At the opening, it was was said that according to available data, 31% of Roma children aged three to six are involved in preschool education compared with 79% of children across Croatia.
The play hub will be a place for informal preschool education of children and learning through play, said the director of the Public Open University "Korak po Korak" (Step by Step), Sanja Brajković.
Croatia isn't satisfied with the percentage of children involved in early preschool education, which is especially true for children of the Roma national minority, said State Secretary at the Ministry of Science and Education, Tomislav Paljak.
He pointed out that the centre would definitely contribute to upgrading the education system.
"Now that we have a space where learning will take place, and what is more in the best possible way for children, through play, I believe that thanks to our ambitions and the infrastructure investments ahead of us, we will succeed in increasing the percentage of children involved in early preschool education," said Paljak.
State Secretary at the Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy, Marija Pletikosa, said that UNICEF's programme of the child guarantee was an opportunity for launching other activities.
"By strengthening the legal framework and developing new services for children, young people and families at risk, and by taking adequate measures and networking experts, we will try to reduce those risks, strengthen the family and ensure living conditions for children in their biological families whenever possible," said Pletikosa.
The head of UNICEF Croatia Office, Regina M. Castillo, said the centre was not a replacement for but an addition to kindergartens, which are extremely important as they promote equality.
Why is this play hub important? Because it is inclusive, it includes everyone, the little ones and the adults, parents and their children, Roma and non-Roma children, said Castillo.
Čakovec Mayor Ljerka Cividini said everyone wanted children's smiles.