65+ years of experience
Erasmus accreditation
16000+ learners
Focus on you
Public Open University Čakovec opens its doors to all those who seek new knowledge and skills.
#1 Regional
Adult Education Center
Offering high-quality, impactful and inclusive education is at the core of
Public Open University Čakovec.
Public Open University Čakovec (Pučko otvoreno učilište Čakovec in Croatian, or POU Čakovec for short) is a prominent adult education institution founded by the City of Čakovec in Međimurje County. With a rich history dating back to the 1950s, POU Čakovec was initially established as the People’s University. Over the years, it underwent several structural and name changes due to social events, becoming the Workers’ University and later the Open University. Throughout its storied history, POU Čakovec served as the central hub for various educational and cultural institutions, including the Cultural Center, Town Library, Museum of Međimurje County Čakovec, Primary Music School, and Education Center for Individuals with Special Needs. As these units developed and grew, they eventually separated from the University and began operating independently.
In 1997, the institution was renamed Public Open University Čakovec, emphasizing its focus on adult and lifelong education.
POU Čakovec remains committed to providing high-quality, affordable, and inclusive adult education that meets the needs of the local community. With a team of experts in their respective fields (leadership, finance, project management, educational program development, inclusion and diversity, IT & marketing), and more than 70 associates and lecturers, POU Čakovec enrolls 500-600 learners annually, amounting to over 16,000 since 1997.
The University implements programs for primary education for adults, secondary school education for adults (training, improvement, retraining), foreign language learning, verified training courses on green and digital topics, and various informal education programs. POU Čakovec offers diverse programs adapted to the labor market and collaborates with numerous business entities, associations, local and regional administration units, and self-government bodies, while also implementing various international projects. Throughout its history, the University has followed the development course of social processes, aiming to address the needs of the local community.
POU Čakovec is dedicated to high-quality professional development for its staff and learners, with a strong focus on international cooperation through Erasmus+ programs. Holding Erasmus+ accreditation in the field of adult education, the University’s work program is based on international cooperation as the foundation for its development and progress.
Mission
By developing and implementing innovative educational programs tailored to the labor market’s demands, we empower our learners to gain a competitive edge in hiring processes and advance in their current roles, thereby contributing to the intellectual, social, and overall development of the local community.
Vision
As the leading andragogic educational institution in northern Croatia, POU Čakovec collaborates with the private, public, and civil sectors, as well as international partners, to foster the creation of a knowledge-based society.
Institutional and Interorganizational Cooperation
POU Čakovec views cooperation as a powerful tool for promoting lifelong learning and introducing innovations in the field of adult education. Collaboration among institutions, associations, local authorities, agencies, and other organizations at all levels of the education system fosters the exchange of knowledge, services, skills, and ultimately contributes to the improvement of the entire adult education system.
Some key partners of POU Čakovec at the local and regional levels include the City of Čakovec, Međimurje County, the Croatian Employment Service, the Faculty of Education, the Technology Innovation Centre Međimurje, and the Public Institution for the Development of Međimurje County REDEA. Nationally, POU Čakovec regularly cooperates with the Agency for Vocational and Adult Education, the Ministry of Science and Education, the Croatian Association for Adult Education, the Association for Human Resources Development and Adult Education at the Croatian Chamber of Economy, among others.
Through numerous European projects like Erasmus+ and European Social Fund, POU Čakovec has developed a network of over 50 partners throughout the EU, many of which are public open universities and other adult education providers. POU Čakovec collaborates closely with many of them to create new programs and tools that respond to the needs of adult education at the EU level.
POU & Erasmus+
Accreditation
2023 – 2027
Awarded the prestigious Erasmus+ grant in the field of adult education, POU Čakovec has joined the esteemed European educational community, unlocking international cooperation, innovations, and invaluable opportunities for learners and staff alike.
KA2 Projects
Let’s cooperate!
POU Čakovec continuously adapts adult education programs to community needs, leveraging EU co-financed projects to provide free education, strengthen capacities, foster innovation, enable cooperation, enhance services, develop staff, and implement innovative practices.
Courses
Enrol now!
Leveraging our rich expertise, extensive experience, and profound knowledge, our Erasmus+ KA1 courses aim to provide high-quality professional development for staff from organizations of various backgrounds.
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