Monica Soljančić: Helping the Croatian diaspora move to Croatia from South America 

Klub svjetskog srca hrvatskoga is an organisation dedicated to facilitating the return of the Croatian diaspora from South America to Croatia through their Initiative for the Repatriation of Croats project.

We spoke to the presdent of Klub svjetskog srca hrvatskoga, Monica Patrizia Villasanti Soljančić, to learn more.

Can you tell us a bit about your own background?

I was born in 1978 in Asuncion, Paraguay, and I feel Croatian at heart. My great-grandfather, Mate (Mateo) Soljančić, emigrated from the island of Brač, first to Chile and then to Paraguay.

(Photo: Croats in Paraguay)

He was accompanied by his underage daughter, Antonija Josipa, my grandmother, who has just turned 95 years old.

I arrived in Croatia 20 years ago because I had always, since childhood, harboured a desire to get to know the country of my grandmother and her father.

I grew up under the influence of my uncle, General Hugo Soljančić, who helped Croatia during the war by sending medicines and gathering descendants from Chile and Argentina.

I vividly remember my first visit to the island of Brač, specifically Sutivan, to see the birthplace of my ancestors. I immediately embraced the walls and felt that I belonged to that place; it was a unique experience for me.

Monica Patrizia Villasanti Soljančić (Private album)

What do you like most about living in Croatia?

Living in Croatia offers many qualities that make it special and appealing. Here are a few aspects that many people, including myself, appreciate:

• Natural Beauty: Croatia is renowned for its stunning coastline with the pristine Adriatic Sea, numerous islands, national parks, and mountains. Gems like Plitvice Lakes, the Kornati islands, and Dubrovnik are unique and enchanting. I worked as a tour guide for a while, so I had the opportunity to admire Croatia’s beauty up close.

• Rich History: Croatia has a rich history, with numerous historical towns, fortresses, and monuments. Traditions, festivals, and cultural events add a special charm to daily life. As an outgoing person, this adds a magical quality to life here.

•Cuisine: Croatian cuisine offers variety, from seafood along the coast to the specialities of continental Croatia. Additionally, local wines, olive oil, and cheeses are delightful.

• People: The people here are generally warm, friendly, and open. There is a sense of community, especially in smaller places.

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• Safety: Croatia is considered a very safe country, which contributes to the quality of life.

What inspired the creation of the club and the Initiative for the Repatriation of Croats?

The initiative to establish the Klub svjetskog srca hrvatskoga developed gradually and spontaneously as a result of not only my personal desire for a better future and love for the homeland but also due to numerous inquiries I received from descendants of Croats abroad.

Together with colleagues from Venezuela, Argentina, Colombia, and Paraguay, I decided to establish a volunteer-run Club, which marked a significant step forward in organising support, mutual cooperation, and assistance, elevating it to a much higher and more professional level.

Moreover, there are many who find themselves in very difficult situations and require special help.

Currently, the Club has more than 213 people who have submitted their applications and registered through the Club’s platform. Most of them are very young people aged between 19 and 42, primarily professionals in the fields of engineering, medicine, nursing, psychology, electrical work, welding, construction, law, robotics engineering, computer science, history teaching, and those still choosing their careers.

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As you know, the demand for labour in Croatia has significantly increased, and meeting this demand is not as difficult as obtaining work permits and residence permits, which take more than 3–4 months.

The same goes for families returning with children and the lengthy procedures they face when enrolling their children in schools.

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Can you describe the biggest challenges you’ve faced in helping Croatian descendants return to Croatia, and how your organisation has overcome them?

You mention challenges! I would rather use the word: problems. This is, after all, a serious topic, and the problems our members encounter are deep and greatly affect both the individual and society as a whole.

Supporting the return of Croatian descendants to Croatia, I have encountered numerous problems, and here’s how I have overcome them:

• Bureaucracy and Legal Obstacles:

◦ Problem: One of the biggest issues is the complicated and lengthy process of obtaining citizenship, work permits, or recognising foreign diplomas. Many feel lost in the bureaucracy, and some have even given up on returning as a result.

◦ Solution: This is why we organised the Klub svjetskog srca hrvatskoga—because together we are stronger, and the administration has already started to recognise us as a force.

• Language and Cultural Adaptation:

◦ Problem: Many descendants of Croats do not speak Croatian, and adapting to the new culture and way of life has been challenging.

◦ Solution: We organise Croatian language courses and cultural workshops to help people integrate better.

• Finding Employment and Housing:

◦ Problem: Finding suitable jobs and accommodation is a major challenge, especially for those coming from different professional backgrounds.

◦ Solution: I established partnerships with local companies and organised job fairs for returnees. I also helped in finding accommodation, connecting people with property owners, and providing information about the local market.

• Lack of Information and Support:

◦ Problem: Many felt a lack of information about everyday life in Croatia, from the healthcare system to education and social opportunities.

