March 9, 2022 – Meet Jasna, Tijana, Tamara, and Nevenka, the presidents, administrators, and employees of the Humanitarian Organisation Duga Vukovar, who spoke about those in need in Vukovar, how they provide it, and how we all can do the same.

Duga Vukovar was founded back in 2013 to provide help to those who need it the most. This includes people who were marginalised for various reasons, but in most cases due to unemployment which leads to poverty. The elderly who live alone and in poverty are in an especially unfavourable position. Duga Vukovar has had a long tradition of workshops, programs and projects that would engage the most vulnerable members of our society, be it through education, financial support or by providing a place to enjoy some much needed friendly company while expressing ones' creativity. While Vukovar is developing and attracting visitors thanks to its modern infrastructure, interesting locations, awesome food and genuinely the nicest people, organisations like Duga exist to remind us that there are still many who haven't been able to live their full potential.

Tell us about the organisation. What do you do, which groups do you help, what inspired you?

Many demographic changes have happened in recent years, such as negative natural population movements, continuous emigration, unemployment of young adults, low pensions, increasing poverty rates. All this led to an increasing number of people whose incomes were insufficient for a decent life, especially in the elderly population. Often, they cannot even afford basic dietary and hygienic necessities, and unfortunately, some of them have no income whatsoever. In 2013, we decided to establish the Humanitarian Organisation Duga Vukovar to promote the quality of life and protect the human rights of the most vulnerable groups in our society, primarily those on the brink of poverty and the elderly. 

In 2014, the so-called Vukovar Social Self-Service was founded through our organisation. It operates on the principle of collecting donations of food and hygiene items and their continuous distribution to the most vulnerable residents of the city of Vukovar. In accordance with the collected donations, we strive to continuously ensure the distribution of food on a daily basis every month of the year. This helped manage the organisation in a better way and ensured that we had more time to dedicate to each individual. It also helped build a better relationship and give people a sense of security, trust and belonging.

The self-service cares for about 600 families, which is roughly 1,500 people. Its clients are people living on the edge of poverty, elderly people with low pensions, users of social welfare, single mothers and fathers, people with zero or very low incomes. We noticed that in addition to the lack of financial resources, there is also a risk of social exclusion mostly for elderly people, as well as a lack of assistance in performing daily activities.

What is your mission, what are your main goals?

Our mission is to create a just and compassionate society of equal opportunities for every individual. Our goal is to improve the lives of the elderly and people at risk of social exclusion by having them actively participate in our projects and programs such as education and counselling programs on financial literacy, consumer rights, social and health rights which could help reduce health care costs. We also provide opportunities to learn about social care, health and disease prevention, entertainment, socio-cultural content and workshops, as well as excursions. We provide a space where people can actively spend their free time, increase their productivity and creativity, nurture their talents. We want them to feel a sense of belonging and empower them to develop a positive self-image. In addition to all that, we want to continue to network, develop and strengthen our partnerships, include new donors and continue working with our old associates, strengthen the capacity of the organisation and provide employment for the disadvantaged groups.

Do you accept volunteers and which groups would you like to activate more?

We are especially grateful for our volunteers who enrich the work of our organisation. It is important to encourage all social groups to be actively involved in volunteer work because it is the responsibility of each of us to be active and responsible individual who participates and drives positive change in society. Of course, we would like the younger population of volunteers to be more involved. This would help shrink the growing generation gap with prejudice and stereotypes they might have towards the elderly, which can also lead to violent behaviour. Every stage of human life has its unique advantages and disadvantages. We can always learn from each other, pass on the knowledge and experience to future generations, create memories. We need to be more supportive of each other.

What is it like to run an organisation like this in Vukovar? Does the fact that you are in eastern Croatia affect your success?

Once an industrial center, today the Vukovar-Srijem County is one of the least developed areas in Croatia, and Vukovar is one of the poorest cities. Still, if we look back at the starting days of our organisation, we do see significant progress. We keep growing and developing, and we want to expand our activities for the benefit of the wider community. As our organisation is a non-profit, we depend mostly on donations and projects. Unfortunately, such sources of funding are uncertain, with a limited duration. While the organisation is continuously making progress, the existing space has become too small and inadequate for quality implementation of our project activities and programs, hindering the work of our employees which should be a lot more pleasant. Yet, there are so many plans that we can and want to implement. Our biggest challenge at the moment is finding an adequate space. We are aware that any space that is unused and needs to be put into operation requires significant financial expenses, and as a non-profit, we are not able to cover that right now.

Would you like to participate in the Vukovar Card initiative? 

We would indeed like to participate in the Vukovar Card initiative. Vukovar has a lot to offer. Primary and secondary school students from different parts of Croatia visit us often, and they even help with donations for our social self-service. We would like their visits, as well as the visits of tourists to our city and our organisation to last longer for them to better experience all the beauty of the city. Unfortunately, most visits are only day trips.

What are the ways organisations and individuals can help?

Our doors are always open to all who want to visit us and get to know us better.

