By Marija Blažević and Selda Jahjagić, Young European Ambassadors, Montenegro

As Young European Ambassadors (YEAs), we often talk about the importance of education, youth empowerment, and the positive role the EU plays in the Western Balkans. But sometimes, we get to experience it all firsthand, and that’s exactly what happened during our recent visit to the newly built “Vladimir Nazor” Primary School in Podgorica, Montenegro.

As part of the Follow-Me Club, we had the opportunity to explore this beautiful school, which was built with support from the European Union through the European Investment Bank (EIB). We were joined by Mr. Damien Sorrell, Head of the EIB Regional Representation to the Western Balkans, whose presence added a special significance to the visit.

From the moment we arrived, we felt incredibly welcomed. Ms. Ljiljana Marković, the school’s director, greeted us with warmth and pride, showing us around the new facilities. With nearly 1,000 pupils, the school now offers bright, modern classrooms and vibrant learning spaces – the kind of environment that inspires both students and teachers every single day. Walking through the halls, we could truly feel the energy of possibility and the promise of future success.

One of the highlights for us was spending time with the students. We talked about our roles as YEAs and shared what it means to be active in our communities and take initiative. The conversations were honest, lively, and full of dreams – from future astronauts and scientists to young artists and athletes. It was inspiring to hear how these young people see their future and how much they value education.

Mr. Sorrell also joined the discussions and reflected on how meaningful it is to witness EU-supported projects in action. Seeing happy, engaged students and dedicated teachers reminded us all of the real impact that cooperation and investment can have, not just on buildings, but on people’s lives.

For us, this wasn’t just a school visit. It was a moment to connect, to listen, and to celebrate how far we’ve come – and how much further we can go when young people are given the space and support to thrive. Education is more than lessons and textbooks. It’s about building futures, shaping leaders, and creating a better tomorrow.

We left “Vladimir Nazor” School with full hearts and renewed motivation to keep working toward a future where every young person in the Western Balkans has the chance to grow, learn, and dream big — in classrooms just like this one.