The decision has raised concerns among families and also opened the question of compliance with the policies and regulations set by the Government of the Sarajevo Canton, particularly in the context of the announced program for co-financing children's stay in kindergartens.
One parent, whose child attends a kindergarten in Sarajevo, contacted us and said they have already received a notice from the institution that the prices for children's stay will be increased starting in September.
This represents a significant increase as it amounts to 120 KM per child.
In their explanation, the kindergarten clarified that they are doing this to retain professional staff and ensure the stability of the institution. They emphasize that the new price includes specialized programs in religious education, English language, and sports for children aged three and above, while for children under three, it covers the necessary resources for childcare and nurturing.
They state that they made such a decision in response to market changes and as a direct investment in a higher quality stay for children in this institution.
We sought clarification from the responsible minister, Naida Hota Muminoviฤ, who said they received information from the kindergarten about the intention to increase prices starting in September.
In the Sarajevo Canton, a model is currently being implemented where the Government co-finances children's stay in kindergartens to ease the costs for parents.
"The program of the Government of the Sarajevo Canton strictly defines how much these price increases can be for a kindergarten to be covered by co-financing. This condition exists because the Canton does not want the co-financing to go solely into the pockets of kindergarten owners, but rather to be a relief for families. The Government's program should be adopted soon, so that kindergarten definitely made the decision prematurely," stated Hota Muminoviฤ.
She emphasizes that in the coming period, they will see what kind of self-initiated announcement this is.
"Here, we have contracts and a kind of social agreement on the partnership between parents, educational authorities, and private kindergartens, and no one should take steps due to an increased desire for profit. It is not the time for that, nor is education an activity where someone can materially enrich themselves. I believe that common sense will prevail," concluded Hota Muminoviฤ.