Address:

Humanitarna udruga Duga Vukovar

OIB: 89493546468

Sajmište 23, 32000 Vukovar

Working hours:

MON - FRI - 07:00 - 15:00

Contact person: Tamara Mikulić 099 520 2211 / Tijana Prokić - 099 750 3734

Visit our website: www.duga-vukovar.hr

FB page: Humanitarna udruga Duga Vukovar

Instagram: Humanitarnaudrugaduga.vukovar

If you wish to financially support the work of our organisation, donations can be paid to the account:

IBAN: HR72 2340 0091 1105 9315 8

SWIFT: PBZGHR2X

Privredna banka Zagreb

Payment description: Financial support to the organisation (Financijska potpora Udruzi)

If you wish to help the work of our Social Self-Service, donations can be paid to the account:

IBAN: HR42 2340 0091 5106 3886 7

For more, check out our lifestyle section.

ZAGREB, 4 March (2022) - Vukovar City authorities are doing all they can to help the endangered people of Ukraine who are trying to save their lives from the dangers of war, the Vukovar mayor's office said on Friday.

A statement to the press after Mayor Ivan Penava met with the representative of the Ukrainian ethnic minority in Vukovar-Srijem County, Tetyana Kochnyeva, recalls that the city sent an initiative to the government and Ministry of Physical Planning, Construction and State Assets regarding the possible accommodation of Ukrainian refugees at the Zagreb Hostel in the suburb of Borovo Naselje in Vukovar.

This week, Mayor Penava met with representatives of emergency services, Vukovar's civil protection organisation, the firefighting station, the city's Red Cross branch and the police and talked about providing aid to Ukrainian refugees.

According to Kochnyeva, Ukrainian refugees who have come to Slavonia so far are mostly accommodated in Osijek.

"However, quite a few want to come to Vukovar and that is why we asked Mayor Penava for his help. The situation is changing by the hour and we are working with City of Vukovar to secure accommodation for refugees from Ukraine," said Kochnyeva.

The city appealed to anyone who can provide accommodation or transport from the Ukrainian border to Croatia to contact the the local civil protection at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling +385 (0)99/529-50-40.

For more, check out our politics section.

March 3, 2022 – Meet Lucija and Josip of Vu-Creator, a young couple from Tovarnik near Vukovar who have devoted themselves to the sustainable production of some of the most wonderful furniture and toys for the young ones. 

Tovarnik, once a year the home of Croatia’s biggest pumpkins and an open-air fine dining experience of ox on the spit, paired with some outstanding local rakija. Dessert, of course, pumpkin, sometimes apples and walnuts in a roll. All part of the famous autumn festival. What does the place offer outside of this magnificent event? Plenty. For now, we’ll skip discussing nature, location, food, and we’ll move straight to people and their stories. 

Josip and Lucija Salaić are a young couple who decided to build their careers in something they truly enjoy and care about. Taking inspiration from their own little daughters and from the fact that woodworking was Josip’s true passion, they started designing and manufacturing wooden furniture and toys. Their goal was to create something sustainable, natural, and lasting that would keep the little ones happy. And so, Vu-Creator was born. They design all their pieces according to their client’s wishes, while all the shaping, painting, and assembling is done by hand. Their guiding principles are those of uniqueness and quality. We spoke to Lucija to find out about how it came to be, where it’s headed, and more. 

Tell us about your business, what do you do?

At Vu-Creator we design and manufacture solid wood children's furniture. Most times we use ash, and all our raw materials come from within Croatia. We produce our own designs, but we also work with our clients to create details that make our furniture unique and personalised. The entire range is made by hand or semi-mechanically and painted by hand with eco-friendly paint.

Where did you get the idea and what makes your offer unique?

We discovered our talents over time and realised that we could make something for our children all on our own. Something that would be of excellent quality, long-lasting, and tailor-made just for them. The end result of our efforts really excited us, and we decided that we would not stop just at furniture for our children.

What was it like starting such a business in Vukovar? What were the main challenges?

The main challenges were prejudice and lack of information through verified sources. It took us a while to find the right suppliers or the right audience to introduce the quality that comes with a beautiful design.

Do you think that the fact that you are in eastern Croatia influenced your success?

Not in the least. We just didn’t think about it. We have adapted to the needs of the market, our products are sold online, and by the time the clients pick up their products they don’t even see the address where the furniture came from.

Are you happy with how your business is developing? What is your perspective for the future?

We love what we do and we hope that this love will grow. We also hope that on days when it becomes too difficult to remember the goal, the smiles on the faces of children who receive the little furniture made just for them will keep us going. We are open to anything, the sky is the limit. Even if the doors of Vu-Creator have to close at some point, our hearts remain open to new challenges.

What opportunities are there in our city and region? 

Depends on the ambitions of the individual. We think that the location of origin can stimulate or demotivate the start of a project but should certainly not be the reason to change one’s mind. Vukovar offers many possibilities if you want to discover them.

What is your view of other small businesses in Vukovar?

There is no competition, which is the one thing that scares most new businesses. We never come across anyone in a hostile mood. All our colleagues and friends jumped in, just like we did to help them. The atmosphere is truly one of healthy entrepreneurship. It is important to have money circulating and supporting the economy, and not just holding on to your own assets. Mutual support is paramount.

Finally, tell us about life in Vukovar. What do you like most, what would you say to all potential visitors?

Vukovar offers perspective. Though many leave the east, many of us do stay here, and we are the ones who believe in the future of our city. Vukovar is all of us, and as long as that is the case it will be a beautiful and special city. We love this peace that many still seek, we love the togetherness. Always aware of the weight of the city's past and never forgetting what our fathers and grandfathers gave up for the homeland, we look ahead and use that gratitude as an incentive and motivation to keep going.

