NCC and UNHCR once more cooperate for children in war torn areas

On 10 June 2010, the Nordic Chamber of Commerce in Croatia celebrated the Nordic Midsummer Celebration, in cooperation with UNHCR. The event was held in aid of children from disadvantaged backgrounds in the return area of Hrvatska Kostajnica/Sisak Moslavina County. Part of the proceeds from the event, which include food, refreshments and a raffle, will be donated to the Elementary School Davorin Trstenjak. The collected donation would not only improve the quality of education of pupils but also contribute to social integration of students of different ethnic and cultural background.

On the occasion, UNHCR Croatia's spokesperson, Dorijan Klasnic, stated that: "People living in war-torn areas of the country still have to cope with challenges and new beginnings are often hampered due to the lack of material support at initial stages of rebuilding their own lives". Klasnic added that "This situation very much reflects to their children and their chances for betterment in all walks of life. Children in remote return areas are often deprived of creative expression, mainly because of challenging material conditions in their family and social environment. Local schools are also in need of capacity strengthening in order to support children in widening their own horizons and connecting them with the opportunities to learn and grow".