PIF form

SCOPE OF WORK AND AREAS OF ACTIVITY

POUC offers over 100 formal and non-formal educational programs designed to meet the needs of learners and the labour market. Key offerings include:

-Primary adult education: Providing free education for adult learners to complete their primary education.

-Vocational training for adults: Over 70 programs available, covering areas such as IT, IoT, programming, sustainability, entrepreneurship, accounting, marketing, human resources, hospitality, caregiving, and project management.

-Foreign language learning: Courses with a focus on cultural and historical knowledge.

-Croatian for foreigners: Including state exam preparation for permanent residency.

-Agricultural education: Tailored to rural community needs in Međimurje County, including sustainable pesticide use, organic farming, and reuse workshops.

-Digital literacy courses: Covering topics such as digital basics, social media, digital footprints, and the ethical use of AI, these courses are designed for learners with varying levels of digital literacy.

-Programs for vulnerable groups: For the elderly, Roma communities, and marginalized populations, with notable successes in primary adult education for the Roma community, digital literacy courses for the elderly, and training for the unemployed.

-Non-formal activities: Creative workshops, including pottery, natural cosmetics, and culinary classes aimed at providing new experiences, developing soft skills, and promoting social inclusion.

POUC is a leader in adopting micro-credentials, offering over 65 accredited programs to unemployed adults through a voucher system that provides free education in green, digital, and labour-market-relevant skills. These programs primarily cater to unemployed individuals seeking new or upgraded qualifications. This positions POUC as an expert in designing, creating, and implementing micro-credential programs tailored to the needs of both learners and the labour market.

COLLABORATION AND PARTNERSHIPS

POUC actively fosters partnerships to promote lifelong learning and educational innovation. Locally, it collaborates with entities such as the Town of Čakovec, Međimurje County, Croatian Employment Service, Faculty of Education, Technology Innovation Centre Međimurje, and the Public Institution for Development of Međimurje County (REDEA). On a national level, it partners with organizations like the Agency for Vocational and Adult Education, the Croatian Association for Education of Adults, and the Ministry of Science and Education.

Internationally, POUC has built a robust network of over 75 European partners, including many adult education institutions, through Erasmus+ and ESF projects. These collaborations drive the development of new programs, tools, and approaches that align with EU priorities in adult education.

STAFF AND LEARNERS

POUC is supported by a core team of seven highly skilled staff members, specializing in leadership, finance, project management, educational development, inclusion, IT, and marketing. This team works alongside more than 70 associates and lecturers, delivering education to 500–600 learners annually, predominantly adults aged 18 and older from disadvantaged groups such as the unemployed, elderly, Roma, and individuals with low literacy or socio-economic status. Over the past 25 years, POUC has proudly supported more than 16,000 learners in achieving their goals.

POUC is a prominent adult education institution in Croatia with decades of experience in delivering innovative and inclusive learning solutions. Our expertise spans diverse areas, including digital literacy, vocational training, sustainability education, and lifelong learning programs tailored to adult learners.

POUC is particularly skilled in integrating technology into education, with extensive experience in developing Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), e-learning hubs, and digital content. Our learner-centered approach ensures accessibility and engagement, catering to participants with varying levels of prior knowledge, including those from vulnerable or disadvantaged groups.

Additionally, we design and deliver micro-credential programs that respond to the evolving demands of the labor market, focusing on skills in digital technology, green practices, and entrepreneurship. By leveraging modern tools such as hybrid learning platforms, smart technologies, and innovative teaching methodologies, POUC ensures that its programs meet high standards of quality and relevance.

Our capacity to adapt our expertise to a project’s specific needs enables us to contribute effectively to a wide range of educational initiatives. We are committed to tailoring our resources and methodologies to align with the objectives and priorities of any project we engage with.

KEY STAFF // final selection of people involved will be based on the project proposal

-Mario ZAMUDA, Principal – Administration Department
Principal (2012–present), Primary Adult Education Manager and Language School Manager (2007–2012). Holds MA in Primary Education. In 2018, took up position as lecturer at Agency for Vocational Education and Training and Adult Education, teaching 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 for external evaluation of adult education institutions. Since 2023, member of CEDEFOP’s steering committee for TCR on Upskilling Pathways in Croatia.

-Marta MIKAC, Head of Andragogy – Adult Education Department
Holds MA in English Language and Pedagogy. Lead coordinator for adult vocational education initiatives. Skilled at tracking, adapting, and incorporating new findings into POUC’s educational offerings to create quality and in-demand programmes. Highly proficient in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Has experience working with people with special needs. Professional interests include development of new teaching methodologies, innovative educational programmes, and making adult education more accessible to vulnerable adult learners.

-Ivica JEĐUD, Head of Institutional and Interorganisational Cooperation – PM & IT Departments
Project coordinator. Holds MA in English Language and Pedagogy. Background as pedagogical advisor in diverse educational settings (primary, secondary, adult). Vast experience in managing Erasmus+ and ESF projects, centred on empowerment, ICT, and social inclusion. Actively engages with NGOs and associations. Very proficient in digital content creation (WordPress, Moodle) with 15 years of experience. Completed “Elements of AI” course by University of Helsinki. Member of CEDEFOP’s steering committee for TCR on Upskilling Pathways in Croatia. Professional interests include MOOCs, AI and digitisation of education, open science, as well as pedagogy of the oppressed.

-Andrea ŠTEFIĆ, Head of Language Centre – Languages Department

Holds MA in English Language and Pedagogy. Language school managing director. 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 – Administration Department

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.

-Maja KUTNJAK VRTARIĆ, Co-Head of Andragogy – Adult Education Department

MA in Social Pedagogy. Certified specialist in children’s rights. Her expertise spans social pedagogy, program evaluation, and educational program development, with a focus on inclusivity and support for vulnerable populations, including Roma communities. Significant experience of implementing tailored interventions to support learners at risk of behavioural. Consultant for parenting programs and authored publications addressing children’s rights, inclusion, and education. At POU Čakovec, she contributes her extensive knowledge to designing and implementing innovative, inclusive educational frameworks and supporting lifelong learning initiatives.

-Nikolina BAKAČ, Financial and Accounting Officer – Finances Department

MA in Economics. Professional background includes roles as a financial advisor, team coordinator, and financial operator in both private and public sectors. Skilled in project budgeting and financial reporting, Nikolina is adept at ensuring financial transparency and compliance in educational and community projects. Her technical proficiency includes expertise in financial management software and Microsoft Office, alongside strong organizational and interpersonal skills. At POU Čakovec, she plays a key role in managing financial operations and supporting the smooth execution of the institution’s diverse programs.

As a longstanding institution in adult education, POUC has participated in numerous national and international initiatives, enhancing its expertise in delivering impactful and scalable educational solutions. These projects have strengthened our competencies in areas such as digital literacy, ICT integration, and social inclusion, and have allowed us to develop innovative tools and methods to support adult learners.

Our experience includes creating MOOCs and other digital learning formats that provide accessible and flexible learning opportunities for diverse audiences. We have also worked on projects that emphasize professional development for educators, focusing on the effective use of digital tools and learner-centred teaching strategies.

POUC is well-versed in fostering collaborative partnerships across Europe, working with public institutions, NGOs, and other educational organizations to promote lifelong learning. Our proactive approach ensures that we can contribute meaningfully to a variety of initiatives, offering expertise in program design, digital content development, and capacity-building for educators and learners alike.

We welcome the opportunity to adapt our skills and experience to meet the specific goals of future projects. For more detailed information about our past contributions or tailored proposals, we remain at your disposal.

●        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.