For more, check out our lifestyle section.

February 22, 2022 - Meet Krešimir Herceg, the co-founder of VukovART, a movement that has helped place Vukovar on the street art map of the world and turned the city into an open-air art gallery.

From 2017 onwards, Vukovar has been getting richer and richer in street art, with murals adorning buildings in all Vukovar’s neighbourhoods and 3D art attracting the looks of many on and along the bridges of Vukovar. The art has become a big part of the city’s visual identity, inspiring visits, hashtags, even tours and events like marathons following the path of the murals. 

In 2022, the residents of Vukovar, along with its many guests, already know to anticipate a city centre full of life, laughter, and fun, with kids creating chalk artwork on the pavement, grown-ups painting walls, and other grown-ups discussing art and tourism. For a few weeks in May and June, the city becomes a colourful workshop of art. And when it’s all said and done, we are left with some beautiful art to love and cherish and proudly present to our visitors. We found out how it all came to be, why it’s there and where it’s going. We spoke to Krešimir, whom we know as the man behind the movement. He describes himself as a marketing enthusiast working on several tourism projects, and the results have been pretty awesome. Let’s find out all about the ideas that set it in motion.

Tell us about the organizers of VukovART.

Filip and Krešo are primarily two friends who work together on several ideas and projects. One is just a marketing enthusiast, and Filip is the only Croatian 3D street artist.

What inspired VukovART?

Although VukovART started in 2017, the whole story began a year before, while the idea of ​​a street art festival had been brewing for a while. Filip Mrvelj, the only Croatian 3D street artist, and I had worked together on several projects. So it was not surprising when in 2016, he called and suggested a collaboration on the first 3D painting in Vukovar on a bridge over the river Vuka. During our time in Vukovar, it rained constantly, and we ended up only having one day to create the paintings. We spoke to the city council about all our ideas, including the festival. Filip managed to finish the painting, and after it gained significant media attention, we officially presented the concept of ​​a street art festival to the City of Vukovar. They loved it.

Can you tell us more about the project?

VukovART is a street art festival. During a few weeks in May and June, it attracts some of the biggest names of the international street art scene. So far, the Vukovar open-air gallery has adopted 33 pieces of street art created by top world artists. We have hosted names like Zabou, Wild Drawing, Vera Bugatti, Juandres Vera, Artez, BustArt, and many others. The work of top Croatian artists can also be found in Vukovar, including Eugen Varzić, OKO, Lonac, Tea Jurišić, and Šumski. When we create our invitation lists, we are guided by the rule of excellence. There is no classic "open call", instead we try to get the best artists of the moment following the set criteria.

VukovART is a new concept in the cultural life of Vukovar. It promotes Vukovar as a place that accepts all artists as creators of new values. Also, this concept changes the city's visual identity and makes it a more beautiful, urban, and modern place to live. The painted areas are also a tourist attraction. Vukovar, a port on the Danube, is now becoming a harbour of art – an open-air gallery accessible to all. In addition to this artistic part as the basis of VukovART, we have been organizing an accompanying programme of children’s workshops, concerts, panel discussions, lectures and gatherings, and exhibitions in recent years. For example, during the last VukovART, we enjoyed concerts by Mia Dimšić, Vatra, and Akvarel, a band from Osijek. Many visited, including Robert Knjaz, Dušan Bućan, Davor Gobac, and other familiar faces of the Croatian creative scene. There was a painting workshop and chalk drawing one in the main square for the little ones; we organised bike rides and more.

It is important to note that the City of Vukovar largely stood behind the festival, and so did our sponsor PPD Vukovar, who keeps investing in Vukovar’s community.

What is the significance of such a project for Vukovar and Slavonia?

From the beginning, we believed that VukovART would be of great importance for all of Slavonia, and this was confirmed. Many still perceive Croatia’s east as a very rural region, not to say that we shouldn’t be proud of our traditions and customs. Yet Slavonia is much more than that. The nature is extraordinary, its cultural and gastronomic offer yet to be discovered. VukovART is the only project of this type in Slavonia that has practically become a tourist product and is one of few in this part of Europe.

The artists themselves are delighted with the culture, the city's cleanliness, the kindness of the people, the energy of the festival, and filled with emotions about Vukovar's past. When they go home, they keep telling the story of Vukovar and Slavonia, a Croatian region still unknown to many.

What were the main goals, did you meet them?

The main goal was to create a success story for locals and tourists. We believe that we have managed to meet all the goals in creating a different urban tourist product. As a result, Vukovar has been placed on the map of street art cities of the world and has become recognized for top art of top world artists. People's reactions on social media and their posts from touring the open-air gallery are proof that we are on the right track.

Another goal was education. The gallery showcases different styles and techniques. Our many workshops help educate the younger population primarily, while through seminars, we all learn from the best Croatian creatives (Dušan Bućan, Robert Knjaz, Domagoj Jakopović - Ribafish, Dubravko Mataković). In our panel discussions, we show the best examples in practice. With all of this, we believe that the goals we set have not only been achieved but exceeded.

Will there be a VukovART in 2022?

VukovART is coming this year, but we are still preparing the program, and it should come out sometime in May. As it all stands, the world's top street art names are coming back, and the program will be dense and exciting.

Apart from the art that now adorns our city, why is Vukovar worth visiting?

