The European Commission presents the picture book “The Girl Who Kept Her Eyes Open”

According to data from the Ministry of the Interior, since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, Croatia has received 22,947 displaced persons from Ukraine. Among them are thousands of children who are trying to find their way in new environments and schools, building relationships and developing new friendships with their peers. Understanding their life struggle is crucial for building empathy and support. That’s why the European Commission has issued an emotional and educational children’s picture book “The Girl Who Kept Her Eyes Open” to raise awareness of the challenges faced by refugee children.

The picture book was presented to the Croatian public in the Bogdan Ogrizović Library and Reading Room in Zagreb, which on this occasion hosted about 40 Croatian and Ukrainian primary school students from Zagreb. After the address and greetings by Andrea Čović Vidović, acting head of the European Commission Representation in Croatia, there was a premiere reading of the picture book in which Jelena Veljača and Nevena Rendeli Vejzović participated. After the reading, Franjo Lovro Popović from the Croatian Victims and Witness Support Service talked with the school children about their own experiences in adapting Ukrainian children to their new environment and school, and how they can be supported in order to feel good and welcome.

By publishing the picture book, the European Commission continues its campaign titled “I Will Keep My Eyes Wide Open“ which aims to raise awareness of victim’s rights in the European Union. Communications Office Colić, Laco & partners provides comprehensive communication support in the implementation of the campaign in Croatia.

The picture book is available in digital form at the link.