The Pioneers’ Union of Yugoslavia was a children’s association composed of Pioneer units organised in every elementary school and encompassing all pupils. Although understandings of the links between the Union and the educational system differed, mainly due to simple logistic reasons the school continuously acted as the ‘shell’ of the organisation. While the mandatory school curriculum was the main tool in shaping of a socialist child and the future adult citizen, the Pioneers’ Union presented an addition through various extracurricular or out-of-school activities. In combination of education, patriotism and fun, the programmes ranged from official celebrations and commemorations to different forms of organised leisure in the fields of invention and technology, culture and art, sport and recreation. Sometimes they required a special space or premises, such as pioneers’ centres or entire pioneers’ towns, and were co-organised with other associations. The relation changed over decades, but in many ways the Pioneer Union acted as a bridge between school and the local community, or between school and out-of-school activities.
Lecture by Igor Duda, Univeristy of Pula
Schubertstr. 51 / HS 31.11