Restoration of schools in Zadar after liberation

Abstract

After the liberation of Zadar on October 31, 1944, immediate steps were taken to restore the schools. Primary schools started first: the school in the district of Arbanasi was opened in December 1944, to be followed by schools in the district of Vostarnica and in the old central part of the town. In 1945 nine primary schools were working, with a total of 1693 pupils. Grammar School was opened in March 1945, Teachers’ Training School on November 29, 1945. Two other secondary schools were also opened: School for Industry Workers and Apprentices School. There were 813 pupils in secondary schools. Four residential homes were opened for pupils attending secondary schools, accomodating about five hundred. The population of Zadar grew rapidly after 1945, and demands for schools increased. The needs of life and increase of civil services required the foundation of new schools. Thus in the first decade after the liberation of Zadar and the country, the following secondary schools were funded: School of Midwifery, School of Commerce, School of Nursing, Music School, and Fisheries School. Compulsory education was extended from four to seven and eight years; during the decade the number of primary school pupils increased to 2618, the number of secondary school pupils also increased gradually: from 813 in 1945 to 1371 in 1955. The increased number of schools and pupils in Zadar required new construction, adaptation, and extension of school buildings. Part of Petar Preradovic Primary School, bombed during the war, was restored to use; the former Girls’ Lyceum of St. Demetrius, destroyed in the war, was also rebuilt and it now houses the Faculty of Arts and Teachers’ Training College; a new building was constructed in the district of Brodarica for the Fisheries School, but when it was closed down, Primary School »Vostarnica« took the building. The Residential Home »Nenad Parenta« was renovated to accomodate 180 pupils. Education in Zadar after liberation went through a revival. Zadar again became a cultural and educational centre in north Dalmatia, but also in the wider regions of Dalmatia and Croat'a. The new conditions of the reconstruction of the country and the establishment of socialist self-government required the education of wider population. Zadar played and important role in this respect. A system of education from infant schools to primary, secondary, college and university education developed in Zadar after liberation.