This year, 20 new schools in Serbia received the title of “Superschool”, and their proposed projects were presented at the event “Meet the Superschools”, organized by the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).
During a period of one year the selected schools will work on a peace building, reconciliation, and dialogue as part of the Western Balkans School Exchange Program.
Each partner school will organize one exchange visit to their partner school lasting up to six days. Students will travel accompanied by one or two teachers to present themselves, their schools, and their customs to the hosts, while also learning new things about local communities across the region.
In addition to representatives of the selected schools, the event was attended by representatives of the European Union, the German Embassy, the Ministry of Tourism and Youth, and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development.
Congratulating the Superschools, Plamena Halačeva, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia, said that “their openness and curiosity are inspiring and encouraging.”
“The European Union will continue to stand by the youth of the Western Balkans, supporting their creativity, mobility, and opportunities for learning, connecting, and building friendships across borders. Because the future of this region and our entire continent lies in their hands”, said Halačeva.
Opening the event, Vladimir Obradović, Secretary General of RYCO, emphasized that the Superschools have grown into one of the organization’s flagship programs, engaging thousands of students, and that the initiative is not only about mobility, but also about building trust, reconciliation, and creating opportunities for young people to shape a shared regional future.
Speaking on behalf of Germany, Ambassador Anke Konrad highlighted Germany’s long-standing commitment to the program.
“Superschools are much more than a school exchange program. They are a unique platform that actively promotes mutual understanding, intercultural dialogue, and reconciliation among young people across the Western Balkans.”
The importance of Superschools for regional exchange, reconciliation, and mutual understanding was also highlighted by Ivana Antonijević, Assistant Minister of Tourism and Youth, and Anđelka Mirković, Assistant Minister of Education, Science and Technological Development.
The upcoming exchange activities will take place from November 15 of this year to April 15 of next year. During this period, school principals and teachers will coordinate and develop these activities with the support of RYCO and its mentors.
The list of 100 high schools from the region, including 20 from Serbia, can be found on the RYCO website.
More than 100 applications were received for the program and the Superschool title, with special emphasis on the concept of family hosting, a unique opportunity for students and schools to participate in bilateral exchanges within their local communities and homes. In this call, 13 partnerships are implementing family hosting.
