Viktorija Matin
Viktorija Matin’s dedication to introducing new therapies for children with disabilities began as a deeply personal mission. Through years of research and advocacy, she sought innovative methods to support her son Leo, now 13, and eventually extended that support to other children in Eastern Croatia.
Eight years ago, she founded the non-governmental organization Vukovarski Leptirići (Vukovar Butterflies Association). Through persistent advocacy, public initiatives, media engagement, and community mobilization, the Association has helped secure access for children with disabilities to regular kindergarten and school programs, teaching assistants, therapeutic services, informal preschool programs, therapeutic riding, swimming, and various sports activities.
Today, the Association supports 180 children of different ages and diagnoses and employs 26 professional staff members, with plans to expand the team through additional project funding.
Viktorija’s story stands as a testament to parental strength and perseverance. Her hope is to inspire other parents of children with disabilities to believe that persistence, courage, and collective action can break down everyday barriers — and that every challenge has a solution.
Predanost Viktorije Matin uvođenju novih terapija za djecu s teškoćama u razvoju proizašla je iz osobne potrebe i višegodišnjeg istraživanja kako bi pomogla svome sinu Leu, danas trinaestogodišnjaku, a potom i drugoj djeci s područja istočne Hrvatske.
Prije osam godina osnovala je nevladinu organizaciju Udrugu Vukovarski leptirići. Dugogodišnjim zalaganjem, javnim inicijativama, medijskim nastupima i aktivnim djelovanjem u zajednici omogućili su djeci s teškoćama uključivanje u redovne vrtiće i škole, osiguravanje pomoćnika u nastavi, terapijskih usluga, neformalnih predškolskih igraonica, terapijskog jahanja, plivanja te raznih sportskih aktivnosti.
Danas Udruga pruža podršku za 180 djece različite dobi i dijagnoza te zapošljava 26 stručnih djelatnika, uz planove daljnjeg zapošljavanja kroz nove projekte.
Viktorijina priča svjedočanstvo je snage roditeljske ustrajnosti. Njezina je želja ohrabriti roditelje djece s teškoćama da vjeruju kako se upornošću, hrabrošću i zajedničkim djelovanjem mogu ukloniti svakodnevne prepreke — te da svako rješenje počinje odlučnošću.
La dedicación de Viktorija Matin a la introducción de nuevas terapias para niños con discapacidad nació de una misión profundamente personal. Tras años de investigación y búsqueda de soluciones innovadoras para ayudar a su hijo Leo, hoy de 13 años, extendió su labor a otros niños del este de Croacia.
Hace ocho años fundó la organización no gubernamental Vukovarski Leptirići (Mariposas de Vukovar). A través de una persistente labor de defensa, iniciativas públicas, presencia en medios y movilización comunitaria, la Asociación ha logrado que niños con discapacidad accedan a jardines infantiles y escuelas regulares, asistentes educativos, servicios terapéuticos, programas preescolares informales, equinoterapia, natación y diversas actividades deportivas.
Actualmente, la Asociación apoya a 180 niños de distintas edades y diagnósticos y cuenta con 26 profesionales en su equipo, con planes de expansión mediante nuevos proyectos.
La historia de Viktorija es un ejemplo de fortaleza y perseverancia. Su esperanza es inspirar a otros padres de niños con discapacidad a creer que la persistencia y el compromiso pueden derribar barreras cotidianas — y que cada desafío puede encontrar una solución.