Podgorica, (MINA) – Another edition of the Montenegrin Colouring Book, National Costumes of Montenegro, through which children from an early age will learn that diversity is a value to be proud of – not something to fear – was presented on Monday in Podgorica, in an event organised by the International Women’s Club of Montenegro.
Milena Milatović, wife of the President of Montenegro and patron of the project, said during the presentation that colouring books are not only tools for play, but also for learning, developing creativity, imagination, concentration, and fine motor skills. “This colouring book, however, is much more than that – it is an opportunity to better understand the richness of Montenegro’s cultural heritage and, most importantly, to teach children how precious diversity can be,” said Milatović.
She stated that Montenegro’s traditional costumes are woven with emotions, memories, stories, and the dreams of ancestors. “Whether they originate from the north, the coast, or central parts of the country, these costumes form a unique image of Montenegro and show how rich we are in our differences,” Milatović emphasised.
She thanked the International Women’s Club of Montenegro, an organisation that, as she noted, initiated and realised this project with great care and dedication.
Addressing the children, Milatović added that this colouring book is a key that opens the door to a great treasure chest in which we preserve our culture. “As you colour the beautiful illustrations, you become little guardians of Montenegro’s cultural heritage. Be joyful as you colour, be proud as you learn, and never forget that what you carry within yourselves – unity, love, and mutual respect – is the greatest wealth you can share with the world,” said Milatović.
Adrijana Husić, editor of the Montenegrin Colouring Book, said she was delighted to already hear the first positive reactions to the edition, into which, as she pointed out, a great deal of love, energy, collaboration, and partnership had been invested.
She emphasised that she believes the success of the National Costumes of Montenegro edition lies exactly in that. “I believe this colouring book will tell its best and most beautiful story through the colouring that starts today, and through joint promotions that we will organise not only in Montenegro, but also abroad. I believe that you will give this colouring book a special new note and a special kind of love, just as we did,” Husić said.
Lejla Dervišagić, Head of the Council of Europe Programme Office in Podgorica, stated that national costumes, as part of culture, are an expression of identity and speak of the history, values, and beliefs of a community or region.
According to her, the number of costumes featured in this colouring book is proof of Montenegro’s richness, coexistence, and respect for others and for difference.
“And the very creation of this book and its purpose come from a desire for children, from an early age, to learn that diversity is a richness we should be proud of, not something that separates us or something to fear,” said Dervišagić. She added that these are the values promoted by the Council of Europe, and that she was therefore pleased that the organisation was able to support this initiative of the International Women’s Club, under the patronage of the First Lady.
She also reminded that the Council of Europe is the oldest international organisation on the European continent working in the field of human rights. Dervišagić noted that the founding of the Council of Europe after the Second World War created hope and belief in a new Europe in which human rights would be respected, the rule of law upheld, and the principles of democracy strengthened. “Today, the Council of Europe has 46 member states, 27 of which are members of the European Union. Last year, the Council of Europe marked 75 years of existence, and this year we celebrate 75 years of the European Convention on Human Rights,” added Dervišagić.
She explained that the European Convention on Human Rights is a legal instrument that guarantees the fundamental rights and freedoms of all people, and that its implementation is overseen by the European Court of Human Rights. Dervišagić emphasised that culture, cultural heritage, and cultural identity are an essential pillar in the protection and promotion of human rights. She stressed that without culture, there is no democracy.
Project coordinator Enisa Murseli Gjokaj said that the presentation of the educational colouring book National Costumes of Montenegro is an event that celebrates diversity, heritage, and children’s imagination. “I would like to share with you that this colouring book was born out of a sincere desire for children to, through play and illustration, discover the beauty of the cultural heritage of the traditional costumes of all those who live in our country,” said Murseli Gjokaj.
She thanked all partners and donors who made the realisation of this idea possible. “May today be the beginning of a colourful, inclusive story that we will continue to colour together – with children, for children, and for a future filled with understanding,” said Murseli Gjokaj.
