Krunoslav Sukić

Economic and Tourism School Daruvar

Excellent in the profession - engaged citizens - good people!

The PEACEBUILDING SCHOOL 2015 Accolade was awarded to students, teachers and associates of the Economic and Tourism School Daruvar for encouraging education for peace, non-violence and cooperation, as well as solidarity and inclusive participation in improving the life of their school and local community.

The Economic and Tourism School is one of the oldest high schools in Daruvar. Over 400 students in 19 grades come from Bjelovar-Bilogora and Požega-Slavonia Counties, a large number of students are originally from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo, the school is attended by students of the Czech and Serbian national minorities. The school studies for several professions: economist, hotel-tourism and agritourism technician, salesman, cook and waiter. They have confirmed their excellence in education for these professions with a number of awards at the national and international level.

However, the Daruvar School of Economics and Tourism simultaneously educates, educates and equips its students for an engaged life in the community – it encourages the active inclusion of young people in the local community by promoting peace, solidarity, cooperation and tolerance among different stakeholders of society, ethnic and interest groups. Through a series of collaborative projects with civil society organizations, institutions, international organizations and participation in civic education, students and teachers of the School of Economics and Tourism continuously improve the understanding of democracy and the basic concept of human dignity, freedom and rights, learn, reflect and participate in the improvement of local self-government (School of Human Rights, Model of the International Criminal Court, Project for a Better City).

They learn about violence through memories of the tragic experience of the Holocaust in human history, as well as about the historical understanding of the fight against fascism and anti-Semitism (the projects Saffron – Planting Yellow Saffron, the exhibition Anne Frank – History for the Future and Walk of Remembrance connect students across Croatia and Europe on the topic of the perception of monuments and history). Then, they work on the topics of violence among young people, women, in the family and through electronic media, and participate in prevention campaigns (Violence Leaves Traces, Rings for Nonviolence, Male NO to Violence Against Women, Why We Only Observe). Students have the opportunity to reflect on values and learn about the skills needed for dialogue, non-violent communication, conflict management and non-violent social change (they participate in the Summer School of Peace, learn about the Czech minority in the history of their homeland).

At the same time, through acts of solidarity – volunteering in associations and institutions (Public Library, Home for the Elderly and Infirm, Red Cross, Association of the Disabled and others) and humanitarian activities, they show care for those in need. The story of the Daruvar School of Economics and Tourism encourages us because it speaks of the empowerment that comes from the synergy of personal development with work for the common good.

By working for the common good, young people become self-aware, develop their potentials for compassion, for courage, for creativity and for wisdom, gain knowledge and skills, connect with others and do what fulfills them and makes them satisfied and joyful! Excellent in the profession - engaged citizens - good people!

At the Daruvar School of Economics and Tourism, teachers, students and numerous associates walk this path together. We want to celebrate that with this Accolade!

Elementary school Ivan Goran Kovacic Vrbovsko

The Accolade was given to students, teachers and associates of the Ivan Goran Kovačić Elementary School in Vrbovsko.

Grow together and learn to live differences!

The Ivan Goran Kovačić Vrbovsko Elementary School is located in the heart of Gorski Kotar, and it began its work in 1785. The connection of the school with regional schools and larger centers is difficult, traffic connections of the settlements are possible once a day, and some can only be reached by car. Out of a total of 266 students of the school, 85 are passengers, and out of a total of 44 teachers and professional associates, 31 travel to their workplace. The school is characterized by national diversity, 45% of students are of Serbian nationality, 55% are Croatian, and the same ratio is among teachers. Elective classes for the Serb national minority are enabled, students and their parents recognize this form of teaching as an incentive in the growing up of their children, and in some regional schools students of Croatian nationality choose to attend it.

The vision of the school they choose and on which the teachers and students of the I.G. Kovačić Vrbovsko Elementary School base their educational work is tolerance for differences, non-violent conflict resolution and knowledge.

They achieve it through the curriculum and various projects and programs. The dispersion of schools, travel and diversity are experiences that connect and empower them in their work because they approach them as an opportunity for additional dimensions of quality work in the educational process. They make special efforts to contribute to the sense of security, strength and freedom of their students, their parents and school teachers within the teaching process, but also in the entire local community imbued with a variety of attitudes and beliefs.

