The campus of Maruševec in Croatia is very special. Students once lived and studied in a castle next door, and the school is growing and thriving even still.
When most people think of castles, they imagine stone walls built to protect rulers and kingdoms. But in Croatia, a castle once housed students.
More than fifty years ago, during the years of former Yugoslavia, Adventist education in this region needed a place to begin. At the time, a nearby castle stood available, offering unexpected space and opportunity.
As the school grew, it eventually moved from the castle to its own campus next door. Generations of students passed through its halls. Over time, however, the buildings began to age and space became a growing concern.
For Adriatic Union President Zlatko Mucha, this campus is meaningful.
“I have been a student here for eight years, secondary school and theology student, and I worked here for one year. So Maruševec is in my heart,” he said.
That personal connection also gave him a clear view of what the school needed in order to continue its mission.
“Probably 40 years after this campus was built, infrastructure became quite old. So there is a need for renovation improvement,” Zlatko said.
As educational standards changed, classrooms needed more space. Student housing areas had to be converted for learning. To move forward, the school first needed a new place for students to live.
That solution came through the 13th Sabbath Offering in 2017. Thanks to your contributions, a modern dormitory was completed, making it possible to continue welcoming students from across the region.
Ivana is a former student who came for secondary school and then studied theology there. She remembers what life was like before and how the new dormitory changed everything.
“From the converted girls dormitory that I was used to, this was much more modern and much more comfortable… and the rooms were also nicer, so it was a better environment for studying,” she said.
But the impact of this project went further than just providing a comfortable space. Today, Ivana serves as a church intern, working with young people and helping lead health-focused outreach in her community.
“It was a really supportive environment to grow spiritually and also develop some spiritual gifts,” Ivana said.
Most students who come to the school are not Adventist. Yet they are welcomed into a faith-filled campus.
“Personally, I am very grateful to God and to the people who gave certain amounts so that the boarding school could be built… Without that, we would not be able to function,” said Principal Elizabeta Kobe Barbir.
Because of faithful support through the 13th Sabbath Offering, a dormitory was renewed and the mission of this campus was able to continue.
What once began inside castle walls now lives on through the students who pass through this school.
Thank you for giving to this project. Your generosity made this possible.
