20 October 2026
vijesti
The Faculty of Tourism and Rural Development in Požega has published the English edition of the scientific monograph Chef in My Own Way – Step-by-Step Healthy Cooking with Photos for People with Intellectual Disabilities + Caregiver Nutrition Guide. The book is intended for people with intellectual disabilities, their parents and caregivers, as well as professionals involved in their support and education. The authors are Assistant Professor Maja Ergović Ravančić, PhD, Assistant Professor Svjetlana Škrabal, PhD, and Assistant Professor Valentina Obradović, PhD.
The English edition marks the next stage in the development of Chef na svoj način (Chef in My Own Way), originally published in 2024 as the result of collaborative work between the Faculty’s lecturers and students. Students from the Enogastronomy and Electronic Business and Software Engineering programmes contributed to the Croatian edition. Their involvement made it possible to connect the knowledge acquired during their studies with the practical needs of the community and to promote social inclusion.
The value of this initiative was also recognised at the international exhibition of innovations, prototypes and business plans, INOVA/BUDI UZOR® 2024, held in Zagreb from 16 to 18 October 2024. Competing against participants from approximately 30 countries, Chef na svoj način won a gold medal and a special award for its contribution to the inclusion of vulnerable groups. In recognition of their contribution to the creation of the monograph, ten Faculty students also received a Special Dean’s Award.
The monograph combines scientifically grounded knowledge of healthy nutrition with practical instructions for meal preparation. One of its key features is a collection of illustrated recipes presented step by step, designed to help people with intellectual disabilities understand food preparation procedures more easily while encouraging independence, the development of practical skills and positive eating habits. In addition to the recipes, the book provides educational content for parents, caregivers and professionals.
The publication of the English edition makes the monograph accessible to a wider international audience, opening up opportunities for its broader use in educational, healthcare and rehabilitation settings. The book’s further development and international commercialisation are linked to the Inclusion Through Nutrition project, implemented by the Faculty in partnership with TERA Tehnopolis Ltd. under Croatia’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan.
The publication of Chef in My Own Way represents a continuation of the Faculty’s efforts to bring together scientific and professional work, student engagement and social responsibility. It also demonstrates the potential of innovative educational materials to promote inclusion and improve the quality of life of people with intellectual disabilities.
