More than one hundred students from three secondary schools in Čačak successfully completed an emergency response training held today at the Technical School Čačak, with the support of the European Union and partners.

Richard Masa, Head of Operations at the EU Delegation, said that this activity is part of a broader initiative aimed at strengthening Serbia’s healthcare system, for which the EU has provided a donation of 12 million euros.

“The EU stands with Serbia in building a healthcare system that protects everyone, everywhere. Such protection begins by empowering young people like these students. In an emergency, they won’t be mere bystanders — they will be the first to react. This is precisely the kind of resilience we need to build among citizens across Serbia,” said Masa.

Deputy Mayor of Čačak, Vladan Milić emphasized that the goal was for our children to be equipped to act in the most difficult and most important situations, where their proper reaction can save not only their own lives, but also the lives of others.

”This training is a significant contribution to their growing up, personal development, and building awareness of their important role in the society in which they live, learn, and work”, stated he.

Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP, Fabrizio Andreuzzi, emphasized the importance of empowering young people to respond calmly, responsibly, and confidently during emergencies.

“These skills will not only help them better protect themselves, but they are also crucial for building safer and more resilient communities. UNDP will continue to support citizens and institutions in Serbia to improve the preparedness of cities and municipalities for crises and emergencies, ensuring that no one is left behind,” Andreuzzi said.

Students of the “Dr Vojislav Vučković” Music School, the Technical School, and the Mechanical–Transport School received certificates for completing the first aid training and learned how to respond during epidemics and pandemics. They also took part in a fire evacuation drill conducted by members of the Civil Protection Unit Čačak.

Acting Director of the Institute of Public Health of Serbia, Dr Verica Jovanović, highlighted that this institution contributes to improving emergency preparedness and response through policy development, education, and strengthening community capacities, including educating young people about health risks and protection measures.

On this occasion, representatives of the EU and UNDP handed over a donation to the Technical School Čačak and the Civil Protection Unit Čačak, which includes personal and protective equipment.

The training was organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with the support of the European Union and in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, the Emergency Management Sector of the Ministry of Interior, the City of Čačak, the Red Cross Čačak, the Civil Protection Unit Čačak, and the Institute of Public Health Čačak, within the project “EU for the Healthcare System of Serbia.”

Read more about EU investment to public health in Serbia:

Renovation of medical centers and wastewater systems with financing from the EIB

EU Donates New Ambulances, Mobile Respirators and Protective Equipment

EU support for the improvement of health services in the Health Center of Raška