The primary school system in the area of Svetvinčenat to the end of World War I

Abstract

The primary school system of Istria showed further development only after the so called second Austrian occupation in 1813. The education was organised by the Catholic church. Although preparations for the opening of schools had started in 1814. first school were opened not earlier than 1817. The first school was established in Fažana. In this school, as well as throughout Istria, children were taught in German and Italian language. Many researches of the Croatian Education system were misled of whom were priests, were Croats by byrth. They came to conclusion that those were the first Croatian schools. But such schools were established much later in spite of the fact that the Croatian language was already introduced in schools in Žminj and Lovran in 1821.
Series of schools were established in the 20's of the 19th c. mostly in south and west Istria. Based on the fact that so many schools were established in many similar places, on would expect that such school would be opened in Svetvinčenat, but it didn't happen, mainly for economic reasons. First school documents date from the school year 1870/71 wich can therefore be considered as the foundation year of the school in Svetvinčenat. In this one-class school children were taught in Italian language. It become two-classes school during 1903. The school was attended mostly by Italian children since the teaching was carried out in Italian language. Croatian children stayed at home. This problem was solved by the Society of Saint Cyrill and Method (Družba) established three schools in the area of Svetvinčenat: Štokovci in 1902, Smoljanci 1906 and Svetvinčenat in 1907. All schools functioned regulary until the beginning of the World War I. In May, 1915 Italy decklared war on Austro-Hungarian Monarchy and the regular functioning of the schools changed totally. The inhabitants of south Istria lived in constant danger of being bombarded by the Italian army and were soon evacuated to refugee camps in Austria, Czechia, Moravia and Slovakia. Schools were closed down in south Istria along with the three schools established by the Družba whereas the Italian school in Svetvinčenat remained functioning during the whole period of war. After the Italian occupation of Istria all schools established by the Družba were closed down along with those in the area of Svetvinčenat. The Italian school was transformed into an educational institution of the new ruler and got the name "Edmondo de Amicis" wich meant futher extiction of Croatian national feeling in Istria in accordance with the fascist policy of assimilation.