By James Waterson Photo Credit: Novak Djokovic’s Twitter
(September 28, 2011) World No. 1 Novak Djokovic made his first visit as UNICEF National Ambassador for Serbia to “Pcelica,” a kindergarten school in Smederevo, about 50 kilometers southeast of Belgrade, on Monday.
Pcelica is an inclusive pre-school which is attended by “the most marginalized and vulnerable groups in the Republic of Serbia, including children with developmental disorders and disabilities and those living in Roma settlements,” according to UNICEF.
His trip to the school fit with his mission as UNICEF ambassador: to draw public attention to the need to improve education for children at the pre-school age. The need is great, as less than 10 percent of deprived children attend these programs.
"I accepted UNICEF's offer to become their National Ambassador for Serbia with great pleasure,“ Djokovic said at the school. “The focus of my work will be on improving the conditions in which children in Serbia live, learn and grow up.”
“I had a unique privilege to have a chance to develop my talents,” he added. “But the starting line is not the same for all children. My assignment is to help UNICEF in its efforts to secure that every child has an opportunity to be included into some kind of a pre-school program.”
During his visit, the kids showed Djokovic their daily activities, and he “joined in their play with great enthusiasm,” a UNICEF press release read.
He also brought school materials and posed for photographs with them.
“I had a lot of fun with kids, they were so eager to play and ask questions and show their little talents. I hope to see more of these kind of institutions which integrate children from all areas, and children with disabilities and Roma children,” Djokovic wrote on his twitter account.
“Every child deserves opportunity to grow in clean, healthy environment where they can play and learn and reach their potential.”