Maslačak Preschool in Đurčevac solemnly marked its 40th anniversary on 25 September. The celebration brought together a large number of children, parents, staff, former pupils, collaborators and guests, with the entire event set to the rhythm of the '80s.
At the start of the programme, the director of the kindergarten, Marija Čupen Tomica, addressed the attendees, thanking everyone for 40 years of work, effort, shared experiences, ideas and support. The audience was also addressed by the mayor of Đurđevac, Hrvoje Janči, and by Željko Lacković, a member of parliament and president of the local council, who both congratulated the institution on its anniversary. The welcome programme concluded with a performance by the kindergarten children, while visitors enjoyed a programme from that era. The children and the staff were dressed in the style of the '80s, and a photo gallery from the institution's 40-year history was on display.
Director Marija Čupen Tomica stated that behind every project, programme and name lies the desire to give children the opportunity to meet, explore and experience something new. She highlighted that it is hard to believe how much has been achieved in those 40 years, mentioning the journey from the first wooden swings to a pool with heated water, from the first toys to more than a thousand educational toys, and from the first trees planted to the garden which, in 2025, was named the most beautiful school garden in the category of preschools.
Over the past four decades, the kindergarten has developed a number of programmes and activities, including foreign languages, visual arts, an eco programme, an IT programme, a programme for gifted children, a Montessori programme, an Erasmus+ project, the "Kindergarten in Nature" programme, the "Backpack in Culture" project and the "Say Hello to the World" project. Children have participated in olympiads, the Little Pickegades, and various exhibitions, while the kindergarten has become an eco-kindergarten and developed numerous activities for children and parents.
The mayor of Đurđevac, Hrvoje Janči, highlighted that he is particularly proud of the Maslačak kindergarten, of which he was once a pupil. He stated that in the past ten years, four investments have been made in the kindergarten's material conditions, and with the opening of the new section, a total of 480 places are now available. This, he said, ensures that every child has a place in the kindergarten.
The 40th anniversary is a cause for pride, and local representative Željko Lacković highlighted that Đurđevac has resolved the issue of childcare provision. He specifically highlighted the contribution of all current and former staff, noting that the kindergarten is no longer just a place where children are looked after, but a place where they are educated for the world that awaits them. The 40th anniversary was enhanced by the performances of the Maslačak kindergarten children, with two classes preparing a special programme that further enriched the celebration.
