IGOR

The “Women in Rural Areas” Thematic Working Group, established within the National CAP Network, held a study visit to the Štavlić Family Farm in Marindvor on 29 August 2026. The activity was organised as part of the Annual Action Plan of the National CAP Network and funded by the European Union.

The aim of the study visit was to exchange knowledge and experience, present examples of good practice in rural entrepreneurship, and discuss the challenges and needs of women in rural areas.

Participants toured the Štavlić family estate, including the organic garden, orchard and historic forest classroom, while learning about the local tradition of solidarity and seed sharing that has been preserved in Marindvor for generations.

The central part of the programme was the round-table discussion “What Can We Learn from Each Other?”, which focused on administrative and legislative barriers, access to information, education, agricultural product processing, water management, aquaculture and rural tourism.

Martina Klepić presented the Women in Farming Platform, a European platform bringing together stakeholders from 23 EU Member States. The platform focuses on six key areas, including access to finance, reducing administrative burdens, business diversification, fairer pensions for women in agriculture, and the development of mentoring systems. The official launch of the platform’s website was announced for 10 September 2026.

The programme continued with expert presentations on permaculture growing methods, modern planting techniques, and the importance of preserving indigenous and traditional seed varieties. The visit concluded with the Tomato Festival, featuring numerous tomato varieties of different shapes, colours and culinary characteristics.

The study visit confirmed the importance of direct dialogue with stakeholders in the field, the exchange of experience and networking in identifying the needs of women in rural areas and developing concrete proposals for their further development.

Source:https://nrm.hr/novosti/studijski-posjet-trg-a-zene-u-ruralnom-prostoru-opg-u-stavlic-u-marindvoru/?fbclid=IwY2xjawUCgLtwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6Yu-WVpaibfvXD5HaMIHRTdaiSoRyz8bOFAMG04nSzfRLU5kSom7CqBa8EJA_aem_VzGZ2gq6f5N5higbPX-Myw 

On June 8, the students participating in the “Little Gardeners” and “Home Economics” B1 activities visited the IGOR Educational Center in Marindvor.

Our friendly host, Igor, and animator Nikolina introduced us to the principles of healthy eating and actively involved us in preparing nutritious meals. The students made a berry smoothie, chia seed pudding, and no-bake Raffaello-style energy balls.

After the culinary activities, the children enjoyed playing and spending time outdoors in the beautiful natural surroundings. To conclude the visit, they worked in groups to create posters related to the day’s educational topics, creatively presenting what they had learned.

The field trip was highly educational, engaging, and enjoyable. Enriched with new knowledge and wonderful experiences, we promised to return to this beautiful place again.

Teacher Ivana Glavaš
“Ivan Goran Kovačić” Primary School, Velika

Source: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057571536013

As part of the Erasmus+ project “Home in Time and Traditions”, Julije Kempf Primary School hosted a multi-day mobility visit for students and teachers from Portugal, Italy, and Estonia from 20 to 24 April 2026. During the five-day programme, participants had the opportunity to explore Croatian cultural heritage and traditional architecture, while also developing intercultural competences through collaborative activities and the exchange of experiences.

On the fourth day, the activities took place at IGOR Centre for Lifelong Learning Programmes, where students attended a lecture and participated in a practical workshop on traditional techniques used in the construction of Slavonian houses. By creating house models from natural materials, the participants developed teamwork, creativity, and awareness of the importance of preserving cultural heritage. The day was further enriched with traditional games.

Source: https://os-jkempfa-pozega.skole.hr/erasmus-projekt-home-in-time-and-traditions/

On March 30, 2026, a professional development workshop for teachers and professional associates of Ivan Goran Kovačić Primary School Zdenci was held at the IGOR Center.

Read more:
https://os-igkovacic-zdenci.skole.hr/odrzano-strucno.../

Review by Principal Ivana Pavelić, M.Ed.:

"Lecture title: Strengthening Teachers’ Professional Competencies through Communication and Stress Management Strategies
Location: The village of Marindvor, Požega, Croatia, EU; IGOR Lifelong Learning Center
Duration: 4 hours
Lecturer: Igor Štavlić, M.Sc., Senior Lecturer

The lecture Strengthening Teachers’ Professional Competencies through Communication and Stress Management Strategies, held in Marindvor at the IGOR Center, proved to be an exceptionally useful and content-rich professional event intended for teachers and professional associates. The focus on practical communication skills, professional relationships, and stress management methods provided participants with concrete tools that can be immediately applied in everyday school environments.

The lecturer successfully combined theoretical foundations with practical examples, enabling a better understanding of the challenges within the teaching profession. Particular emphasis was placed on topics such as active listening, nonverbal communication, assertiveness, and the importance of emotional regulation in resolving conflict situations. Participants also had the opportunity to analyze their own communication patterns, which contributed to greater reflection and awareness of the professional competencies they develop daily.

The second part of the lecture, focused on stress management strategies, was especially valuable given the demanding and intensive nature of school work. Through practical exercises, breathing techniques, and boundary-setting methods, teachers received clear guidance on how to maintain mental health, professional motivation, and a sense of purpose in their work. Participants highlighted that this segment provided new insights into the importance of self-care as a foundation for successful work with students.

The lecture was clearly structured, dynamic, and interactive, with a stimulating atmosphere that encouraged participation, questions, and open discussion. The lecturer’s high level of expertise, as well as their approachable presentation style, was particularly emphasized.

The hospitality and well-organized informal gathering exceeded all expectations."