Firstly, Vukovar is a place that evokes pride and respect for all the sacrifices it has gone through. However, people need to be aware that Vukovar is a beautiful city that lives, where you can enjoy some amazing things. The Vučedol Culture Museum is the best example. It is one of the most important cultural points of Western Europe. The Eltz Castle is magnificent. Many do not even know that Lavoslav Ružička, the first Croatian Nobel Prize winner came from Vukovar. The Danube, its promenade, the park forest Adica, the baroque city centre, and the newly opened Vukovar Water Tower. Besides, the gastronomic offer is getting better and better… Vukovar more than deserves a visit!

Have you done any similar projects in other cities in Slavonia? Are there more coming?

We have done cultural and tourist projects, mainly in Slavonski Brod. From the one in memory of Ivana Brlić – Mažuranić to the legendary bicycle race Mali Pariz – Klakar. Our biggest recent project was CoolTour Lab, funded by the EU. We organized workshops for young people throughout the year. There is also the Bikademy project, an innovative cycling tourism project in Slavonia, which is developing beyond Croatian borders. We keep planning, always coming up with new ideas, but we will see where it takes us. Right now, we are focusing on a few things that are already in motion, like VukovART and Bikademy.

Bikademy

What does the future hold for tourism in eastern Croatia?

We hope for a promising future, and we hope to contribute to it. Indeed, it will take a lot of work, learning, and marketing to build a community. Slavonia and Baranja are a destination with all that a tourist destination should have. It makes us happy that it is slowly becoming recognized as an excellent and unexplored destination, and the potential is huge. The east of Croatia is also attractive for active tourism, and I am sure that the tourist offer will rise to a very high level in just a few years.

Home is where the heart is.

For more, check out our lifestyle section.

February 15, 2022 – Meet Viktorija Matin, the founder of the Vukovarski Leptirići parents’ association for children with developmental disabilities.

The butterfly – a symbol of beauty, change, fragility, yet such resilience. The Vukovarski Leptirići (Vukovar Butterflies) parents’ association cares for children who are just as fragile and just as resilient – those with developmental disabilities. Founded in 2011, the association has been providing psychological and social care for this vulnerable group. They employ over 35 people, caring for more than 228 members. One hundred thirty-three people currently volunteer with them, but they are always looking for more. They have been successful in delivering more than 60 projects. Their mission and vision revolve around inclusion, ensuring that children with disabilities participate in daily life, sports activities, cultural programs, and more. 

I was fortunate to pay them a visit on a day when the little ones got to meet their therapy dog, Black. After a delicious and nutritious breakfast of sandwiches, fruit, and veggies, we shared some candy and got ready for a new friend to come in. The kids were just the happiest, most well-behaved, considerate little bunch. Their carers and teachers were just as lovely and warm, radiating positivity and love that they feel for their jobs and all the children they work with. They did seem worried, though. The projects through which the association draws funding are irregular, sometimes suspended after approval, and simply not enough. The butterflies are faced with new challenges on the daily. 

Viktorija, their founder, emphasizes that while their space and equipment are among the best in Croatia, the butterflies could use all the donations to keep their carers and teachers and ensure that they’ve had adequate training and education. Viktorija told us all about their work, achievements, and struggle. So we invite you to have a read, think of the butterflies, and maybe donate that morning coffee towards a better future for the ones whose future depends on you.

Tell us about the association. 

Firstly, let me present us through the symbolic name of the association. The butterfly represents metamorphosis, complete transformation, and ultimate freedom. It is the only creature capable of completely changing its genetic structure during its dramatic transformation process. Thus, it represents rebirth and transition to a magnificent new life. Because of its fragility, on the other hand, the butterfly also symbolizes courage, which is needed to make changes in its growth and development. It is also a symbol of hope. When we first established the association, at the end of 2011, children with disabilities needed help with their transformation; they needed courage and hope. We supported parents who didn’t know where to begin. We had courage and hope, and it brought us this far. Starting from a fight against discrimination that children with disabilities face in every aspect of their lives, we have become a place to receive all the necessary therapy and support.

We have achieved the basic goals of the association, improving their quality of life through medical and social care for children with disabilities and their families. We can continually improve the situation, though, always do more and work harder. It is all worth it for the children to feel less lonely, to make progress through laughter and play, for our families to live better lives.

What are your main goals?

In 2017, the association became a provider of social services in the field of psychosocial support. We signed an agreement with the Ministry of Labor, Pension System, Family and Social Policy on the implementation of psychosocial support through the following services:

- Psychological support through Neurofeedback training provided by three educated neurofeedback practitioners (advanced level)

- Psychological support provided by a psychologist

- Exercises of everyday skills with a psychologist and an occupational therapist

- Sensory integration conducted by physiotherapists and sensory integration therapists

- Kinesitherapy and sports and recreational activities conducted by two physiotherapists

- Speech therapy conducted by a speech therapist

One of our projects is a daycare for children with disabilities, those of lower financial status, and adopted children to ensure better socialization for all of them. The kids are more than happy to spend those 4 hours per day with us, enjoy the company of their friends, and the individual work with education and development specialists who care for them. Eventually, they become ready to start kindergarten or school.

