K220 Erasmus Project: The New Values of Democracy in today's Europe's

On Friday, October 11, 2024, the sun rose cheerfully over Knin, just like the participants in the K220 Erasmus Project: "The New Values of Democracy in Today's Europe." Five days allowed for many experiences and emotions. Otherwise, while packing up the feelings and belongings a few tears. Nevertheless, the group’s fifth day in Croatia promised to be interesting. The group was split: students in one class and teachers in another. Professors Mirela Jelovina and Nikilina Grizelj led a recycling workshop. Each national team had to create a gift for the school and the teachers, using recycled materials under the guidance of the students. The result was spectacular, fun, and hugely creative—small and medium-sized bags with striking colors, elegant designs, and fantastic closures. On the other hand, teachers created a frame of recycled materials with photographs and selfies of the group from different moments during their stay in Knin. It was a fun project. The accurate hands o

Thursday began in the center of Knin with a group meeting for the fourth day of the K220 Erasmus Project: "The New Values of Democracy in Today's Europe." The meeting took place at the city hall, where the group was welcomed by the city's mayor, Marijo Ćaćić, who holds the position voluntarily. The meeting was held in the council chamber, where matters concerning the "res publica" of Knin are debated and negotiated. Also present was Toni Ivanhović, the young mayor of Knin. The 12-year-old boy, who loves football (he plays for NK Dinara, a modest club with over 110 years of history), gave a quick presentation about the activities and attractions the city of Knin offers for children. For his part, Mayor Marijo Ćaćić explained his work to the attendees. The professor of economics at the Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology at the University of Zagreb shared anecdotes from his work and the circumstances surrounding his decision to help his city altruisti

Wednesday, the third day of Croatian mobility for the K220 Erasmus Project: "The New Values of Democracy in Today's Europe." The entire morning was a true history lesson. First, we climbed the ramps leading to the Knin Fortress, a small walled city perched on a hill that once served as the palace of the ancient Croatian king Dmitar Zvonimir during the Middle Ages. This fortress on Mount Spas is one of the largest defensive structures from ancient Dalmatia and the best-preserved in Croatia. Today, the site houses one of the top restaurants in the area. It is also home to an art exhibition that we eagerly explored. The history teacher and guide of the excursion, Goran Mrnjavac, passionately explained the most important aspects of the site. We also viewed a retrospective exhibition of the events that marked this place and its inhabitants in the 1990s. The fortress became a coveted location after the disintegration of Yugoslavia. Operation Storm ended Serbia’s aspiration to o

A popular saying goes, “The early bird catches the worm,” and something similar happened on the second day of the Croatian stay for the K220 Erasmus Project: “The New Values of Democracy in Today's Europe.” Participants woke up early to travel by bus to Sibenik, the birthplace of a basketball deity, Drazen Petrovic. From its port, we embarked on a trip to the island of Privic, where we visited the museum dedicated to Croatian Renaissance humanist and scientist Faust Vrancic. During the Venetian period in the second half of the 16th century, the Sibenik-born scientist invented many devices, such as the parachute. The exhibition of his inventions was exciting. Afterward, we traveled to Zlarin, an island known for its red corals and plastic-free policy. There, we visited the National Coral Museum. During the boat ride, we admired the natural beauty of the small islands near Croatia’s mainland. We passed through the city’s natural defensive canal on the return boat trip. The students t

First Day of Activities for the Participants of the Project "The New Values of Democracy in Contemporary Europe". The Srednja Skola Lovre Montija in Knin, Croatia, is hosting the project's second stage, focused on assertiveness and mediation.  Professor Mirko Antunovic and the rest of the hardworking team of students and teachers, led by Marijana Zaninović, teacher and project coordinator in Croatia, warmly welcomed their guests. During the opening ceremony, a student performed the European anthem on the violin. The host team then showed us the beautiful attractions of Knin and its surroundings: the fortress, the clock tower, and Krka National Park. Some teachers attended an English class taught by Professor Nada Grabovac, while others attended an Economics class taught by Dragan Boducjac. Later, the participating teams made their presentations. Poland, Greece, Portugal, and Croatia all presented, and after Romania’s presentation, Diana sang a song and, with her classmate

On Sunday, October 6th, all the teams participating in the K220 project are about to arrive in Knin, Croatia. The Spanish team from Carlet arrived on Saturday afternoon. They traveled by bus to Barcelona and flew to Split with their teachers Rafel and Oscar. Spanish Tean.  The team from Greece arrived on Sunday morning, accompanied by teachers Eleni and Maria. In the afternoon, the Polish team, with teachers Veronika and Marjene, arrived at 5:30 PM. The Romanian team had to travel to Croatia with a layover in Zurich. The group, accompanied by teachers Maria and Dana, took advantage of a few hours in the Swiss financial city to go sightseeing. Romanian Team in Zurich stopover. Late at night, at 2 AM, the Madeira (Portugal) team arrived, tired but happy to reach the small town in Sibenik County, where Nina Grizelj, the kind teacher, warmly welcomed all the participants with open arms. Portuguese laughter in the Airport.