The programs implemented by the school are aimed at a comprehensive and proactive approach to supporting peace and nonviolence, such as:

the project "Cyrillic and Latin Unity of Diversity", within which students learn the Cyrillic alphabet in primary schools unrelated to nationality;
elective classes of three religious schools - Catholic, Orthodox and Baptist with the cooperation of religious teachers, which resulted in a joint tour of the shrine and the publication of a publication that emphasizes the value and significance of the common (Catholic and Orthodox) sacral heritage "Sacral Heritage of Our Region";
The School Mediation Center has been working for seven years, and in addition to the mediator-instructor teachers, all teachers have undergone professional development, mediator students and their parents have been educated;
programs for recognizing and non-violent defense in a situation of physical violence, as well as prevention of violence in youthful relationships for seventh and eighth grade students, in which they explore how to achieve quality communication and relationships;

a creative socialization group program that is implemented with students and parents from at-risk families in order to strengthen the climate conducive to healthy growing up;
in the last year, a dozen activities have been launched under the common name "Paths of Friendship", which encourage students to respect diversity, tolerance, connection of different cultures and get to know each other better;
they connected with schools from Slovenia, Serbia and Russia, worked on getting to know English-speaking countries ("3E = Explore and Enjoy in English") and on raising awareness of the problems of Africa ("Schools for Africa");
through the project "MIGRANTS: THEN AND NOW", they encouraged students to explore their own family trees in the context of migration with the aim of developing tolerance towards other cultures;
successfully participate in the knowledge quiz – Homeland of the Republic of Croatia.

The Ivan Goran Kovačić Elementary School shows that the small school in the hills of Gorski Kotar is only seemingly isolated because its works, activities and projects reach beyond the borders of its county, state and even other continents. It is an example of how caring for one's own heritage and deepening one's knowledge about oneself and others is patriotism that preserves a place for tolerance, acquaintance and friendship with other cultures. They are a real example of a PEACEBUILDING SCHOOL!

Elementary School Hugo Badalić

The Accolade was presented to the students and teachers of the Hugo Badalić Elementary School in Slavonski Brod for encouraging education for peace, non-violence and cooperation and for their efforts to make their school a place of friendly relations, togetherness and solidarity.

The school, which today bears the name of the poet Hugo Badalić, was founded about sixty years ago, has 742 students, classes are held in two school buildings. The parent and branch school in Jelas are equal in number, the branch school is currently attended by 213 students belonging to the Roma national minority, which makes 51% of the total number of students of the regional school. The school employs 61 teachers and 5 professional associates, a Roma helper in extended stay and five assistants for students with special disabilities.

There are three challenges to which teachers and professional staff of the Hugo Badalić School respond by persistently improving their professional competencies and systematically creating space for integration, cooperation and togetherness so that differences do not separate but bring their students closer.

These challenges are: how to reduce violence at school; how to overcome the linguistic and cultural barrier between Roma pupils and the majority population and create a stimulating environment for learning and togetherness; and how to integrate students with intellectual disabilities.

UNICEF programs "For a Safe and Stimulating Environment in Schools" have been implemented since 2003, and even after the completion of the program in 2013, they strive to remain a SCHOOL WITHOUT VIOLENCE and are active in the SCHOOL WITHOUT VIOLENCE network. They have started educating students for school mediators.

They are seriously working on the inclusion of Roma children in school and society, reducing prejudices and stereotypes about Roma, organizing a joint cultural program, school celebration of the International Roma Day, presentation of the Roma language and expression. They leave school and enter the Roma community.

Students with intellectual disabilities have special attention and participated in competitions this year.

This Accolade, however, is not a recognition of achievements. It is, above all, an expression of support, praise and gratitude for the fact that the school (teachers) do not avoid, neglect, or diminish the difficulties that are part of their and our reality – violence, exclusion of others and those who are different, insecurity and fear of the marginalized. They approach them seriously and persistently as places of learning and possible growth and development. Students, teachers and parents are slowly building their school as a learning community for peace. Your teachers, students and parents already have "benefits", they have a reason to feel good because they participate and contribute to building their school as a learning community! The community, our society and the world are already "benefiting" from such teachers, students, schools! And we believe that they will have more to come from the people who will grow up in such an environment! Thank you and good luck!