For several years now, we have been sourcing funding through projects from the Ministry of Science and Education to implement methods like Tomatis and Soundsory. Valuable, sophisticated equipment and education were financed to provide therapy through music. There are only 8 Tomatis practitioners in all of Croatia. The method revolves around children listening to filtered Mozart music and Gregorian chants while playing, affecting the middle ear, their balance, and their brain. This helps them learn and acquire social, language, and motor skills much faster than they usually would. Our other projects include sports activities and various workshops such as art, creativity, music, dance, and play.

We use every chance to apply for new projects and provide vocational education, equipment, and activities for our members. From the very beginning, we have implemented different forms of therapy, including therapeutic riding and swimming. We also employ several new teaching assistants every year. Currently, the biggest challenge we are facing is funding for the project 'Let’s grow, play and learn together!' for about 40 children who need additional help and support through individual therapy, assisted learning, and quality leisure time. Unfortunately, it ends in three months, and the children will be left without the needed support. We launched a crowdfunding campaign on Čini pravu stvar where we can hopefully collect donations to carry on with the project.

Do you accept volunteers, and which groups would you invite to join you?

It is possible to volunteer short-term or long-term through specific projects or regular activities. It all depends on the skills and interests of our volunteers and the current needs and capabilities of the association. Volunteers have always been an essential part of our work. We would certainly like to see more people with a background in education, psychologists, counselors, and therapists.

What is it like to run such an association in Vukovar? Does the fact that you are in the east of Croatia affect your success?

Nowadays, children with disabilities in Vukovar are not taboo like a few years ago. Professional therapy with the help of sophisticated equipment is available, along with adequately equipped spaces for sensory integration and kinesitherapy. We would say that it is slowly becoming easier to live here as a child with disabilities. We are still working on it; we are constantly reminding people that we are here, that diversity needs to be accepted, that tolerance and equal opportunities must become the norm. There was a time when we were alone, and life was very hard. These days it is easier with all the institutional support, and we take this as proof that together we can achieve a lot in any aspect of life. We were able to renovate our space of 579 m2 and install quality equipment for numerous activities through national and EU projects. There is still a lot to be fixed, primarily the roof of our sports hall. We struggle with funding our projects, and our advances are often late. On top of that, currently, there are no tenders for big projects and our competition is quite challenging in other cities. We are still hopeful that we will receive the necessary donations to continue our programs.

What would the butterflies of Vukovar say to the world?

Our guiding thought is: "If you respect all our rights, we will change the world!"

I want to invite all parents with the same issues to accept the new situation or any difficulties their children might be facing and to live life fully. Include your children in all the programs, travel with them, socialize and integrate, do not allow them to remain on the margins. They are different, not less. Their disability is not shameful. It can happen to anyone, and that is why we need to be united in selflessly helping those who desperately need our help. We are not worth less just because we have children with disabilities.

What makes Vukovarski Leptirići unique in Croatia?

The association operates in the space of ​​579 m2, obtained for use from the City of Vukovar. Although the space was in bad condition, we are completing the renovation, and we will have a beautiful, ample, and tidy space equipped with the best equipment and sophisticated devices. We invest a lot in the education of our staff. We use assistive technology, including simple communicators and even a Tobii device for eye tracking. We have managed to connect vertically and horizontally with the support of the state and local governments and incredibly hardworking and persistent parents who have elevated this association to an incredible level. It’s simple – the secret of success lies in the community! 

How can we help?

You can donate money for our ongoing campaign on Čini pravu stvar. To get to know us a little better, you can visit our Facebook page or our official website. 

For more, check out our lifestyle section.

February the 8th, 2022 - Fancy trying out your skills on the up and coming Vukovar rock climbing wall? The biggest rock climbing wall in all of the Republic of Croatia and in this part of the region is set to find its home in this often overlooked Eastern Croatian city which is still synonymous with the Homeland War.

As Poslovni Dnevnik/Marija Crnjak writes, ongoing inflation and rising costs across all fields have contributed to slowing down and throwing spanners into the works of the Adica forest park project in Vukovar, which is currently without any accommodation units, but in the middle of next year, Vukovar will get a brand new fun tourist attraction, an adrenaline park with the largest rock for climbing in this part of the region.

The "Magic Forest" project, which encompasses the Vukovar rock climbing wall is worth 30 million kuna in total and is part of the Intervention Plan of the City of Vukovar. It is all being co-financed by EU funds, and in addition to enriching the lives of local people, it will give tourists a new reason to visit this Eastern Croatian city. In addition to being aimed at families, tourists eager for an adrenaline rush or two are also expected. Professional competitions will also be able to be held there.

"Vukovar has a lot to offer tourists, and now we're starting to incorporate what we lacked, entertainment that is an important motive for tourists and added value in the valorisation of the city's tourism offer," said Marina Sekulic, the director of the Vukovar Tourist Board.

In addition to these facilities, Adica should have had accommodation facilities, bungalows and a campsite, but this was abandoned at this stage due to unpredictable construction costs as a result of the current situation with inflation. Sekulic noted that it is a pity that these segments haven't yet been implemented, but the projects are ready and implementation is possible in the future through some other funding models.

Last week, the mayor of Vukovar, Ivan Penava, signed a contract with the contractor for the Magic Forest with the Presoflex gradnja (construction) company from Pozega.

"With this project worth 30 million kuna, we'll get two new facilities, one is a wooden promenade along the river Vuka spanning the length of almost one kilometre, while the other is a new sport and entertainment adrenaline park which will consist of high and low static polygons, climbing rocks which will be 20 metres high and a 470-metre-long zip line that will cross the Vuka River,'' Penava explained.

