The document summarizes the Croatian experience with the School of Open Cohesion program, which replicates an Italian best practice project launched by the European Commission. Over three years, 19 Croatian schools have participated in monitoring Interreg projects and producing joint reports in pairs. The program aims to increase students' awareness of cohesion policy, as this topic is not currently well presented in secondary schools. Students show great enthusiasm for the program and engaging with their local communities. While results have been positive, a more structured evaluation is needed to further develop the project and empower more individuals.

1. At the School of Open Cohesion
Croatian Experience
08/06/2022
Natalija Simunovic, Head of Sector
Ministry of Regional Development and EU
Funds, Croatia

2. ASOC in the Croatian context
o Replicating Italian best practice project based on the call
launched by the European Commission (2019)
o From 2019, a total of 19 schools participated in the
programme
o 2021/2022 ASOC Interreg Italy-Croatia pilot programme
o Pairs of schools monitor the same Interreg project and
produce their joint reports
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3. Main drivers for continuation of the
process
o No structured presentation or educational content in
secondary schools on Cohesion policy
o Schools eager to participate and pilot activities interesting for
their local communities
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4. Types of projects monitored
National editions
2019/2020 &
2020/2021
R&D 1
Entrepreneurship 2
Environment 9 Cultural and Natural Heritage: 8
Health 1
ESF 2
3
CBC 2021/2022 Culture 3
Energy 1

5. Regional representation
o Balanced regional representation as a key factor
o Selection criteria ensure a regional balance
o Under the condition that schools from all regions apply to the
public call
o Promotion! by regional coordinators and EDICs
o In all 3 editions, regional representation successfully
addressed
o
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6. Lessons learned
o Attractive and engaging programme
o Students show great enthusiasm and dedication to their work
o The competitive dimension makes it additionally appealing
o Engagement with the local community and stakeholders as
one of the greatest benefits
o The overall awareness of students on cohesion policy
instruments still rather low in the country: dramatically
improves with the project
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7. Quotes
o „Projects like these evoke the best from all of us, they
represent a new and better way of learning.”
o „We wish everyone could get such an experience and enrich
their lives.”
o „We have felt like true European citizens”
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8. Conclusions
o The results exist and are obvious
o A structured evaluation to take place and create grounds for
further development of the project
o With the goal to reach an even greater number of individuals
(teachers/students) to empower them and create a
community of active and engaged citizens
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9. Thank you for your attention!
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