CROATIAN AMBASSADOR TO THE U.S. DR. IVAN GRDESIC VISITED MARET SCHOOL
Washington DC, April
17 2002 – Croatian Ambassador to the
U.S. Dr. Ivan Grdesic visited the prestigious Maret school in Washington
DC. Founded
in 1911 by Swiss educator Louise Maret, the school has been included in a demining campaign
that is going on in Republic of Croatia. Croatian Ambassador thus visited
school and spoke before its students expressing his gratitude for their 2001
fundraising efforts that enabled special training for dog used in demining that
have been sent to Croatia.
"Grdesic
spoke about Croatia and especially about problems the country has with mines.
I use this opportunity to thank you, your parents and teachers for
contributing to this noble cause and help Croatia get rid of mines", said Grdesic.
"I know your school’s mission is to prepare students to be healthy, responsible,
and informed adults who will play an active role in improving the world they
will inherit. By helping Croatia each of you did exactly that", said Grdesic and
continued: "A contribution such as yours, that celebrates life and supports
peers in a far away, small
country, comes from the heart".
During
his stay at the school, Grdesic spoke with the Head of Maret school, Mrs. Marjo
Talbott, former deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbott’s sister and Mrs.
Linda Cole, who was involved in this campaign.
Demining
issues were introduced in the Croatian school curriculum in order to develop
awareness of the problem among school population as well as to motivate
children to participate in humanitarian efforts.