The Minister of Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education of the Republic of Srpska, Prof. Draga Mastilović PhD, said in Banja Luka that several significant projects in the field of developing student standards will be launched this year, with more than 25 million BAM to be invested.
Minister Mastilović stated that investment will not stop there, and that the construction of additional student pavilions is planned in order to increase accommodation capacity.
"Students are the most important strategic resource of the Republic of Srpska and, accordingly, from 2017 to 2025 the Government of Srpska has invested significant funds in the development of the infrastructural capacities of faculties, and more than 14 million BAM in improving student standards," said Minister Mastilović at the opening of the "Student Days of the University of Banja Luka".
He emphasised the importance of this event, noting that by organising such activities students demonstrate responsibility towards higher education and its development.
"This year, 300,000 BAM has been allocated for organising such events, compared to 200,000 BAM previously, and student scholarships have also been increased from 200 to 300 BAM," added Minister Mastilović.
He concluded that the Republic of Srpska has taken significant steps to motivate students to study, live and work in Srpska.
President of the Student Parliament of the University of Banja Luka, Ana Sibinčić, said that numerous activities will be organised as part of the ten-day "Student Days" event, bringing together a large number of students.
"A special place in the programme is occupied by the Open Day and the Faculty Festival, when final-year secondary school pupils will visit to learn about what our faculties offer," said Sibinčić.
President of the Student Union of the Republic of Srpska, Nikola Šobot, said that the event includes numerous workshops, lectures, panel discussions, as well as entertainment activities.
"We strive to be socially responsible, so all events within the programme are also of a humanitarian nature, and donation boxes will be placed to collect voluntary contributions to help a fellow citizen," said Šobot.