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POU Čakovec’s mission is to provide lifelong learning opportunities and to support the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and abilities through innovative and inclusive programmes. POU Čakovec is dedicated to high-quality professional development for its staff and learners, and it has a strong focus on international cooperation through Erasmus+ programmes and holds Erasmus+ accreditation in the field of adult education.

POU Čakovec offers a wide range of educational services and programmes, including:

• Basic education programmes (literacy, numeracy, etc.);
• Primary and secondary adult education, with 100+ educational programmes adapted to the labour market;
• Foreign language learning programmes, with special emphasis on cultural and historical knowledge;
• Croatian for foreigners, including holding state exams for permanent residence in Croatia;
• Training on sustainable use of pesticides and various informal education programmes;
• Vocational and non-vocational subjects, such as IT, accounting, marketing, healthy lifestyle, caregiving, project management;
• Agricultural programmes tailored to the needs of the rural community in Međimurje County;
• Special programmes aimed at vulnerable and marginalised groups, particularly the elderly and minorities, with significant achievements in primary adult education for the Roma community;
• Non-formal activities such as Paint ‘n’ Sip workshops, pottery, natural cosmetics, culinary classes.

POU Čakovec is an early adopter of the micro-credential approach in adult education in Croatia. By participating in a national voucher education programme, which provides free education to adult learners by offering them learning opportunities and (re)training in the field of green, digital, and labour-market-wanted skills, POU Čakovec has offered more than 55 micro-credential learning programmes so far.

POU Čakovec views cooperation as a powerful tool for the promotion of lifelong learning and the introduction of innovations in the field of adult education. Cooperation of institutions, associations, local authorities, agencies, and other organisations at all levels of the education system contributes to the exchange of knowledge, services, skills, and ultimately to the improvement of the entire system of adult education. Some of the partners at local and regional levels include the Town of Čakovec, Međimurje County, Croatian Employment Service, Faculty of Education, Technology Innovation Centre Međimurje, and Public Institution for Development of Međimurje County REDEA. On a national level, POU Čakovec regularly cooperates with the Agency for Vocational and Adult Education, Ministry of Science and Education, Croatian Association for Education of Adults, Association for Development of Human Resources and Adult Education at Croatian Chamber of Economy, and others. Through numerous European projects like Erasmus+ and ESF, POU Čakovec has developed a network of 75+ partners throughout the EU, among which many are public open universities and other providers of adult education. POU Čakovec works jointly with many of them on the creation of new programmes and tools, trying to respond to the needs of adult education at the EU level.

POU Čakovec is recognised for its dynamic approach to education, evolving to meet societal demands and responding to social and economic influences. It operates as an andragogic institution, acting as the first lifelong learning centre in Međimurje County. POU Čakovec’s international projects and strategic partnerships enrich its educational offerings, providing platforms for joint projects and exchange of knowledge. This aligns with POU Čakovec’s ethos of lifelong education and its commitment to opening doors to international cooperation, innovations, and opportunities.

POU Čakovec is committed to providing high-quality, affordable adult education that meets the needs of its community. The institution has a team of experienced and qualified instructors who are dedicated to helping learners achieve their goals. With a dynamic staff of 6, each an expert in their respective fields (leadership, finances, project management, educational programme development, inclusion and diversity, IT & marketing), and more than 70 associates and lecturers, POU Čakovec enrols 500-600 learners annually, amounting to more than 16,000 success stories since 1997.

Significantly, Public Open University Čakovec has recently obtained 2023 Erasmus+ accreditation in the field of adult education, affirming our capacity in this domain. Our substantial experience in providing targeted programming for adult learners of all ages and backgrounds demonstrates our capability to contribute meaningfully as partners for Erasmus+ initiatives.

Mario ZAMUDA, Principal – Project Management & Administration

– Principal of POU (2012-present), Primary Adult Education Manager and Language School Manager (2007-2012). Holds MA in Primary Education. In 2018 took up position of lecturer at Agency for Vocational Education and Training and Adult Education, taught courses entitled Teaching Methodology in Adult Education. In 2011 underwent professional training for management and implementation of EU projects and in 2015 became assistant trainer. As of 2022, member of expert group/database for external evaluation of adult education institutions. Since 2023, member of CEDEFOP’s steering committee for TCR on Upskilling Pathways in Croatia. Oversees all POU project activities.

Ivica JEĐUD, Head of Institutional and Interorganisational Cooperation – Project Management & IT

European project manager. Holds MA in English Language and Pedagogy. Background as pedagogical advisor in diverse educational settings (primary, secondary, adult education). Vast experience in managing Erasmus+ and ESF projects centred on empowerment and social inclusion. Engages actively with NGOs and associations. Very proficient in digital content creation (WordPress, Moodle) with 15 years of experience. Member of CEDEFOP steering committee for TCR on Upskilling Pathways in Croatia. Professional interest in MOOCs, AI and digitisation of education, open science, sustainability and other green topics, pedagogy of the oppressed.

Marta MIKAC, Head of Andragogy – Adult Education Department & Project Management

Holds MA in English Language and Pedagogy. Lead coordinator for adult vocational education initiatives. Skilled at tracking, adapting and incorporating new insights into educational offering of POU creating quality and in-demand programmes. Highly proficient in Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. Has experience in working with people with special needs. Professional interest in development of new teaching methodologies, innovative educational programmes, making adult education more accessible to vulnerable adult learners.

Andrea ŠTEFIĆ, Project Associate and Language Teacher – Languages & Project Management

Holds MA in English Language and Pedagogy. Language school manager. Vast experience of working and teaching English to learners from ages 8 to 80. Skilled photographer, highly proficient in Lightroom. Experience working as counsellor for adults with disabilities and behavioural problems. Professional interest in language acquisition aimed at adult learners, human and LGBT+ rights, use of gamification in adult education.

Darja SPAHIJA, Head of Administration – Finances, Project Management, Administration

Provides vital administrative support across all projects and programmes. Oversees documentation, finances, and daily operations. Expertly handles client interactions and correspondence. Ensures smooth institutional function and coordination. Skilled in managing administrative processes and financial records. Proficient in maintaining efficient office operations and supporting project teams. Professional interest in optimising administrative workflows, enhancing financial management systems, and improving institutional efficiency.

·         Development of teaching competencies of foreign language lecturers with the purpose of encouraging and motivating learners to learn foreign languages.

·         Improvement of andragogic competences of staff and lecturers.

·         Enriching the educational offer from different domains with the aim of increasing the motivation of participants for lifelong education.