGRAM

 

Program Coordinators: Tamara Srzentic and Darko Curic

 

1. Roma Education Initiative

 

The Foundation in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Montenegro and UNICEF, since September 2004, implemented second phase of the project "Roma Education Initiative in Montenegro", that is targeted to establishing of comprehensive model of integration of Roma children (from 0 to 18 years of age) into formal education system in Montenegro. The project was realized in three Montenegrin municipalities - Podgorica, Niksic and Berane, and it was implemented in kindergartens "Radmila Nedic" Berane, "Jelena Cetkovic" Podgorica, "Dragan Kovacevic" Niksic and elementary schools "Bozidar Vukovic Podgoricanin" and "Marko Miljanov" in Podgorica, "Mileva Lajovic-Lalatovic" in Niksic and "Radomir Mitrovic" in Berane. Additionally, in places where there were no preconditions for full inclusion of children in the formal education system, NGO Pedagogical Center of Montenegro implemented informal education of Roma children as well as training of Roma assistants in teaching. It is very important that this project involved, besides the Government of Montenegro (the Ministry of Education and Science), several Roma non-government organizations. The project is financed by FOSI Representative Office Montenegro, OSI network initiative from Budapest "Roma Education Initiative" and UNICEF Office in Podgorica. The Foundation allocated the amount of EUR 48,350 for the implementation of the project from the budget for 2005. Success of the project reflects in the fact that Roma Education Fund from Paris in October 2005 decided to support the third phase of the project that will be implemented in additional three Montenegrin municipalities, besides Podgorica, Niksic and Berane.

 

2. The Foundation supported highly important project of establishing data base on Roma children included in regular education system. That was necessary as the lack of precise data thereon significantly aggravated the implementation of all projects related to support to Roma. Establishing of the stated database (classified according to municipalities, schools and classes) significantly facilitates implementation of all projects related to support to Roma children, their inclusion in the education system in Montenegro and analyses of success in schooling. Request for such database stems from the Action plan of the Decade of Roma Inclusion. The database is put at disposal to the Ministry of Education and Science, international organizations and donors. It is placed on the Roma Scholarship Foundation website and is thus available to those interested in it - EUR 4,440

 

3. The Foundation financed raising of public awareness on the Foundation activities in the period May-August 2005 from Roma Program budget - EUR 400.

 

Total funds invested in this program by FOSI ROM in 2005 amount to EUR 53,190.00.

 

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EAST EAST PROGRAM

 

Program Coordinators: Tamara Srzentic and Darko Curic

 

Within this program and under auspices of network East East Program, participation of Montenegrin experts in work of the following events was provided:

 

Event Title

Period

Place

Participants

Approved Funds in EUR

Cross-border Workshop for Trafficking Problems

February 18-19

Skadar, Albania

Nazif Velic (NGO New horizons -Ulcinj), Rudolf Elezovic, Aida Petrovic (NGO Montenegrin Women Lobby-Pogodirca), Ismeta Djokaj, Budislavka Saveljic, Ljiljana Raicevic (NGO Safe Women House- Podgorica), Aisa Djokaj

680.00

Cooperation for Impact: Reform of the Public Health Sector

February 28 -

March 1

Belgrade,

Serbia and Montenegro

Agima Ljaljevic (Health Institute- Podgorica)

207.10

Era of Participation: Strategies and Agreements between the Public Sector and the Non-profit Sector

March 3-5

Tallin,

Estonia

Veselin Kovac (Ministry for Foreign Economic Relations and European Integrations)

Ivana Knezevic (NGO Center for Development of Non-Government Organizations - Podgorica)

2,144.90

Innovative Approaches to Supporting Women’s Rights

April 27- May 2

Prague,

Czech Republic

Vanja Calovic (NGO MANS - Podgorica

668.00

Disabled and Equal

April 15-19

Tirana,

Albania

Milusa Zugic, (NGO Our Initiative - Niksic)

550.00

Teaching for and through Democracy

May 6-7

Brijuni,

Croatia

Sanja Subaric (University of Montenegro - Podgorica)

Mirjana Sredanovic

640.00

National Youth Policies: Success or Failure in South Eastern Europe

May 23- 28

Timisoara,

Romania

Adriana Resulbegovic (Catholic Relief Services - Podgorica)

234.75

Youth for Youth - Combat HIV/AIDS

June 2-5

Varazdin,

Croatia

Milos Pejkovic (NGO CAZAS - Podgorica)

567.00

Our World -Extending the Borders

September 30-October 5

Kiev,

Ukraine

Jelena Scepanovic

888.10

Assessment for Quality Assurance in Education

October 5-9

Kiev,

Ukraine

Bozidar Scepanovic, (Republic Examination Center, Podgorica)

876.70

Transparency, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Measures in Education

October 25-29

Kiev,

Ukraine

Bozena Jelusic

682.29

Current and Future Challenges in Curriculum Development: Case Studies and Networking for Change.

November 17-20

Sinaia,

Romania

Srđan Peric (Bureau for Education Services - Podgorica)

705.00

 

Total funds for 2005 invested by the East-East network program amount to EUR 8,843.84.

 

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