The County of Međimurje, led by its county president, has expressed gratitude to retired teachers on World Teachers' Day.
The county president, Matija Posavec, and the mayor of Čakovec, Ljerka Cividini, hosted a traditional ceremony on 5 October for school staff who had retired in the past year. The event was held in recognition of their contribution to education in the region.
President Posavic extended his best wishes to teachers, stating that every school is made up of people: teachers, instructors, and all those who daily offer knowledge, patience, dedication, and warmth to those growing up. He highlighted that the impact teachers have on young people is significant, often shaping their lives in profound ways.
The county president noted that the value of teachers' work is reflected in investments made in four key areas. He stated that the county is building new schools and sports halls, ensuring healthy meals for students, and supporting their engagement in sports activities. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of tradition and local identity in education. He added that teachers and the success of their students give meaning to these investments, multiplying their value.
The mayor of Čakovec, Ljerka Cividini, thanked all retired and active school staff, from directors to maintenance workers. She stated, 'We are grateful for the smiles and warmth you have shared with students, teaching them how to navigate life's challenges, especially in these times when schools often take on a role that might otherwise fall to the family.'
During the period, the following individuals retired from primary and secondary schools: Žarko Munđar, Emilija Žitnjak, Branko Vujnović, Zvonimir Malić, Vesna Katuš, Vesna Pavić, Marina Kordić, Radojka Oršić, Štefanija Ptiček, Ruža Galić, Darko Lep, Nevenka Reif, Jasna Murković, Ljiljana Žabek-Horvatić, Marija Ivković, Katarina Barić, Mirna Vajda, Branka Podgorelec, Jasmina Trojko, Višnja Špic, Zvonimir Hadžić, Zlatko Bažan, Ljiljana Kovač, Jelena Bister, Biserka Filipović, Jagoda Glava, Jadranka Skvort, Marija Ričko, Marija Bobić, Slavica Goričan, Josip Halić, Zvonko Kalan, Erminia Bekt, Slavica Švec, Kristina Mesarić, Darinka Drabić, Gordana Zlat, Vladimir Maš, Miljenko Kalan, Marijana Cvi, Aleksandar Milin, Božidar Glav, Stjepan Trstenjak, Milorad Šarap, Branko Kline, and Marijan Lazar.
Speaking on behalf of all those honoured, Marijan Lazar, a teacher, noted that this gesture of respect is highly valued by those who have spent decades in education, overcoming numerous challenges. He highlighted that being a teacher means leaving a legacy of kindness.
The ceremony featured musical performances by Niva Fejfar, a fifth-grade student at the First Primary School in Čakovec. She performed the regional songs 'Dej mi, bože, oči sokolove' and 'Međimurje, kak si lepo zeleno'.
