Service-based learning at Baranja, Croatia

The service-based learning event was organised from 9 to 11 April 2026 in Baranja, Croatia. After the first workshop in Baranja, which was a great success, we went again to Baranja to construct with earth. 50 VET pupils and HEI students from the Construction Technical School Zagreb and the University of Zagreb Faculty of Civil Engineering worked together during the three-day programme combining lectures, field learning and practical workshops to strengthen students’ knowledge of the green transition in the construction sector, earth-based construction and key soft skills such as teamwork, communication and presentation.

The programme included a guided visit to Osijek’s architectural heritage, an interactive workshop on employability and teamwork, and a full-day GlinArt hands-on workshop at the MOKOŠ Development Centre in Kneževi Vinogradi. Working in rotating groups, all three educational levels worked in teams at the following workstations: a) soil materials and testing methods for construction, b) earthen plasters, c) traditional earth-based (natural clay and straw) brick making, and d) winch making.

In this year version of Baranja service-learning, teachers from CELF, Denmark joined us and tried their hand at building with earth.