The Public Institution Children’s Home “Mladost” – Bijela provides care for children deprived of parental care, as well as children whose development has been adversely affected by difficult family circumstances. It is the only institution of its kind in Montenegro. Due to its role and the nature of its work, the Institution holds a highly important place in our society. Its effective operation and ability to respond to the numerous and serious demands placed upon it are therefore of great importance to the entire community.
The Children’s Home in Bijela was founded in 1946. At that time, several institutions of this type were established throughout Montenegro. These institutions were later merged with the Children’s Home in Bijela, which has since remained the only institution of its kind in the country.
Until 1979, the Home was located in a building known as Villa “Jadranska straža” in Bijela. The building was an endowment of engineer Tapavica, who lived and worked in this area at the beginning of the twentieth century. During the earthquake that struck the Montenegrin coast in 1979, the old building of the Home, Villa “Jadranska straža”, was severely damaged. A new facility was therefore constructed and opened in 1980, and it remains in use today.
The total floor area of the Home is 4,027 m², with accommodation capacity for 90 residents. Over the past several years, extensive renovation work has been carried out in the areas used by the children. With the support of the Government of Montenegro and donations from several foreign investors, a comprehensive project involving the complete renovation and furnishing of the residential units, central kitchen, laundry facilities and preschool department was successfully completed. The central heating system was also refurbished.
Following the completion of these works, we can proudly state that the living conditions provided to our children are now in accordance with European standards in the field of social and child protection.
The old building of the Home, Villa “Jadranska straža”, was also reconstructed and converted into a hotel-style facility. Today, it is a representative four-star hotel that provides professional and practical training opportunities for the young people in our care who attend schools specialising in tourism and hospitality occupations.
Living Standards
A wide range of measures and activities are continuously undertaken in order to improve the children’s living and working conditions and provide them with a higher standard of living.
Numerous adaptation and renovation projects, repairs to existing furniture and equipment, and the purchase of new furnishings and equipment have significantly contributed to achieving European standards in this field.
The residential area accommodating male residents has been completely reconstructed, resulting in a considerable improvement in their living conditions.