According to him, the Adica project and the new Vukovar rock climbing wall will contribute to the creation of new jobs in the City of Vukovar, and with all of its new entertainment offers and recreational facilities, it will have a positive impact on the entire tourist and catering and hospitality offer.

For more, check out our lifestyle section.

February 6, 2022 – Meet Saša Salamon, the founder of Code Consulting, a software development company that found its home on the banks of the Danube. Not only have they been successful in establishing an excellent brand, but the team is also constantly growing, and Saša is inviting all potential candidates to step forward and become part of his amazing team.

If you've been following the Vukovar 365 series, you've met some of its creative souls, sports enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, overall impressive, engaging, and positive examples of the human species. Lucky we are to have them. Hopefully, the series broadened your views and understandings and made you look at Vukovar as a breathing city, indeed full of life and ready to face the future. And no image of the future would be complete without the IT guys powering it all. Time to learn about the IT scene in Vukovar and the fantastic team (Corgi included) behind it all. 

Code Consulting is a reasonably young but reputable software development company whose home is no less than this humble town on the Danube. It was brought to life by Saša Salamon, who left a full-time permanent job (the dream of many Croatians) to start his own business in 2013. Since then, Code Consulting grew and established its position mainly within the medical industry. Saša spoke about the beginnings, the now, the future. He finds Vukovar to be the perfect place to live and grow. Asked about the Vukovar Card idea, he does say that the schedule is packed full and that our guests might need a break. One could argue that this only shows how much there is to offer. It also highlights one of the more important points of the true Slavonian (and Croatian) lifestyle – take it easy. Focus on the real values in life and appreciate those around you, at least as much as Saša appreciates his team.

Tell us about Code Consulting - what do you do?

CodeCons is a team of about 60 web and mobile application development professionals. We mainly deal with solutions in the medical industry for clients in the US. Our team consists of experts in different areas of software development, from architecture, design, development, testing, infrastructure... thus we can cover the entire course of software development, from the initial idea to production. We work mainly on long-term projects that last for several years and constantly evolve.

How did it all start?

It started a long time ago, about 10 years. I had a permanent job in a large company, but I would spend my free time programming, mostly freelance, with various clients from all over the world. My clients were quite happy with my work and wanted to continue our collaboration, so I decided to start doing it full-time at one point. As the business expanded, I kept looking for and hiring more people, so it all kept unfolding.

What was it like to start such a business in Vukovar? What were the main challenges?

IT is a location-independent industry. Whether it's Vukovar, Zagreb, Varaždin... it doesn't matter where you are. The team is important; you need to make up a good team of people who love their job and are experts in what they do.

The biggest challenge has always been finding good people, enough good people to get the job done. So we are constantly hiring; in fact, I would like to use this opportunity to invite anyone interested to contact us, check us out and see if you like what we do here.

As far as location goes, it wasn't about that at all for us. Our team is crucial for our success.

Are you happy with how your business is developing? What is your perspective for the future?

I am happy. We have an excellent team, regular clients satisfied with our product, and we are working on some new technologies. So far, we have been doing well, and I hope the trend continues.

What opportunities are there in our city and our region?

Vukovar is a small town, and we need to keep that in mind. The pros of living here include no crowds, everyone knows everyone, and we are a very safe city. There are also some cons, primarily that we lack some facilities, but Osijek is 30 minutes away, which is not that far. When it comes to work, like anywhere, it heavily depends on what people do.

What is your view on other small businesses in the area?

We are trying to connect with other IT companies in the region. In 2019 we founded the association VVIT to connect and get to know IT companies in the region and promote our IT sector. Our region is not just about agriculture; we want to show a strong IT community here to get more people and companies to come in this direction.

If we were to implement Vukovar Card, would you support the initiative, and what would you add to this idea?

I believe that tourism is a neglected economic branch in our region and any initiative to raise it to a higher level is welcome. However, I don't know whether this is the right way to do it. I don't know. We need good ways to attract people to come and see experience Slavonia, but this requires a joint effort of the state and private companies in tourism or related to tourism. The situation is getting better year by year, but very little has been done so far.

I read about this initiative and the proposed itinerary, and my suggestion would be to tone it down a little. Seven days at such a pace might be too much, and people would not get the real experience of Slavonia and Baranja, living a slow pace in which everything is still achieved. I am afraid that by day 3, our guests would become tired and would have had enough of it. Also, why not include family farms and private accommodation facilities, which are plentiful and offer much more than hotels in terms of experience and comfort.

Finally, tell us about life in Vukovar. What do you like most? What would you say to all potential visitors?

When you say Vukovar, the first thing I think of is the Danube. It is the second-largest river in Europe and the city that literally lies on its banks. The Danube provides sailing, fishing, swimming, exploring nature from land or water. Rare are the cities that lie on such large and mighty rivers.

I love living in a small town; I think it gives me everything I need at the moment. I always tell people to come and see, try, experience it. Give yourself a time plan in a relaxed way. Oh, and we are not that far from Zagreb... they say that Zagreb is about the same distance from us!

Where can we find you?

Check out our website as well as our Facebook page.

For more, check out our lifestyle section.

