Young Croatians from Canada Visit Croatia

A group of students of Croatian language classes in Ontario, Canada, together with their parents, and members of the Folklore Ensemble "Dubrovnik" from London and St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada, a total of about 50 participants, visited Croatia from July 20 to 24, hosted by Split-Dalmatia County and the Split Branch of the Croatian National Heritage Foundation. 

The project of the educational trip of Croatians from Canada was also supported by the Central State Office for Croats Abroad. As part of the program, the participants visited Zagreb, Marija Bistrica, Osijek, Vukovar and Šibenik, while in Split-Dalmatia County they visited Trogir, Split (Archaeological Museum in Split) and the Klis Fortress.

"Living and believing that the work you do brings benefits to the society in which you exist and create, while building bridges of recognition, is priceless! Values that need to be continuously made aware of, but also sometimes with strong enough lungs to blow away the dust of challenges, by opening the doors of direct interactions, by pointing out the fact that the community is strong enough if we selflessly create opportunities and perspectives. 6 Canadian Croatian couples and their 13 children are a new story. Giving a message about the meaning and challenges of parenthood, but also the belief that Croatian identity is an integral part of their upbringing. As part of the tour to get to know the Homeland, we had the opportunity to host and hear from Croats from St. Thomas and London in Canada, members of FA Dubrovnik and participants of Croatian classes, their journey is much more than a classic tourist tour, it is an encounter with the SOURCE." - Ante Ćaleta, head of the Split Branch of the Croatian Emigrants' Association, wrote an emotional review of the arrival of our compatriots from Canada.

The initiative of the Croatian School and the Folklore Ensemble "Dubrovnik", as well as the "FA Dubrovnik" project itself, is a valuable example of how educational, cultural and social programs further strengthen the connection between the homeland and the Croatian diaspora, and provide young generations with the opportunity to learn about their roots and build an even stronger connection with Croatia.

On July 21, in the large hall of Split-Dalmatia County, the County Prefect Blaženko Boban received a large delegation of compatriots from Canada. The reception was attended by the County Prefect, as well as heads of departments Željko Primorac and Tomislav Đonlić, and the head of the Split Branch of the Croatian Heritage Foundation Ante Ćaleta. The reception was also attended by officials of Split-Dalmatia County and numerous media representatives.

The County Prefect Blaženko Boban expressed his satisfaction with the arrival of the guests, emphasizing that it is precisely such meetings that confirm the importance of investing in the Croatian diaspora and preserving the Croatian language.

Marina Sesar, president of the Dubrovnik Folklore Ensemble and professor at the Croatian School in London (Ontario), presented the work of the Croatian community, which today brings together 14 families and 38 children.

Source: HRT