Belgrade has decided to roll out free English classes for preschoolers once again, and this is already the third year in a row! Yes, you read that right – around 16,000 little kids get the chance to learn English completely free of charge in state and private kindergartens. Mayor Aleksandar Šapić and the city’s education secretary Aleksandra Čamagić proudly claim this is another social measure aimed at easing the financial burden on parents. Sounds like a dream, right? But let’s dig into what’s really going on behind this “big” story.
Free, but for how long?
This program has been running for three years, aiming to give kids basic English skills before they start school. At the end of the course, preschoolers take exams and receive certificates. Sounds great, but is 16,000 kids really enough in a city the size of Belgrade? And what about children not enrolled in state or private kindergartens?
Social measure or political stunt?
Mayor Šapić says this measure will help parents avoid budgeting extra costs for English lessons. But is this really help or just another way to show how much the government cares? Free kindergartens, school help, free use of pools – it all sounds like Belgrade is handing out gifts, but is it really?
Who benefits?
Parents definitely get some relief, but what about the quality of teaching? Are the teachers qualified enough? Is the teaching adapted to kids? And how sustainable is this program in the long run?
Conclusion
Free English classes for preschoolers in Belgrade are certainly a step in the right direction, but we should be cautious and not let fairy tales about free services blind us. Is this real help or just another political show? You decide! And if you have preschool-aged kids, maybe it’s time to check if you’re one of the lucky ones who can take advantage of this opportunity.
And while you’re thinking about it, drop a comment below – do you think this is really free or just another city gimmick? Or maybe you know someone who attended these classes? Share your thoughts, let’s see who’s for and who’s against!
