Young Croats selected to advise government on diaspora policies

The recently established Council of Young Croats Living Abroad will soon hold its first meeting, and the turnout and motivation of young Croats to participate have been exceptionally high, Alen Matanić, spokesperson for the Central State Office for Croats Abroad, told Hina.

Last year, the government decided to establish an advisory body of young Croats living abroad to advise on ways to preserve Croatian identity abroad and encourage young people to move to Croatia, CE Report quotes HINA.

“We recognized the need for young Croats abroad to be more actively involved in shaping policies and programs that directly affect them,” said Matanić.

“The interest has been extremely high,” he added.

“In many countries, especially in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in countries with Croatian national minorities, and in the Croatian diaspora, young people have shown strong motivation to participate.”

Croatian communities around the world proposed representatives to the embassies from the most significant and numerous associations, organizations, institutions, or other forms of community organization.

In the end, 65 young people aged 18 to 30 were selected for the council.

“In this process, perhaps the biggest challenge was ensuring that each community from different countries nominated young people who are actively engaged, know the needs of their community, and can credibly represent youth,” said the spokesperson.

Dalma Rojas Avila was born 28 years ago in La Paz, the capital of Bolivia. She was named after Dalmatia, the region from which her ancestor Jorge Kuljiš Radisić sailed from the island of Vis in 1902.

“I carry a great love for Croatia, as well as curiosity,” says Dalma, one of the new council members. She represents Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador.

She participates in activities of the Croatian community in La Paz, and also in Argentina, where she studies at the University of Buenos Aires. The young scientist works with data in a technology and applications development company, and she also uses her professional skills in service of the Croatian community.

“We collect data and process information about descendants of Croats,” she explains.

Around 5,000 people of Croatian origin live in Bolivia, although there could be more.

“Currently, I am organizing meetings with young descendants of Croats in these countries,” she explains. “I listen to what they want, what their aspirations are. At the same time, I promote the Croatian identity among them,” she adds.

She will report to them about education and work opportunities in Croatia, based on information from Zagreb.

Council members will meet at least once a year, and more often if needed.

“Meetings can be held in Croatia, as well as via digital platforms, depending on the topics, circumstances, and opportunities,” Matanić said.

The goal is to have regular and direct communication among members, as well as with executive authorities and institutions in Croatia. Afterward, they should monitor the implementation of proposed policies and measures.

Young members will not receive financial compensation for their work, but will volunteer.

This year, they will begin developing and proposing policies, measures, and programs aimed at young Croats abroad. They will provide recommendations to the government and relevant state bodies based on the needs and experiences of youth from their communities. They will work to strengthen ties among young Croats worldwide and participate in activities aimed at preserving identity, preventing assimilation, and encouraging return to Croatia.