Secondary School Delnice

This school opened its doors to Gorski Kotar high school students back in 1924. In its ninety-year long history, it has enabled the acquisition of various professions needed by the people of their region, high school students, economists, car mechanics, locksmiths, plumbers, carpenters, lecturers... Currently, the school is attended by about 200 students.

As a school, they strive to work as a team and develop good relationships in an environment where different dialects, different nationalities and different religious affiliations meet. A sense of satisfaction in students and teachers is important to them. They approach the topics of respect for diversity, violence, prevention of peer and gender violence, conflict resolution in a non-violent way, attitude towards health, animals and nature creatively and in solidarity – at school and in their community. They are connected with institutions in Delnice and Rijeka, with other schools in Croatia and internationally.

We appreciate the efforts of the Secondary School Delnice to make their school a school for life, encouraging its students to have capacities for peacemaking – compassion, creativity, wisdom and courage. Thank you. Congratulations, cheering and counting on you!

Secondary School of Economics Vukovar

The Secondary School of Economics Vukovar is attended by 317 students in 12 departments of teaching in the Croatian language and 12 departments of teaching in the Serbian language. 59 teachers and 6 expert associates of the Vukovar School of Economics educate students for the professions of economist, commercialist and administrative clerk.

Holding classes in Croatian and Serbian in the circumstances of a community deeply hurt and divided by the war is a challenge to which the school responds creatively: gradually, but persistently, over many years, it has been systematically developing the promotion of peace and a culture of reconciliation and systematically creating space for building unity through ethnic divisions – both at school and in extracurricular activities. It is an undertaking of its principal, teachers, non-teaching staff and students!

Since 2004, in the field of administrative clerk in the 3rd grade, the subject of human rights has been studied for two hours a week, and within this subject the methods of peaceful settlement of disputes; In class teachers' classes, each new generation is introduced to the peaceful way of resolving disputes and the importance of building a culture of peace, and occasionally additional education of a large number of students and teachers is carried out; every Tuesday is a sports Tuesday, and Wednesday is a musical Wednesday – a place of interaction and togetherness of all students; Students, under the guidance of professors of sociology, human rights, history, religious education, psychology, Croatian language, Serbian language, carry out numerous humanitarian actions at school and outside of school, as well as in a number of other extracurricular activities, students cooperate, get to know each other, create friendships...

The example of this school shows us that a problem – even conflict, even structural violence (separation of students) can be and is an opportunity! This Recognition is only a small support for their efforts, they already have a real AWARD – there are already students who have come out, are leaving their school and participating in building peace in Vukovar! Thank you! Congratulations!

Islamic Secondary School "Dr. Ahmed Smajlović"

Islamic Secondary School "Dr. Ahmed Smajlović" is the successor of the madrasa of the same name, which was founded in 1992 as a result of a large wave of refugees from Bosnia and Herzegovina to Croatia. The school is attended by about a hundred students, and the interest in enrollment is growing from year to year.

This is how they describe their mission: to provide students with a beautiful Islamic upbringing and quality education in order to promote and protect universal values such as: respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law and equality, which are also Islamic values. Since its inception, they have been initiating, implementing and developing long-term activities aimed at strengthening understanding and living in diversity: graduates prepare thematic Graduation Academies in the "Vatroslav Lisinski" Concert Hall (the theme in 2016 was "Peace in the World"); organize and participate in interreligious meetings of students with students of other religious and other schools; organize lectures, workshops and conferences that contribute to approaching differences as wealth; work on projects on history for the future, as well as humanitarian actions and refugee integration actions; made a five-minute film about peace on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the spirit of Assisi and to raise their voices against the daily violence and killings in Syria, Iraq and Yemen.

All these activities are a meaningful effort to overcome the challenges of today, when religions are abused for political, warmongering and terrorist purposes, and being a Muslim is a difficulty. Teachers and students of the Islamic Gymnasium of Dr. Ahmed Smajlović respond to this challenge by being open to others. They understand that this is the path and they persistently walk on it, building bridges of trust. This, the established trust they have in the community – that is their greatest achievement. They are aware of it and cherish it!

This makes the Islamic Secondary School "Dr. Ahmed Smajlović" valuable to Croatia and Europe. Let's learn from them!

Commercial and Trade School Bjelovar

The PEACEBUILDING SCHOOL Accolade was presented to students and teachers for their unity in the endeavor to make their school a learning community for peace – a place of acquiring knowledge and adopting attitudes and skills that nurture mutual relationships, prevent violence and empower for non-violent patterns of responsible citizenship, friendship, solidarity and cooperation.