◦ Solution: I launched an online platform that provides all the necessary information in one place and enables returnees to share their experiences. I regularly organised informative webinars and live events to answer questions and provide support.

• Financial Challenges:

◦ Problem: Returning to Croatia can be financially demanding, especially for those who do not have a stable job immediately upon arrival.

◦ Solution: Securing employment in good positions solves most problems. Hiring someone in Croatia is a challenge, albeit to a lesser extent a problem.

My organisation focuses on providing support at every step of the process, from the idea of returning to final integration in Croatia. Each challenge represented an opportunity for improvement and adaptation to make the return and new beginning in the homeland as smooth as possible for returnees.

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What are some of the main reasons preventing Croats from South America from relocating to Croatia?

Croats from South America often wish to return to the homeland of their ancestors but face several obstacles that hinder the process:

• Bureaucratic Obstacles and Legal Issues:

◦ Many descendants of Croats from South America struggle with gathering the necessary documentation to acquire Croatian citizenship, visas, or work permits, which take a long time.

The processes are often lengthy and complicated, and the lack of clear information and support makes the whole procedure even more difficult. I must point out that the State has taken the newly emerged situation too lightly and should be able to fund the resolution of these issues.

• Language Barrier:

◦ Croats from South America often do not speak Croatian, or they do not speak it well enough for everyday life and work. The same applies to English. This is a significant challenge in communication, job searching, and adapting to a new environment.

• Economic Uncertainty:

◦ Although many dream of returning, the economic situation in Croatia, including lower wages and higher unemployment rates compared to some South American countries, can be discouraging. There is also a concern that they will not be able to find suitable jobs or secure a stable income.

• Adjustment to a Different Way of Life and Culture:

◦ Cultural differences, a different mentality, and the pace of life in Croatia can be challenging. Returning means adapting to a different social system, healthcare, and education system, which can be stressful, especially for families with children.

• Lack of Social Network and Support:

◦ Many returnees do not have family or friends in Croatia, which can create a sense of isolation and make adaptation more difficult. The lack of support from the local community and connections with other returnees is also often an issue.

• High Relocation Costs:

◦ Relocating to Croatia can be expensive, especially considering the costs of transportation, adaptation, finding housing, and starting a new life in an unfamiliar country.

• Uncertainty about Recognising Professional Qualifications:

◦ Professional qualifications obtained in South America may not be automatically recognised in Croatia, making it difficult for returnees to find jobs in their fields. The process of diploma recognition and professional adaptation can be long and complicated.

Which partnerships or collaborations have been most important for advancing your mission?

Among the most important associations and collaborations for advancing our mission, I want to highlight the key role of Polirol d.o.o. and its director, engineer Tomislav Vučković.

Tomislav was a pioneer in recognising and employing talent from South America, providing opportunities to many professionals seeking integration in Croatia. His vision and support have been crucial to the success of our initiative, and we are deeply grateful for his contribution.

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Also, Ms Vesna Matić, a visual artist and art therapy specialist, actively supports returning artists to Croatia, helping to increase the visibility of migrant issues in society and the media.

These collaborations have not only facilitated the advancement of our mission but also strengthened our impact within the community.

How does the organisation support the cultural integration of returnees, and how do you address potential challenges they face in adapting to life in Croatia?

We are still at the beginning and are dealing with essential survival issues, but at the same time, we can’t neglect the need for cultural integration. As a result, I organise Croatian language courses and cultural workshops for returnees to help them integrate better into Croatian society. Additionally, we organise gatherings and social events where returnees can meet, exchange experiences, and support each other in adapting to their new environment.

By providing practical support and creating a sense of community, we help overcome challenges related to cultural adaptation, making the return process smoother and more positive.

What are your future goals and how do you see it evolving?

Our vision for the future is to create a strong and influential Klub svjetskog srca hrvatskoga that will serve as a bridge between the Croatian diaspora and their homeland.

We plan to expand our network of volunteers, organise more events, and provide better information and support to returnees. Additionally, we aim to work more closely with the Croatian government and local authorities to simplify the repatriation process and improve the conditions for returning Croats.

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We also plan to increase our focus on promoting the cultural and economic potential of the Croatian diaspora, thus contributing to the further development and prosperity of Croatia.

We believe that by uniting our efforts, we can create a stronger and more connected Croatian community worldwide.

How can people get involved with your initiative?

Anyone who wishes to get involved with our initiative can contact us via our website or social media channels. We welcome volunteers, donors, and partners who share our vision and wish to contribute to our mission.

There are many ways to help, from providing practical assistance to returnees to spreading the word about our work and supporting our events.

We are particularly interested in collaborating with individuals and organisations with experience in areas such as law, human rights, and migration issues, as well as those willing to share their skills and knowledge with our members.

We believe that by working together, we can achieve great things and make a real difference in the lives of returnees and the Croatian community as a whole.