Words have an incredible potential to be powerful and moving; they can connect people and bring warmth to communication. However, they can also cause pain, insult, and create distance between individuals. In the digital world, where quality content is not always guaranteed, navigating requires education and an understanding of digital culture.

For this reason, with the support and program of the Parole O_stili association from Italy, the initial initiator of the project which has already reached a million students in Italian schools, Sonda aims to raise awareness of individual responsibility and educate young people to develop new digital skills while choosing non-hostile forms of communication.

These interactive and creative workshops Kada riječi počnu peći (When words begin to burn) are based on the carefully designed “Manifesto of Non-violent Communication” – ten practical principles for curbing the use of negative language that promote respect, values, and collective responsibility in creating a safe space online. The workshops encourage careful word choices, never forgetting how powerful and important words can be. The goal of the workshops is to improve how students express themselves and communicate, both online and in the real world.

The workshops will be led by Mirjana Aleksić, a facilitator and authorized educator of the Parole O_stili association, who has professional expertise in the development of communication skills and a deep understanding of nonviolent communication. She is dedicated to promoting positive interactions between children and adults. She will be supported by Alen Delić, an information security expert and vice president of the Croatian Association of Security Managers. Over two days, using stories, video materials, and interactive tasks, students from higher grades of primary schools in Vižinada, Kaštelir, Višnjan, and Poreč will learn how to avoid unwanted situations and contribute to better understanding and positive behavior in the community. The aim is to create lasting changes in shaping future digital citizens who are aware, responsible, and compassionate participants in both the real and virtual world.

The “Parole Ostili” initiative was launched by the same-named association in Italy in 2016, creating the first online community against verbal violence and raising awareness that the virtual world is real, and that behavior on the internet has real, serious, and lasting consequences on people’s lives.

In addition to the Manifesto, which applies in seven different areas – from politics and public administration to science – the initiative has produced numerous educational materials, research, events, and collaborations with many companies, schools, universities, and nonprofit organizations, including Sonda, which is also the first organization in Croatia to become a signatory of the Manifesto of Nonviolent Communication within this project. The joint collaboration on this project will ensure the quality application of proven best practices and expert guidance, ultimately contributing to the quality of education and long-term positive outcomes. These workshops are the first step in establishing long-lasting cooperation.

The project is being implemented with the financial support of the Istria Foundation – Fondazione Istria from the City and Municipality Fund in the “Small Projects for a Better Tomorrow” call.