The Petrinjčica Kindergarten secured first place by public vote in the medium-sized towns category and third place according to the expert jury's assessment in the fifth selection for the most beautiful and best kindergarten in Croatia. The plaques were presented on Monday, 13 July, at the Izvor facility in Petrinja.
The selection is organised by the portals Gradonačelnik.hr and Načelnik.hr under the patronage of the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth. The project director, Ivan Todorić, presented the award to director Jasna Mikulić, highlighting that interest in the selection grows year on year and that the awards confirm the quality of the kindergarten's work and its importance to the local community.
Mikulić thanked the citizens for their votes and the staff for their daily work. "This recognition is the result of the joint work of all employees – from educators and the specialist team to technical staff," the director said. She added that the quality of work is confirmed by the kindergarten's status as a practice centre for the University of Zagreb's Faculty of Teacher Education and its continuous professional development.
Mayor Magdalena Komes recalled that the Izvor facility was among the first to reopen its doors after the earthquake and was soon expanded to include five new educational groups. "Today, more than 600 children attend the kindergarten, which pleases us greatly, as it shows that young families are returning to Petrinja and that our city is growing again," Komes said. She also announced work on new premises, as current capacities are no longer sufficient.
Petrinjčica operates across seven facilities in the Petrinja area, with more than 600 children distributed among 32 educational groups. In addition to regular programmes, the kindergarten implements international projects and specialist activities.