The Commercial and Trade School Bjelovar educates and educates students in the programs of salesman and salesman. The education of sellers in Bjelovar dates back to the second half of the 19th century, but continuous work has been recorded since 1953. There are 325 students in 14 class departments and 33 teachers and 2 professional associates in the school. The school is mostly attended by students of Croatian nationality, but also by students belonging to minority nations: Albanians, Serbs, Roma, Bosniaks. The school invests a lot of pedagogical work in order to facilitate the growing up and education of students whose parents immigrated from Kosovo.

In addition to excellence in a number of professional subjects and constant professional advancement of its teachers, the school has gradually introduced and implemented activities over a number of years that contribute to better relationships, recognizing and preventing violence, strengthening the non-violent pattern of responsible citizenship, friendship, solidarity and cooperation – at school, in its community and beyond. Their example confirms how interconnected these two aspects are - the atmosphere of appreciation, nurturing and strengthening of the peace potentials of students and teachers for compassion, non-violent conflict management, cooperation and solidarity is an atmosphere that is conducive to teaching and learning.

Furthermore, the Commercial and Trade School teaches us that with perseverance, small steps – from the first activities and only a few teachers/professional associates, the ethos of peacemaking spreads – it becomes inscribed in the curriculum, embedded in informal but still structures (such as, for example, school OWLS – relationship counseling has been operating for four years, and the student counselors continued to educate their peers for non-violent conflict resolution this year, or School Volunteers, where about eighty students regularly volunteer weekly in the community); create opportunities to connect with other schools in Croatia and internationally, become part of the mutual support network. School is a place where the profession is taught, but also for life in its fullness, through openness to cooperation with the community, and, at the same time, their influence is already returning and spilling over into the community. Their mutual cooperation and exchange is stimulating, motivating and mobilizing! Congratulations!

Elementary school "Antun and Stjepan Radic"

They are an example of how the appreciation and celebration of diversity and peaceful action return as a sense of security, joy, friendship and solidarity that "spill over" from school to family, nature and community.

The Elementary school "Antun and Stjepan Radic" in Gunja has a long and rich tradition, and they proudly say that they have a significant present. The school has about 250 students in 20 class departments and two regional schools. Classes are organized in superbly equipped classrooms, a spacious sports hall and in a "classroom in nature". Although it has recorded a decline in the number of students, the enthusiasm and dedication of its teachers (34) and professional services (3) does not wane. To date, they have gained the status of one of the best schools: the most IT-equipped school, the status of "film school", "competition school", "Eco and Globe schools with diamond status"; school with the "Most Beautiful School Garden".

They draw their enthusiasm, motivation and exceptional creativity from the collaborative interaction between teachers and students, which, on the one hand, relies on and, at the same time, constantly contributes to mutual trust. Only on the ground of such trust was it possible to make a film in which a student talks about her experience of being a victim of peer violence. A film that not only wins awards, but also becomes a tool for working with young people to prevent violence.

The trust, sense of security and happiness that the students of this school have are the result of the attitude and values that the school has opted for – appreciation has grown into a celebration of diversity as wealth. Students and religious teachers of the Catholic (137), Islamic (114) and Orthodox religions encounter differences in a safe and friendly environment, and these differences do not pose a threat to them, but are an inspiration for various ventures and projects. For more than ten years, they have had a common prayer day "A Million Children Pray Together", when the students are led in prayer by a Catholic and Orthodox priest and an Islamic imam, and the Catholic and Islamic songs of the student choirs are alternately heard. Their Christmas performances creatively depict peace-building messages from various religious teachings and traditional and contemporary cultural heritage. One of the important events was excellently received and integrated into the community. And it also integrates children with special needs!

The principal, teachers, professional staff, students, parents, community – we will use the term they use to describe their relationship – symbiosis – we want to show that the only true way of life is togetherness! Or let's say me - a learning community for peace! There is something to celebrate! Congratulations!

Elementary school "Ivana Brlić Mažuranić" in Ogulin

A school that strives to be a learning community for peace. She does this by persistently drawing inspiration from previous experiences and her own past, relying on and adopting the best of the cultural legacy, learning through new possibilities and ways, extinguishing, collaborating and connecting – within the school, with parents, the immediate and wider community, and schools and civil society organizations in Croatia and the world.

