The contract was signed on Monday in Pula by Istria County Prefect Boris Miletić and the President of the Management Board at Vladimir Gortan d.d. from Pazin, Darvin Žufić, assessing it as a "historic and important moment for education in Istria."
Miletić expressed his satisfaction with this investment in education in Istria, reiterating that along with health and social care, education is at the top of his priorities. He added that during his term in office, capital investments in education in the county had increased by 61% compared to the preceding period.
The construction is expected to be completed in 15 months.
"With the construction of the school building, our children and teachers will have significantly better conditions and new equipment," said Miletić, thanking the City of Novigrad-Cittanova and the Italian Union for their cooperation.
"This is an important day for us because what we have been planning for ten years through project documentation and design, and three rounds of tenders, is finally coming to realisation. This school is not only about infrastructure but also an incentive for education, for creating an environment where our children will have conditions to develop their talents and desires, as well as creating a better future for the city," said Novigrad Mayor Anteo Milos.
He added that "this school is a cornerstone for the preservation of Italian national culture in this area."
The president of the Italian Union, Maurizio Tremul, said that after many years, Novigrad will have an Italian language school.
"Since the foundation of the Italian Union in 1991, we have invested significantly in our kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, throughout Istria, Kvarner and even in Dalmatia. We have built or restored facilities and purchased equipment. It is important to have a modern building, but also a quality school that will know how to teach children about language, culture and history, but also about the values of Italian society and culture," said Tremul.
The Italian elementary school in Novigrad will have eight classrooms, two floors with an elevator adapted for people with disabilities, and a total gross area of 1,850 square metres. The school will also have a multifunctional playground for football, basketball and volleyball, as well as a running track.