Croatian island sees 18% population surge as more families settle
- by croatiaweek
- in News
On the Croatian island of Šolta, which has seen a significant rise in population in recent years, the demand for early childhood education has become essential.
The latest census from 2021 recorded an 18.3% increase in residents, highlighting that Šolta is not just a tourist destination but an attractive place for families choosing to return and settle on the island.
As a result, the number of preschool and nursery-age children has grown, leading to an increased need for larger nursery facilities.
“There has been a remarkable population increase of 18.3%, which naturally means more children. Many families from cities and even Western European countries have started moving back and settling here. Our nursery quickly became too small. While we once had just eighteen little ones, today we have over forty preschool and nursery-age children,” said Nikola Cecić-Karuzić, Mayor of Šolta, in an interview with Slobodna Dalmacija.
He continued to speak about the growing needs and positive demographic trends on the island. “That is why, last year, we began the expansion of the existing nursery in Grohote, which, I hope, will solve the issue of accommodation capacity for our youngest residents,” he stated.
This project represents an investment of €650,000, jointly funded by the Ministry of Science and Education, the Ministry of Regional Development, and the Municipality of Šolta.
The agreed budget covers all preparatory and final construction work related to the expansion and renovation of the existing facility.
Šolta
According to the approved plans, the current capacity will be doubled once the extension is completed. Local authorities consider this expansion crucial, particularly because they aim to provide their children with early childhood education in two additional care units.
“The complex reconstruction and extension work is expected to be completed by April. While construction is ongoing, our youngest residents are accommodated in the primary school in Grohote. It is important to note that the nursery operates exclusively as a ten-hour programme for all age groups. This means that the spacious 200-square-metre nursery will remain open year-round. Around ten staff members will be providing full-day care, mainly because most of our residents work in hospitality and tourism, particularly during the summer months. This initiative was designed to support them,” explained Cecić-Karuzić.
The Municipality of Šolta has also supported local parents by covering the cost of nursery services. From 1st February this year, nursery services for all children have been made entirely free of charge.
Šolta is located in central Dalmatia, close to Split and west of the island of Brač.