Although it is certainly carried by the enthusiasm of individuals, peacemaking becomes the policy of the entire school. We appreciate that you are working projects, programs and activities that strengthen personal and school capacities for the recognition and prevention of violence and for the non-violent transformation of conflicts; that you nurture traditional values, teach care for the environment to the planet; and with solidarity actions you help those in need; that you connect and encourage connection, and promote and advocate the concept of a peacemaking school.

We appreciate that, starting from the teacher/principal, you work in a way that you discover, accept and spread the ethos of peacemaking that you yourself describe in the words of John Lennon: "Peace is not what you want. It's what you create, what you do, what you are, and what you give." We recognize this ethos of your school in the pursuit of respectful relations of cooperation and solidarity between teachers, students and parents and with the community. You show that you start from the attitude of appreciating the child as a complete personality, that is the cornerstone on which you build. Because of this, even though you use the word tolerance, your goals and achievements are more far-reaching – developing friendly relationships on all levels. You're thinking about restorative justice. You recognize that the joy of giving from the heart and receiving, is actually the joy of life that connects people and people with nature, unfreezes potentials and bursts with creativity.

We apply the words of I. Brlić-Mažuranić, which is in a way the motto of your school: "When you are happy and the sun rushes after you!" We want this Recognition to be an additional incentive for you on that path. We thank and congratulate the principal, teachers and students!

"Vladimir Nazor" Elementary School in Potpićani

For the example they give – how the school becomes a community of learning for life and from life – perhaps more precisely, a learning community for peace.

The "Vladimir Nazor" Elementary School was founded in 1960 in Potpićan, a small Istrian town that today has about 600 inhabitants. In the main school and two regional schools, the school is attended by slightly less than 200 students. They are cared for and taught by about 30 teachers and 4 expert associates.

This, one might say, small school from, one might say, a small place far from larger cities, "sends out a vibe" that encourages, inspires and encourages: it is an example of how a non-violent environment is stimulating for teaching and for creative communion; An example is how modeling relationships in the staff room and in the classroom is transferred to the school, from their small school to their community, and how it connects them to the world! This is evident in the excellence of its students and involvement in competitions and festivals in various fields (journalistic, literary, sports...); as well as students and people with special needs to be approached in a way of equal dignity; after the involvement of parents; for the fact that her students have become one of the unavoidable stakeholders in the cultural events of the Municipality of Pićan, where "their performances are instructively oriented to the viewers, they talk about their childhood experiences that have shaped them into what they are now and help us realize that we certainly have something to learn from children", for example, through the radio game Trnoplesari they reflected on the relationships between people living in the Municipality of Pićan (local population-emigrants-immigrants-people from the center of Pićan-people from the countryside) and suggested how to reconcile their differences and disputes. This is evident in special care and solidarity with those in need, nurturing love and connection with nature.

We believe that it is not only about modern technical possibilities of communication and connection – but about their quality. The school has been consciously working on this for a number of years – by including in projects such as the experimental program "School for Life", the e-Schools project, the extracurricular activity Civic Education, the program of the international school system based on experiential learning methods in nature (Outward Bound Croatia), organizing a number of activities.

First Gymnasium Zagreb

The First Gymnasium Zagreb is an example of how a school, which has put man and humanity at the center of its vision and which, by fostering knowledge, solidarity, identity and responsibility, contributes to the strengthening of peaceful relations and capacities of its students, the entire school and the community.

The First Gymnasium Zagreb has a history of 167 years and a reputation as one of the best schools in Croatia. It is an exemplary example of an educational institution that, by nurturing knowledge, solidarity, identity and responsibility, achieves its key educational function: preparing children for the future. The Gymnasium has been incorporating its vision, tasks and values into all its activities (it would be too long to list them), and in this way, it has become a center of respectful relationships and cooperation between teachers, students, parents and the entire community.

For years, the school has been working on projects, programs and activities that strengthen personal and school capacities for non-violent conflict resolution, implements civic education, contributes to raising awareness of sustainable development, connects with other schools, civil society associations, various institutions and implements solidarity actions in the community. One of the recent examples is the help provided to the students of the school in Glina.

