Certificates Awarded to the Fifth Generation of Ukrainian Participants in the Integration and Education Programme

On Thursday, 9 October 2025, in the “Blessed Alojzije Card. Stepinac” Hall at the Catholic University of Croatia, certificates of successful completion of the Integration and Education Programme (IEP) and language proficiency diplomas were awarded to the fifth generation of Ukrainian participants.

On behalf of the Rector, Prof. Roko Mišetić, Ph.D., Vice-Rector for Education, addressed the teachers, programme participants, their families, and friends, saying:

“This occasion is more than the conclusion of an educational cycle – it is a celebration of success, perseverance, and community. Completing this programme does not mark the end of your learning, but the beginning of a new chapter – one in which you can apply your knowledge and experience in everyday life, work, and friendship. We hope that you feel welcome, safe, and accepted in Croatia, as this is precisely the goal of such programmes – to build bridges of understanding and respect among people.”

Viktor Filima, representative of the Ukrainian minority in Croatia, emphasized the programme’s success:

“The programme gives participants an opportunity to enter the Croatian job market. I am glad that CUC conducts this programme and that it presents Croatian culture and society to the participants in such depth. Data show that the programme has been highly successful in integrating Ukrainians into Croatian society, and I am grateful to the University and Rector Tanjić for their hospitality and cooperation.”

Dr. Karla Žagi, the project leader, joined in congratulating everyone, expressing gratitude to the entire team of lecturers and the CUC administration for their support in implementing the project and planning new activities:

“I thank all colleagues for their cooperation, and the participants for their patience, memories, and trust in choosing to attend this course.”

After the certificates were ceremoniously awarded, Oleksandr Baluda and Nataliia Bondar addressed the audience on behalf of their generation, thanking the University for this project and its hospitality, as well as the lecturers for their dedication and knowledge.

The Integration and Education Programme is supported by the Renovabis Foundation of the German Bishops’ Conference and the Catholic University of Croatia, in cooperation with the Ukrainian Community of the City of Zagreb. The programme began at CUC in February 2023, and classes are currently being held for the fifth of the six planned groups.

The teaching team of the Integration and Education Programme consists of university lecturers: Assoc. Prof. Mario Bara, Ph.D., Assoc. Prof. Tado Jurić, Ph.D., Asst. Prof. Lucija Mihaljević, Ph.D., Asst. Prof. Milica Mikecin, Ph.D., Dr. Karla Žagi, Ana Komarytsia, mag. philol., and Matea Vidulić, mag. comm.