Running Toward a New Croatia: Why a Charity Race Reminded Me Why I Teach Croatian the Way I Do

“Kad sam rodila Ivana, rekli su mi da sam dobila dijete sreće.”

Mama Ivana, dječaka sa sindromom Down

Last night, I ran in the Run for Down charity race in Zagreb — an evening of fresh air, good hearts, and even better reasons to keep going. It was one of those nights that starts off like any other: you show up, stretch, pin on a number, jog in place. But by the end, you're walking away with something much more than a medal. You walk away with perspective.

I joined this race not just to run, but to stand beside a cause that touches something deep in me: inclusion, empathy, and the dignity of every person — no matter their starting line.

But more than that, I walked away thinking: this is Croatia, too.

Not just the Croatia of old family photos and childhood stories, but the living, breathing, modern Croatia. A Croatia that runs together, learns together, and raises each other up — especially those who might need just a bit more support to cross the finish line.

The Race That Taught a Lesson

Before the 5k race began, I stood to the side and watched the children's race. Just 150 meters. But in that stretch, I saw a full mile of meaning. Children with Down syndrome and children without, running side by side. Cheering for each other. Celebrating each other. Some held hands. Some ran with their whole hearts. Some beamed with pride just for standing at the start line.

There were parents crying quietly. Volunteers smiling loudly. And strangers clapping like they’d known these kids forever.

What those children did in 150 meters — they taught us everything we need to know about humanity.

And it reminded me of something I deeply believe: how we treat the most vulnerable among us reveals the true face of our culture.

A Culture in Motion

This is why I teach Croatian the way I do.

Because the Croatia of today — the one that organized this race, that shows up in sneakers and spirit to support inclusion — is just as important as the Croatia of yesterday. The one your grandparents left. The one whose language you may be trying to reclaim.

I meet so many people learning Croatian because they want to reconnect with their roots. And I honour that. But here’s the truth: Croatia is evolving. Just like every living culture does.

And if you're going to learn Croatian, I want you to learn the full picture — the language, yes, but also the heart of the people who speak it today.

That's why I built my Croatian Quadrant program on four equal pillars: grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and culture.

Because I don’t believe language exists in a vacuum. It exists in people, and people exist in a culture — a constantly moving, living, dancing culture that includes events like this race, organisations like the Down Syndrome Association of the City of Zagreb and Zagreb County, and values like acceptance, unity, and joy.

From Race Day to Real Life: Why I Teach the Way I Do

When I created the Croatian Quadrant, I wanted more than just a language course. I wanted to offer a pathway. A structure that honours how people truly learn: through meaningful connection.

That’s why the first course in the program — Croatian Foundation — is available as a self-study course. It’s your way in. It’s built to give you strength in every area — structure, sound, vocabulary, and cultural resonance. You don’t just learn how to speak Croatian — you learn why Croatians speak the way they do, and what stories they carry inside their language.

The other courses in the program — because they go deeper and need guidance — are only offered as live group classes. But if you start Foundation now, study with care, and prepare your questions, you'll be more than ready to join the full-year program in January 2026. And yes, you’ll get a discount if you've already taken the Foundation course.

Inclusion Doesn’t Start in a Classroom — But It Should Live There

I believe everyone deserves to learn in a space where they feel safe, seen, and supported. Just like those kids on the track last night. Some ran fast. Some needed help. All of them finished.

That’s the kind of classroom I run, too — one where everyone finishes. Whether you’re relearning your family's language, starting from scratch, or carrying heavy feelings about what learning a language means for your identity — you’re welcome here.

Because Croatia today welcomes people like that. People like you.

And because learning Croatian isn’t just about the past — it’s about your place in the future of a country that is still unfolding.

If you want to take your first step — like I did at that start line — begin here:

👉 Croatian Foundation self-study course – link
And when you're ready to run the full race with us, we’ll be waiting for you in January.