The 4th "Domovina" Summer School has begun

On Sunday, June 1st, the 4th edition of the "Domovina" (Homeland) Summer School opened in Dubrovnik. This marked the starting point of a summer course teaching young descendants of Croatian emigrants about the cultural and natural heritage of southern Dalmatia.

The 4th "Homeland Birthright Program" Summer School project was organized by the Central State Office for Croats Abroad, in partnership with the Association of Croatian-American Professionals (ACAP). The goal is to strengthen the national and cultural identity of the Croatian diaspora, encourage global networking among Croatians, promote cultural and scientific cooperation with younger generations of the descendants of Croatian emigrants, and to strengthen their awareness of their Croatian heritage.

From June 1st until June 13th the participants of the summer school will visit many locations throughout the country of cultural, religious, and historical significance for the Croatian people the world over. Together, they will enjoy Croatia’s rich gastronomic offer, musical traditions, learn about the richness of the Croatian language, and experience the beauty of life in the homeland of their ancestors.

The program is a unique opportunity for the young descendants of Croatian emigrants aged 18 to 30 to become more familiar with Croatia, its history, culture, tradition and natural beauty.

After visiting Dubrovnik and Lokrum, Cavtat and Konavle, Opuzen and Ston, they continued their journey to Brela and Omiš, and then on towards Sinj, Knin, Šibenik and Skradin.

On this unforgettable journey they will also visit Zadar, Kornati (Telašćica), Pirovac, Split and Dugopolje. The trip then leaves Dalmatia and moves on to Gospić, Ozalj and Krašić in the Croatian heartland. They continue their journey in northern Croatia by visiting Varaždin, Trakošćan and Marija Bistrica, followed by a reception in Zagreb at the Defense Ministry. They end their journey in Slavonia with stops in Vukovar and Osijek, before returning for a final farewell in Zagreb.

This will once again, for many of the students be the journey of a lifetime, serving as much more than an opportunity to get to know the natural beauties of Croatia, but also, through mutual conversations, an opportunity to discover their common homeland. Previous experience has shown that participants from all continents come to recognize the similarities that connect them, but also discover a connection with their Croatian roots, their ancestors and their people. This look into their own past will certainly shape their future, one that will be deeply rooted in their Croatian identity.