ZAGREB, 29 Jan 2022 - Homeland Movement (DP) leader Ivan Penava said in Osijek on Saturday that this year's sowing in Croatia would be the most expensive ever and that it would result in the collapse of the national farm sector and citizens' living standards.

"The government is ignoring the problem and is late in responding," Penava told a news conference.

A member of the DP Agriculture Committee, Darko Dimić, said that the coming pre-sowing fertilisation would be a number of times more expensive than last year.

Talks with farmers have shown that they will reduce the use of artificial fertilisers by 25-50%, which will result in a drop in yields and their quality, Dimić said.

Asked by reporters to comment on an increase in the number of deaths in 2021 in relation to the 2015-2019 average, Penava said the incumbent government did not concern itself with demography just as previous governments had not.

As for a reporter's remark that Vukovar and Vukovar-Srijem County had lost the largest number of residents, according to preliminary results of the 2021 census, Penava said that it was true when one spoke about relative percentages but that Osijek-Baranja County was the one to have lost the largest number of inhabitants.

"I have been saying for ten years that Vukovar does not have 27,000 inhabitants, which is the number from 2011, but 22,000. This census will prove that we were right and that the number was exaggerated," Penava said, noting that Serbs did not account for almost 35% of Vukovar's population.

"I have been saying for years that the only one who benefits from that percentage is the Independent Democratic Serb Party (SDSS), because the number of its councillors (in the Vukovar city council) and its income from the city budget as well as its other rights depend on it," said Penava, who is also Mayor of Vukovar.

January 22, 2022 – Meet Dario Hegeduš, a multi-talented young man who is working hard on preserving Croatian heritage in the east through music.

If you’ve ever watched a promo video about Slavonia, it’s likely that you heard the sound of tamburica. This little instrument is a type of lute, with a small round body and a long neck. It is believed that it originated in Persia and by way of Turkey reached its home in eastern Croatia where it remains an integral part of a good time (or a way to drown your sorrow). From festivals and parties to weddings and funerals, the sound of tamburica will follow the journey of the Slavonian soul. Just like anything traditional, though, in modern times, it sits on the margins of the music scene. So, to the rescue come people like Dario.

As he says, Dario started devoting his free time to the art of music as soon as he grew strong enough to hold a tamburica. Now he counts more than 20 years of experience and numerous successes, be it professional, on the music scene, or private – all involving the tradition. He started his own tamburaški sastav – a music band playing tamburica music, as well as a tamburica orchestra of 27 members. He has travelled half the world showing off his skills and made some beautiful friendships on the way. Dario also works for the Vukovar Tourist Board’s marketing department, creating and sharing some outstanding material promoting this beautiful city.

How long have you been involved in music and where did your love for the tamburica come from?

I’ve been involved in music for a full 20 years. It started when I was 9 and I finally gathered the strength to press the strings on a tamburica. All of my family is quite musical – my parents dance in a traditional ensemble, my sister and brother dance and play musical instruments, so I didn't want to be the black sheep. I started playing tamburica, grateful that I can help preserve Croatian tradition and heritage.

You decided to start your own tamburica band. Tell us about it.

When my friend and I remained among the youngest members of the tamburica section in HKGD "Dunav" (HKGD stands for Croatian Cultural and Musical Society), we realized that we should show our friends that playing tamburica is no less "cool" than other hobbies. After persuading everyone we knew, we managed to get all of three other guys to rejuvenate the tamburica section a bit, and ended up forming a band. After a few years, the team grew, and now I also conduct an orchestra of 27 members.

What are your biggest successes?

I hope that the greatest successes are yet to come, but the first thing that came to mind was that I convinced this girl, a hip-hop rapper (now my wife), to become a lover of traditional music and that today she leads the children's dance section in HKGD "Dunav" in Vukovar.

As for awards, my favourites are those with my band and the orchestra, as being the national champion among many tamburica orchestras and representing Vukovar on the national and international scene is a true privilege.

What are all the possibilities open to you? Are you limited to eastern Croatia?

The music we play here is traditional Croatian and truly represents Eastern Slavonia and Srijem where we live. Traditional instruments are not so popular among the younger generations, but the tamburica and its great potential have found a place among young people. It is interesting to explore different types of music, from classical through rock, and of course traditional tunes, all in a tamburica version. Two tamburica studios have opened in Croatia, and the instrument is becoming popular in the rest of the world as well – as evidenced by our guest appearances and performances throughout Europe, in Canada, but also in China!

What are the best parts of your job in music?

Socializing and traveling, being part of a team creating the history of Vukovar through the preservation of tradition. This feeling makes me feel stronger and more enriched than anything else.

What are your hopes for the future?

I believe that the tamburica can become one of the reasons for tourists to visit our area, because of its uniqueness. It cannot be digitized, there is no virtual form, and combined with our cultural and natural heritage, the experience would enrich all travel itineraries.

Do you think that traditional music is sufficiently represented, how can we promote it?

It is sufficiently represented in the circles of our society through various festivals, events, media support, publishing houses, etc. The best promotion is to use the tamburica as an experience in our tourist offer. Imagine allowing every tourist to play their favorite song on an instrument they’re holding for the first time.

Apart from the fact that everyone in Vukovar knows you for your music, you work for the local tourist board. What is your job and what is the future of tourism in Vukovar?

