Udruga Breza

Association Breza is a youth association based in Osijek, Croatia. It has been founded in May, 2001. as a non-government and non-profit organization of civil society. The main aim for founding Breza was giving support to children and young people without adequate parental care, to children and youngsters with behavioral disorder and to youth that needed to leave social welfare institutions. In the beginning, the main activity was placing children in the socio-therapeutic communities where they can get all the needed help and support. Developing capacities and quality throughout 17 years of work, BREZA is still the only civil society organization providing such services in Croatia. Except of providing for social welfare centers throughout Croatia, Breza is also working with Swiss social welfare system, by accommodating Swiss children with behavioral problems in Croatia. Eventually, our association have expanded the range of actions, still focusing on our target group which are children and youth. Our list of activities includes: - organizing socio-therapeutic communities and accommodation for children and youth - helping children and young people without adequate parental support and helping children with behavioral problems -educating children and young people for gaining important life habits and competences -organizing free time for children and young people -organizing creative workshops -encouraging and developing the interest of children and young people for natural tendencies -promoting innovative social programs for children and young people -counseling help for children, young people and families in the process of socialization -organizing trainings in the areas of prevention, social skills, encouragement and development of creativity for children and young people -organizing and implementing preventive programs for children in the areas of health, addiction and violence -organizing and conducting festivals, projects, workshops, exhibitions, concerts and others artistic and cultural events intended for children and young people -development and promotion of social inclusion of children and young people with developmental difficulties -writing projects and participating in Erasmus+ exchanges -promotion of sustainable development and environmental protection -empowering young people to actively and responsibly participate in society and in public decision making -organizing youth clubs -cooperation and exchange of experiences with youth and youth associations at local, regional, national and international levels -development of volunteer programs and activities -international and professional exchange of volunteers, trainees, users and employees in the field of social protection -international exchange of volunteers and connecting with other associations with similar goals -permaculture and environmental preservation We believe that every child is unique and every child can succeed in their own life. Our mission is to give support to children and youngsters in learning life skills needed for independent living and personal development. The association organizes and conducts a number of activities in which we need help from volunteers. One of our biggest event which happens once in a year in our hometown is called "Land without Borders" and it has been held for the last 14 years. It is an international pedagogical and cultural project which is aiming to provide a direct opportunity to participate in public and cultural events for children and young people without family support and those who are in any way excluded from the community. The project quickly took on international character and became the largest festival for children and young people in the continental part of Croatia. It deals with various themes, and during the 15 years there were more than 300 artists, 600 volunteers and 30,000 children and young people participating in the festival.