The Peer Support Project at Faculty of Science in Split, launched in spring 2024 with the aim of easing challenges of studying for students with disabilities and those with chronic or temporary health issues, through peer assistance, achieved remarkable success.
RESULTS
In the academic year 2023/24, the project involved 12 helpers and 8 recipients of support, while in 2024/25, numbers increased to 40 helpers and 21 support recipients. Support recipients made significant progress, passing 107 exams and earning 570 ECTS credits, averaging 27 ECTS per student, while that same average in 2023/24 was 19.
If we measure success by the limit set by Ministry of Science and Education, which states that a student with disabilities has right to subsidy with at least 30 ECTS, then 48 percent of students in the 2024/25 academic year met this goal, compared to only 25 percent last year.
It is also worth noting that three students with disability completed their undergraduate studies in 2024/25, two of whom had Peer Support.
EXPERIENCES
Participants in the project shared their experiences to help their colleagues understand what to expect if they join the team in the new cycle.
Luka Žuvela, peer supporter:
“I worked with a first-year student, and together we prepared for two courses. We would meet once a week and study for an hour, hour and a half, depending on other obligations. The arrangement was always flexible. My colleague was very interested and eager to learn, as he always asked good questions. All this resulted in him passing both exams, which is a real success, and now he is second-year.
I believe that helping someone doesn't require much of your time, and I think it would be good if more colleagues who are able to join the project did so. It’s truly rewarding to be part of such a story!”
At the end of presentation, Vice-dean Nikola Marangunić reminded everyone that helping others purely out of empathy and without material gain, or ECTS credits benefits both sides. He once again invited all students to dare and join this commendable project.
To participate in the project (as peer supporter or recipient), you can contact via email at inkluzivno@pmfst.hr or directly at office B0-02 in Faculty’s atrium.