How growing up in the First Gymnasium contributes to the democratization of society and sustainable social development can be traced through the life choices and achievements of its students, with their permanent connection with the school. One of them stated the following: "As a former student, I can say that I acquired the basics of my activist work, advocacy for peace and social justice in the First Gymnasium." Is there a better recommendation!?

That is why the First Gymnasium is a sign on the way for everyone, a model for those who choose the school as a peacemaking community! Sincere congratulations! Thank you very much! That is something to celebrate!

High School Glina

The Accolade was given for encouraging education for peace, nonviolence and cooperation and fostering open communication, volunteerism and solidarity towards those in need in the community. And, especially, the difficult circumstances after the earthquake, when they were tenants in the Topusko High School, or now that they work in a modular school, were not an insurmountable obstacle for them, but an opportunity to live these efforts.

High School Glina has 170 students, 32 teachers and 2 professional associates. It educates students in several areas - general gymnasium, economics and trade, forestry, wood processing and processing, and electrical engineering and computer science. School is a safe environment where different ethnic or religious affiliations do not divide students but encourage the resolution of problems and potential tensions through conversation.

We single out two programs that are implemented by the third generation of students. The first program focuses on human dignity - human rights and fundamental freedoms, resistance to violence and non-violent conflict resolution. They deal with topics on examples of concrete situations, using creative methods such as writing literary reviews, designing stage plays, photographing and filming. In the circumstances of the pandemic, the project is implemented on digital platforms, called With Heart and Attitude Against Indifference. The second program, the Day of Switched Roles, empowers participants for dialogue while respecting differences, including intergenerational ones. It gives opportunities for students and teachers to "try out" the position of "power", authority and responsibility that others have.

We are grateful for the commitment with which the students and teachers of the Glina High School contribute to a better life for those in need from their community – for the solidarity activities of the school volunteer club Manus Aperta, especially active during and after the earthquake.

Thank you!

Priznanje MIROTVORNA ŠKOLA 2022. dodijeljeno je sa zahvalnošću dvjema školama

To the students and teachers at the First Croatian High School in Rijeka,

For being an example of open and courageous learning communities that foster peace in their local communities and spread their influence to other Croatian schools. In addition to their educational innovations, they empower young people to actively participate in the social and cultural life of Rijeka, Croatia, and Europe.

The first Croatian high school in Rijeka is one of the oldest educational institutions in Croatia, founded way back in 1627 by the Jesuits in the Old Town of Grivica. Over the past four centuries, the school history has been woven into the history of Rijeka as well as its surrounding area. It is attended by about five hundred students who can choose between three basic courses (general, language and general, sports) and a new international program starting this school year - International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP).

The fundamental vision of the school is inspired by the catchphrase: Semper magis (Always want more) and is understood and lived as an empowerment of teachers and students. It acquires new knowledge and life skills, as well as a culture of dialogue and cooperation. In order to live up to this motto, they conduct civic education and extracurricular activities, collaborate with cultural institutions and artists, and have connections with the University of Rijeka and a number of associations on a local, national and international level.

As part of the recently developed civic education curriculum "SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY", which has been extended to 59 high school educational institutions in the Republic of Croatia, we appreciate the role played by the teachers and students of the First Croatian High School in Rijeka. Furthermore, we would like to thank the school for participating in the relaunching of the SCHOOL OF PEACE IN MRKOPLJE, aimed at promoting peace and peacemaking among nations, people, and states.

Rijeka's first Croatian high school is a proud example of the greatness of Rijeka, the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, and Croatia – they really make our Peace Award shine!

We would like to thank the teachers and students of this excellent school, and look forward to seeing them at the Forum of PEACEFUL SCHOOLS of Croatia and on the award-winning study-education visit.

To the students and teachers of Bartolo Kašić High School Grubišno Polje

Because they are an example of a collective that fosters the idea that change begins with each individual, that fostering interpersonal relationships is essential, that developing cooperation between teachers, parents, students, and the local community is vital, and to strengthen a capacity for nonviolent conflict transformation and violence prevention.

The Grubišno Polje High School was established in 1961. As of today, the school offers four- year programs (general-program secondary school and program for computer technicians) and three-year programs (waiter, cook, agricultural entrepreneur, auto-mechatronic engineer, and home appliance installer. )

The vision they strive for - and are working towards - is to be a school that is "small" yet comfortable with the highest quality and well-appointed standards. They are a school offering marketable and economically sustainable educational programs; fostering differences and using them as productively as possible; embracing conflict as an opportunity and a place where students learn about freedom, equality, cooperation, and solidarity.

