Over the past months, a meaningful wave of awareness-raising has been unfolding across schools in the Archdiocese, following the appointment of Sister Victoria Šimić, SCSC as Archdiocesan Commissioner and the letter of support from Archbishop Msgr. Dr. Đuro Hranić to parishes and school communities.
The response was immediate: schools began inviting Sr. Victoria to speak with their students, teachers, and parish communities about human trafficking, dignity, and the importance of informed vigilance.
What follows is a snapshot of this powerful and hope-filled journey.
Beginning in Slakovci – October 9, 2025
The first visit took place at the Elementary School and Parish of St. Anne in Slakovci, made possible through the warm collaboration of Fr. Krešimir Iljazović, parish administrator, and Principal Zvonimir Markota, prof. mentor.
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Afternoon: workshop with 6th, 7th, and 8th class students
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Evening: a lecture in the parish church before Holy Mass
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After Mass: a time of prayer and adoration for victims of trafficking and for the end of modern slavery
This opening visit set the tone for what would become a full and fruitful season of outreach.
Workshops Across the Region
Bošnjaci – October 23, 2025
At the Fra Bernardin T. Leaković Elementary School, two workshops were held:
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one for 7th graders
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one for both 8th grade classes
Josipovac (Osijek) – October 27, 2025
Three workshops took place at Josipovac Elementary School, engaging:
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two 7th grade groups
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two 8th grade groups
Gorjani – November 7, 2025
Students from the 6th to 8th grades participated together in a joint workshop on human dignity, safety, and the reality of trafficking today.
First Secondary School Visit – Osijek, November 10, 2025
A significant milestone came with the first visit to a secondary school: the Mechanical Engineering Technical School in Osijek.
Workshops were held for:
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two 1st-year classes
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three 4th-year (graduating) classes
Sessions took place during religious education and ethics classes and were attended by teachers, the school pedagogue, and the librarian.
The school published a beautiful report on the experience, available here:
https://ss-strojarska-tehnicka-os.skole.hr/kolika-je-cijena-ljudskog-zivota/
In their words:
“In addition to reflecting on the dignity, sanctity, and inviolability of human life, students also learned about the life and witness of St. Josephine Bakhita, patron saint of victims of human trafficking.”
Teachers were deeply moved by the students’ active participation, thoughtful questions, and maturity in engaging with such an important topic.
A Special Visit to Županja – November 20, 2025
At Mate Lovrak Elementary School in Županja, Sr. Victoria has been offering workshops for the past two school years.
This year, due to smaller class numbers, students from both 7th and 8th grades participated together.
This visit was particularly meaningful for Sr. Victoria, who knows many of the students and staff personally from her previous ministry in the parish.
The school pedagogue, Dominik Hudolin, published a report here:
https://os-mlovraka-zu.skole.hr/radionica-o-trgovini-ljudima-za-ucenike-7-i-8-razreda/
Approaching a Milestone – Vinkovci
On 27 November 2025, Sr. Victoria will offer two workshops at Bartol Kašić Elementary School in Vinkovci, marking the 20th school she has visited in her anti-trafficking mission.
Workshops will be held for:
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7th grade students
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8th grade students
Final Visit of the Semester – Gunja, December 1, 2025
To close the first semester, a final set of workshops will take place at Gunja Elementary School, again welcoming 7th and 8th graders into the conversation on prevention, awareness, and human dignity.
Impact of the 2025/2026 School Year So Far
Across just a few months, Sr. Victoria has reached:
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Over 240 primary school students
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Around 100 secondary school students
Through workshops rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, respect for human dignity, and the witness of saints such as St. Bakhita, young people are being equipped to recognise exploitation, protect themselves and others, and understand the profound value of every human life.
What began as a handful of invitations has quickly grown into a widespread educational outreach effort, strengthening relationships between schools, parishes, and the wider Archdiocese.
RENATE gratefully acknowledges Sr. Victoria’s dedicated work and the openness of teachers, principals, and parishes who continue to welcome this essential mission.
Together, step by step, school by school, we are building a culture that sees, protects, and honours every human person.