The Law on Social Care for Children came into effect on July 2, 1992, marking the beginning of changes in the functioning and operations of preschool institutions.
The 1992/93 school year was extremely challenging, characterized by high inflation and difficulties in making ends meet. The Ministry of Veterans' and Social Affairs provided food supplies for the children's meals.
Parents were unable to afford New Year’s gift packages, but with great effort and dedication, free packages were provided for the children through the support of various public and private firms such as "Novi Zenit," "Potisje," Discount "Tisapromet," "Eko Svet," "Keksara," and the Preschool Institution itself. All were satisfied—783 children, parents, and staff. A group of educators prepared a final theater performance, touring all facilities.
During the 1993/94 school year, the "Poletarac" facility was closed due to sanctions that limited the operations of "Polet," resulting in no heating. The facility remained closed for four years. This year, more emphasis was placed on ecological education for preschool children. The first step was beautifying and preserving our environment through the planting of decorative shrubs, birches, and fir trees. This initiative involved children, parents, local communities, and institution staff.
The 1994 school year was significantly easier and more positive for our institution. At the end of the year, we organized a one-day excursion to the Palić Zoo for six busloads of children, who returned home joyful and full of impressions. That summer, significant work was carried out on the facilities. In "Leptirić," the roof of the gym was reconstructed (changing the flat roof), with the necessary tiles donated by IGK "Polet." Additionally, the façade of the nursery section of "Leptirić" was reconstructed.
Gasification was implemented in "Leptirić" and "Kolibri" facilities in Novi Bečej. The "Jovanka Dobrosaljev-Mica" facility in Novi Miloševo underwent insulation reconstruction and repainting. The "Pčelica" facility in Novi Bečej was completely renovated, including a new roof, parquet flooring in the classroom, tiled hallways, and updated electrical installations, ensuring improved conditions for the children starting the school year.
In the village of Bočar, the local community installed new playground equipment in the "Snežana" facility. The "Pinokio" facility in Novi Miloševo had windows replaced, its façade reconstructed, and was repainted.
At the beginning of 1995, the institution purchased its first vehicle, a "Skala 55 Poli," fulfilling a long-held aspiration. A year-end excursion was organized with nine buses visiting the Belgrade Zoo and Aviation Museum.
In the 1995/96 school year, the institution participated for the first time in the "Professional Conference of Medical Workers of Yugoslavia" in Zlatibor with video presentations on health education titled "Healthy Living" and "Musa and Fleka." The institution received significant recognition and was the only preschool participant.
Our institution also took part in the "Methodological Days '96" in Kikinda in the field of bilingual language education with the theme: "Playful Activities for Beginners." On June 28, 1996, Marija Vrebalov was reappointed director of the Preschool Institution "Pava Sudarski," and Dragan Banjac was elected president of the Management Board.
The 1996/97 school year began with the implementation of new program foundations using models "A" and "B" for children aged 3–7 years. This year also marked the reopening of the "Poletarac" facility after collective efforts to prepare it for the children. The "Snežana" facility in Bočar was adapted with wooden paneling, providing better conditions for the children.
Educators attended training seminars to implement innovations in working with children, including psychological workshops that enhanced satisfaction, relaxation, and emotional expression. Activities such as drama workshops introduced children to acting, proper speech, and stage puppets, creating a cheerful atmosphere. The music workshop encouraged choral and solo singing, music-accompanied movement, and basic elements of folklore and ballet.
Ecological initiatives like "Green Friday" continued systematically. The social work program emphasized "helping children in need," through campaigns such as "Children Helping Children."
Dedicated and creative educators staged a play, "The New Year's Picture Book," touring all facilities and enhancing the holiday spirit. Teamwork among educators, nurses, and parents led to the project "Special Yet Together," presented at the Second Professional Conference of Medical Nurses of Yugoslavia in Igalo.
Art awards were received from Hungary for the theme "Admiring Nature," and the institution achieved first place at the "Straw Festival" organized by the Cultural-Historical Society of Vojvodina.
The 1997/98 school year included the introduction of a "Bio-Garden in Winter" activity displayed at "Novi Sad Spring." International Ecology Day was celebrated with joint child-parent activities. Children created a picture book which they dramatized with their parents.
In 1998/99, lamination was installed in the "Kolibri" facility. The heating system was reconstructed in the "Jovanka Dobrosavljev-Mica" facility in Novi Miloševo, and parts of the windows were replaced in "Milenko Titin" in Kumane.
On March 24, 1999, a day etched in memory, Yugoslavia was bombed. The institution adapted to wartime conditions, caring for children aged 3–12, including those who had not previously used its services. Educators developed psychosocial programs to help children and parents cope, fostering acceptance, overcoming fears, and emotional expression.
Through collective efforts, the institution maintained its mission, earning recognition locally and abroad, and evolving into a modern preschool institution.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the advancement of the Preschool Institution "Pava Sudarski."
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