I think that working for the tourist board goes hand in hand with the work I do in my free time. The PR, marketing, creativity, ideas, organization, acquisition of new skills and knowledge through working for the Tourist Board can be applied to music, and vice versa. The future of tourism in Vukovar looks bright, as evidenced by numerous analyzes of tourist arrivals and overnight stays, as well as cruiser arrivals. Cyclists, groups, and individuals who seek to explore cultural, sacral, natural heritage, memorial tourism, rich social content, gastronomic offer, etc. should all see Vukovar as the perfect destination.

What do you think about the Vukovar Card idea? Will our Tourist Board support this initiative?

The Vukovar Tourist Board supports any initiative that contributes to the development of Vukovar as a tourist destination as well its economy, and Vukovar Card is another good idea. Currently, the Vukovar Tourist Board in cooperation with IQM Destination utilizes a Welcome Card that connects our tourist entities and facilities and provides tourists with additional value while visiting our city. I believe that Vukovar Card could be one of the additional motivators for the arrival of foreign and domestic tourists.

Finally, tell us why everyone should visit Vukovar, what is the best thing here?

The best thing here is certainly the people. Everyone knows that we are the best hosts, and when you have a good host, your visit to Vukovar cannot be any less than the best! And Vukovar – visit it for yourself. Getting to know the city will emotionally drain you, but then fill you with pride and joy which will always bind you to it. You will always come back.

Let’s hear some of your music!

Check out our Facebook page where we share our music, successes, funny stories, and all you might want to know about us. For a soundtrack, go directly to our YouTube channel.

For more, check out our dedicated lifestyle section.

January 15, 2022 – Meet Vanja Maksimović, the owner of Lima Baby – a shop with handmade pieces of bedding and mats for your little ones

Meet Vanja Maksimović, a young laboratory technician, soon-to-be mother of two, and business owner. Vanja says that she has always been the energetic, creative type with a constant bug to decorate and redecorate, to change things up, doing it all on her own. If you follow her on Instagram, you will know exactly what I mean – she has salvaged so many old pieces of furniture and turned them into not only perfectly usable but visually outstanding pieces of décor and practicality for her house. There is nothing this lady cannot do, from chairs and cabinets to building her own bed frame. On one occasion, she even took her skills to the silver screens as a contestant in the TV show INdizajn with Mirjana Mikulec, but says that she prefers designing in the relaxed atmosphere of her home. You can have a sneak peek here. 

Her house is also the home of Lima Baby, Vanja’s pride and joy. The idea that handmade products for the little ones should be widely available at reasonable prices propelled Vanja to try and start designing and sewing these pieces together. When the people of Vukovar showed interest, the cutest shop around was born. Alongside the interesting designs, Vanja makes sure that all the materials she uses are hypoallergenic and safe to use from the youngest ages.

Tell us about your business, what do you do exactly?

Lima is a shop with various products for babies and little children. More precisely, I design and sew bedding, mats, crib rail covers, blankets, and pillows.

Where did you get the idea and what makes your offer unique?

At the time when I started production, such products weren’t widely available in our area, so people would usually order them internationally. When my friend ordered something similar, I did some maths and realised that I could produce the same thing for a lot less money. Before that, I had only tried using a sewing machine a few times, but I quickly learned the basics which allowed me to start my business. 

What was it like starting a business in Vukovar? What were the main challenges?

As I was already employed with the Department of Microbiology in the Public Health Institute of the Vukovar-Srijem County, I did not have any major issues registering an additional job or trade.

My accountant, Melita Marić, helped me a lot in the very beginning, as well as later, as I did not have any knowledge in that area. She explained everything, step by step.

Are you satisfied with how your business is developing? What is your perspective for the future?

I'm satisfied. I think that people in Croatia love handmade products and try to support small businesses. For now, I don't have any big plans for the future of my business, but I hope that it will one day become my primary job.

Do you think that the fact that you are in eastern Croatia influenced your success?

Possibly, people do love Vukovar, and will therefore love anything that was made here.

What opportunities are there in our city and region?

Starting a business is fairly easy. The incentives for self-employment are great and you will receive a lot of support.

Personally, I haven't used any incentives so far since my business is not my primary employment, but it’s good to know that such support exists. I might want to try and take advantage of that in the future.

What is your view on other small businesses in Vukovar?

Since I have two jobs, a small child and another on the way, in the past year I haven’t had that many opportunities to collaborate with other entrepreneurs in our city. We do, however, always stay in touch, supporting each other and helping as much as we can.

If we were to implement the Vukovar Card, would you participate and offer our guests discounts or special packages?

Of course, we would love that.

Finally, tell us something about life in Vukovar. What do you like most, what would you say to all potential visitors?

I can't name a single thing I don't like about Vukovar. Every aspect of life here suits me and I would not change a thing. My husband and I are two different nationalities (Croatian and Serbian), which is certainly not the norm in Vukovar, but we haven’t had any obstacles.

Success in all areas of life requires a good idea, passion, and willpower. And when it comes to starting a business, the city of Vukovar will indeed be very helpful.

I always say that our city should be given a chance and should be viewed through a lens of positivity. I recommend a visit to Vukovar with all my heart. This is a place where you can see a lot, enjoy some beautiful nature, taste excellent food, take different kinds of tours, and yet enjoy a break from crowds and busy life.

Where can we find you?

On our Facebook page – Lima baby, and our Instagram lima_baby.

For more, check out our dedicated lifestyle section.