MASTILOVIĆ: GOVERNMENT RECOGNIZES QUALITY AND IMPORTANCE OF ISTOČNO SARAJEVO UNIVERSITY

ISTOČNO SARAJEVO, SEPTEMBER 14 /SRNA/ – Republika Srpska Minister for Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education Draga Mastilović says the Republika Srpska Government recognizes the importance and quality of the University of Istočno Sarajevo, which is best demonstrated by investments both in infrastructure projects and in student welfare.

"The Republika Srpska Government is implementing projects in Trebinje, where the second pavilion of the Student Dormitory is currently being renovated, while work is underway on a concert hall in Istočno Novo Sarajevo. We also have a project to improve the energy efficiency of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering building," Mastilović told the press ahead of the formal academic ceremony marking University Day and the 34th anniversary of the University of Istočno Sarajevo. He recalled that a project to improve the energy efficiency of the Faculty of Law is being implemented in Pale, along with the reconstruction of premises for the Institute of Historical Sciences. In Zvornik, reconstruction and equipping of the Student Dormitory has begun - a project worth BAM 2.2 million. "Republika Srpska is unique in the region when it comes to student welfare, because our students have completely free tuition and accommodation in student dormitories," Mastilović stressed. According to him, the Government allocates funds every year for 1,065 scholarships for students studying in Republika Srpska. There are also scholarships from the Dr Milan Jelić Fund for exceptionally talented young people. Mastilović stressed that Republika Srpska can become stronger only if young people, its most important resource, remain in the area - to study, work and live in Srpska. He congratulated Rector of the University of Istočno Sarajevo Milan Kulić on the major achievements the university has made in its work to date. Mastilović recalled that the University of Istočno Sarajevo was established during a difficult and specific period and that it was not easy to preserve it, let alone bring it to a level where it became internationally recognised for the quality of its teaching, scientific and research work, and cooperation with numerous institutions around the world. "That is a major achievement. More than 50,000 students have enrolled at this university, and nearly 30,000 have graduated. That represents an entire army of young, educated people who have a specific role in the social development of Republika Srpska," Mastilović stressed. He noted that the Republika Srpska Government has recognised the importance of the University of Istočno Sarajevo, particularly because of its distinctive structure, with faculties and institutions spread across several cities. He said this gives the university particular importance, as well as responsibility when it comes to the demographic image of Republika Srpska. “Our two public universities, in Istočno Sarajevo and Banja Luka, where the Government is also making significant investments, are a source of strength for Republika Srpska, but also a kind of a guarantee of the survival of the Serb people in this area,” Mastilović said.