Aiming to form competent, satisfied, and responsible young people, they follow the motto "Small steps towards big people! ". Those small but big steps lead to the establishment of values such as solidarity, being active in the community and with the community, preventing violence and resolving conflict nonviolently, effective communication, and informal learning.

Additionally, teachers and students, both broaden their horizons and become innovators in their classrooms, schools, families, and communities!

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the teachers and students of this wonderful school and look forward to meeting them during our research and education visits and forums at the award-winning Croatian Peacebuilding School.

Primary School "Gustav Krklec"

PEACEBUILDING SCHOOL 2023 Accolade is awarded with gratitude to: to students and teachers of

Gustav Krklec Primary School

for many years of involvement in educational support for refugee children and their integration into school and the local community. The school shares its pioneering experience and incorporates it into the development of good practices for the integration of refugee children into the school system in Croatia. The example that they give us shows that openness to others is not a threat, but ennobles and enriches us. This school is an inspiring role model. At times when many children were facing the challenge of integration, and the institutional guidelines for working with foreign-language and refugee students were unclear, the persistent search for possible answers from their own "shoes" and the selfless commitment of the staff of Gustav Krklec Primary School became a beacon. In the vicinity of the Gustav Krklec School, the Porin reception center for refugees and persons under international protection was established in 2016. This was the immediate reason for refugee children to start arriving at their school. The principal and staff of the school, and later, of course, their students, did not back down. Forthwith, on their own initiative, they asked for aid at all levels available to them at the time. In cooperation with the Department of Pedagogy of the Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Zagreb, an action-intervention model of providing educational support to refugee students was designed, and in cooperation with associations, they designed and implemented concrete activities and projects with students, parents and the local community (with the association Are You Syrious, Center for the Culture of Dialogue and the Center for Peace Studies). Thus far, over 200 refugee students have attended Gustav Krklec Primary School, and this year 23 students from the Russian Federation, Syria, the Republic of Iraq, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Cuba, students from Pakistan, Palestine, Turkey... This school represents a community that valiantly faces diverse challenges, guided by the principles of inclusivity, peacemaking, dialogue and the right to education as the basis of educational work.

We are grateful for the efforts you make, the values you express and advocate blaringly, for the positive transformation you make and the experience you selflessly share. You are the inspiration, the initiators, you make it different, better, more inclusive! Your role is not only to change reality, but to shape the future, providing hope and opportunity to create an environment where everyone has the freedom to grow and develop. You add a distinctive glow to the "Krunoslav Sukić" Peace Award. Thank you!

Preuzmi Obrazloženje (.pdf)

Primary School "Petar Zrinski" Čabar

PEACEBUILDING SCHOOL 2023 Accolade is awarded with gratitute to:

Students and teachers of Primary School Petar Zrinski Čabar who, in the green heart of Croatia, far away from big cities, where they live, try to use all the potential at their disposal. In that small town, the students have the same chances, good opportunities to develop their abilities, knowledge and skills. The school community nurtures a special concern for vulnerable groups and the preservation of cultural heritage, while teaching students coexistence, acceptance of diversity and peace. We are convinced that the students and teachers of this school are already champions. The Petar Zrinski Primary School in Čabar consists of five roofs, including the Main School in Čabar and regional schools in Gerovo, Tršće, Prezid and Plešci. The school is attended by students from the Slovenian and Roma national minorities. In order to adapt to the conditions in mountainous areas, they successfully implement a unique way of working in Croatian pedagogical practice, a model of teamwork of classroom teachers integrating elements of peace education and violence prevention.
Friendship with the acceptance and appreciation of similarities and differences and coexistence is nurtured through long-term cooperation and intercultural dialogue with the Slovenian Cultural Society Gorski Kotar and with neighboring schools in the Republic of Slovenia. They stand for the preservation and promotion of the tradition, culture, heritage and language of the Slovenian national minority. The school, as an initiator with the support of the community, always strives to find a way to help children and families affected by hardships in life, especially children from families of Roma descent. They are especially engaged in increasing the number of students of Roma descent and providing support to students with developmental disabilities. With the action "The best act of selfless help", the school encourages students to show humanity, tolerance
and volunteerism. And not only is the school the host of most of the activities offered to the children, but they also reach their community: its students, teachers and parents actively participate in the life
of their town, Čabar.

