by Dr Sanja Gluscevic, Regional Coordinator of School Challenge Montenegro 2025
The Brain Health School Challenge: Montenegro, launched by the EAN-led Brain Health Mission (BHM) in partnership with the Montenegrin Neurological Society and with recognition from the Montenegrin Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation, was successfully launched in Montenegro in September 2025. It is a crucial part of a broader, passionate effort to raise awareness about the profound importance of brain health. With neurological disorders affecting more than one in three people globally, initiatives like this are not just important—they are essential. Every small step we take today is a direct investment in a healthier, brighter future.
From the very beginning, this incredible journey felt less like a project and more like being part of a wonderfully supportive family. A profound and heartfelt thank you to my incredible colleagues and friends—Anja Sander, Prof. Matilde Leonardi, Linda Pecaj and Jordan Devenish. Their unwavering help, steadfast support, invaluable advice, and generous knowledge sharing were the bedrock of this success. The road to implementation, though not without its obstacles, was an absolute joy and deeply satisfying because of you. This spirit of collaboration and mutual support is, to me, the very heart of what it means to be an EAN member. I am immeasurably happy and incredibly proud of what we have achieved together.
The challenge was first introduced to students across the nation in September 2025, and it was met with an outpouring of enthusiasm and an outstanding level of commitment. National and local TV stations championed the launch of the Brain Health School Challenge, helping to build an incredible wave of momentum that swept through the country. They were also very supportive after the award ceremony, promoting the winners and once more emphasising the importance of brain health.
During the award ceremony, which was held in December 2025, every jury member gave a five-minute speech. Sabrina Hadziosmanovic and Miroslav Minic both commented on how moved they were with all the works that they have seen and how phenomenally difficult it was to assign points, as every single piece of work was truly exceptional. Marica Melovic, addressing the attendees on behalf of the Ministry of Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation, stated that the Ministry is deeply aware of the critical importance of these initiatives and will be thrilled to support them long into the future.
This all could not have been achieved without our brightest stars: the children! They were nothing short of fantastic. Their energy was infectious, and to see them light up with joy while filming, creating, and spreading these vital ideas was the greatest reward. They didn’t just participate; they nailed it! Their creativity and commitment are a powerful reminder that they are our future, and they are shaping it, right now.
At the end, I had the honour of addressing all the brilliant students, teachers, parents and jury members. Here are a few words from my speech that reflect my wonderful experience:
“The idea of this challenge spread rapidly, fuelled by your incredible passion. Thanks to the dedication of every single one of you—dear children, devoted teachers, supportive parents, and my esteemed jury members—we are here today celebrating this significant milestone. You have all done a colossal job, and I hope with all my heart that you will continue to spread this inspiration far and wide. For your passion, creativity, and your belief in this mission, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
More information on the Brain Health School Challenge: Montenegro: https://www.ean.org/brain-health-mission/activities-events/school-challenge-montenegro
