In Norval, Grabar-Kitarovic addressed students, members of the Croatian-Canadian community and former scholarship recipients gathered at the Croatian-Canadian Youth Mentorship Event. The president president talked about the importance of life-long education and professional development. Critically commenting on the problems in Croatia's education system, Grabar-Kitarovic believes it is necessary, in addition to technical improvement of the system and informatisation, to implement changes in the curriculum and educational programmes, which must follow the overall development of society.
Our goal is, said the president, to recognise specific values of each student and encourage their development in classroom, rather than satisfy merely the form of studying for good grades.
"Only when the best in a student is recognised and encouraged in the classroom will we have an interested scientist and good expert. There is plenty of work ahead of us on the reform," Grabar-Kitarovic said.
The priests in Norval briefed the president about problems they are facing in their daily communication with the Croats of the second and third generation.
Also discussed were models for the preservation of the Croatian language and work with youth, as well as ways how to best promote Croatia's culture, history and sights. Grabar-Kitarovic thanked the priests for their help in promoting the Croatian faith, language and heritage.