We congratulate you and hope that this Accolade will be a "wind at the back" of the students and teachers of the Petar Zrinski Primary School, and we are delighted to welcome you to the community of PEACEBUILDING SCHOOLS.

Preuzmi Obrazloženje (.pdf)

OŠ „Ljudevita Gaja“, OŠ „Vladimira Becića“ i OŠ „Retfala“

PEACEBUILDING SCHOOL 2024 Acknowledgment

Is awarded with gratitude

to students and teachers of three exceptional elementary schools in Osijek – Elementary School "Ljudevit Gaj", Elementary School "Vladimir Becić" and Elementary School "Retfala" for proactive, inclusive, creative, peacemaking and collaborative efforts to make their schools places where friendships are valued and built, differences are respected, the vulnerable are supported and the marginalized respected.

“Ljudevit Gaj” Elementary School, known for its inclusiveness, has been setting standards in working with students with learning disabilities for years. With 376 students and 90 staff, including special class departments, the school promotes equality and empathy. As UNICEF's School Without Violence and an inclusive school model, this community fosters humanistic values, creating a safe and supportive environment. The school is part of Osijek's Lower Town and reflects its national and religious diversity, for which the city of Osijek is known. At the same time, its branch school in Sarvaš contributes to education in rural areas, while continuous work on projects and international cooperation ensures modernization and development. We recognize the “Ljudevit Gaj” School for its openness, flexibility, vision of the School of Friends and the mission of the best possible activity in the field of teaching, support in learning and social development.

“Vladimir Becić“ Elementary School, located in the wider center of Osijek, is recognizable for its rich curriculum, excellent student results and numerous international projects, especially Erasmus+ programs in which they are involved, and active cooperation with the local community. With 41 staff members and 310 students, including 25 students with developmental disabilities, the school provides support to each student through a dedicated class department and professional team, fostering empathy and equality. The focus on competences for the 21st century, such as entrepreneurship, emotional intelligence and lifelong learning, encourages students to develop potential, creativity and positive values. With an emphasis on lifelong learning and modern teaching methods, this school educates responsible citizens ready for the challenges of the future.

Elementary School "Retfala", the largest school in Osijek, is a symbol of tradition and excellence. With as many as 555 students, 84 employees and six extended stay programs, the school is the center of educational, cultural and sports activities in the western part of the city. As UNICEF's School without Violence, "Eco-School" and international "eTwinning School", it stands out for its commitment to violence prevention, sustainable development and work with gifted children and students with disabilities. The students regularly win awards at national competitions, which testifies to the high level of quality. The school provides quality education tailored to the needs of students with a stimulating environment for employees and an exceptional educational process for the community.

Each of these three exceptional schools in Osijek deserve this recognition with their dedicated and long-term work. However, they are especially emphasized by the step they have made. They creatively designed the cooperation of schools from three different parts of the city of Osijek. Through this cooperation and exchange of activities over four years, they wove a web of synergy of different ideas and ventures by which they contributed to the promotion of peace, tolerance and human rights in their own special and interesting way, and sensitized students and the community on the topics of migration, asylum seekers, human rights and national minorities. Through exhibitions, workshops, public events and media promotion, their projects, such as "INCLuDE", "PRED-NA-MA" and "GRAKNI", promote civic activism, coexistence and understanding of diversity.

We appreciate that they paid special attention to empowering members of vulnerable groups, opening up space for dialogue on sensitive topics and creating a safe environment in which all students feel accepted and respected. Also, through their actions, they have enabled students from Ukraine to feel welcome and included.

Despite the challenges and lack of support through institutions, cooperation with local civil society organizations and various initiatives, they make a significant contribution to the implementation of civic education and show that education is not only a transfer of knowledge, but also the creation of a community that accepts, inspires and develops individuals in the spirit of friendship, respect for diversity and non-violent civic activism. Thank you for that!

We hope and believe that this four-year cooperation of schools will continue in now perhaps unpredictable, but good ways, and that this Accolade and Award will be the wind in their backs. We thank you and we are happy to welcome the students and teachers of these schools to join the Forum of PEACEBUILDING SCHOOLS and participate in the next Student Review of the PEACEBUILDING SCHOOL.