In a bid to ensure equal opportunities for all children in the education system, the Minister of Labor and Social Policy, Marin Piletić, announced plans to open 26,000 more places in kindergartens across Croatia by 2026. The government’s strategic goals include providing additional funds for preschool education and investing in the construction, renovation, and extension of over 500 kindergartens throughout Croatia.
During a Council session for children held on World Children’s Day, the Minister presented the Annual Awards for the Promotion of Children’s Rights in 2023. Among the winners were professors of the Faculty of Law in Zagreb who were recognized for their initiative promoting the right to a school meal leading to government funding of one free school meal for all primary school students.
The Minister also discussed the National Action Plan for the Implementation of the European Guarantee for Every Child aimed at providing equal opportunities in health, social, and education systems worth over 650 million euros. Additionally recognized with an annual award was Matej Korušac, a social worker and employee of Croatian Institute for Social Work whose efforts led to five adoptions of children with developmental difficulties in just eighteen months.
Finally, Marin Piletić mentioned that through collaborative effort has been achieved construction “Mali Princ” rehabilitation center for children with developmental disabilities which provides social services housing personal assistance therapy for over 130 members.