Inspired by Laza Kostić’s poem “Between Dreams and Reality”,
The project From dreams to degrees is a ten-year programme launched by the Laza Kostić Foundation in 2025.
It’s ultimate goal is not merely to provide educational support to individual children, but to strategically expand the boundaries of what is possible for children without parental care, as well as for children from small communities, disadvantaged families, remote areas, and all gifted children who possess talent but lack the opportunity to fully develop it.
The culmination of the project will be a book and a documentary film in 2035, documenting the results of ten years of work and the life journeys of children who were given the opportunity to pursue their dreams.
The project provides continuous mentoring support focused on developing their academic, creative, and social potential.
The aim is to build strong educational foundations, develop good work habits, and foster the self-confidence necessary for successful schooling and future life.
DEVELOPING TALENT THROUGH MUSIC
Children who demonstrate interest and potential are provided with piano lessons, preparation for entrance examinations to music schools, and opportunities for public performances.
Music is not merely an art form; it is a tool for developing discipline, concentration, creativity, perseverance, and self-confidence.
CONNECTING WITH PEERS FROM DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS
Through joint projects, performances, and cultural events, children are connected with peers from a wide range of social and educational backgrounds.
Examples include joint performances at major cultural events, such as the celebration of the 200th anniversary of Matica Srpska, as well as collaborations with winners of the “Laza & Will and the Bee” competition and participation in shared programmes both in Serbia and abroad.
These encounters break down prejudice, develop social skills, and create friendships that last far beyond the duration of the projects themselves.
Children from different backgrounds, united on the same stage to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Matica Srpska and the 35th anniversary of the Laza Kostić Foundation.
CURIOSITY IS THE BAIT — BUDAPEST, VIENNA, PARIS, VENICE, PRAGUE, LONDON… ARE THE INSPIRATION, WHILE SERBIAN CULTURE AND INCLUSION ARE THE GOAL
Travel to the world’s great capitals and renowned cities where Laza Kostić was educated, received PhD, worked, received medical treatment and left his mark is not a reward in itself.
These journeys are a source of motivation and inspiration, as well as a means of encouraging children to work on themselves, develop their abilities and believe that great opportunities are within their reach too.
Beginning in 2026, every September, children without parental care who earn the opportunity to travel to European capitals, together with the winners of the Laza & Will and the Bee competition, will participate in cultural, educational and artistic programmes in these cities.
During these journeys, the children become ambassadors of Serbian culture while simultaneously gaining new knowledge, self-confidence and international experience.
SUMMER EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES
According to each child’s interests and abilities, summer courses, workshops, and specialised programmes are organised to support the development of knowledge and skills.
These programmes provide important preparation for secondary school, university education, and future professional careers.
SUPPORT FOR GIFTED CHILDREN
Particularly talented children receive additional support to participate in national and international competitions in creative writing, music, mathematics, natural sciences, and other fields in which they demonstrate exceptional potential.
The goal of the programme is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to recognise, develop, and fulfil their full potential, regardless of the circumstances in which they grow up.
Because talent must never depend on a child’s place of birth, family circumstances, or financial status.
University education must also be a possibility for children without parental care.
This sentence can become the official motto of the entire project, as it explains in a single statement why the project exists.
SUPPORT THE PROJECT
Every donation is an investment in a child’s education, talent, and future.
Help us provide children without parental care, as well as children from vulnerable social groups, with the opportunity to develop their potential, gain an education, and build lives worthy of their abilities.
Donate to the Laza Kostić Foundation:
Bank Account Number: 220-111697-39
Foreign Currency Account Number: 220-1530500000190-66
Payment Reference: “University for Children Without Parental Care”
Because talent should never depend on the circumstances into which a child is born.
Every donation brings a child one step closer to higher education, independence, and a more dignified future.