UniCredit Foundation

SOS Children’s Villages Croatia has been supporting children and young people without parental care, or at risk of losing it, since 1992.

The organisation is part of the global SOS Children’s Villages network, which provides comprehensive care and support to vulnerable children and families.

The mission of SOS Children’s Villages Croatia is to ensure that children grow up with the care, protection, and relationships they need to become their strongest selves.

They focus on creating a safe and nurturing environment for children and young people, promoting their well-being and development, through: family strengthening programmes - providing support to families to prevent separation and ensure that children can grow up in a loving home; alternative care - offering residential care in family-like settings for children who cannot live in their biological families; educational and vocational training - ensuring access to education and vocational training for children and young people to enhance their future prospects; and emergency response - implementing emergency programmes to support children and families affected by crises, such as the refugee crisis.

SOS Children’s Villages Croatia operates in two locations in Croatia, supporting 35 families and providing care for 140 children.

SOS Children’s Villages Croatia has been supporting children and young people without parental care, or at risk of losing it, since 1992.

The organisation is part of the global SOS Children’s Villages network, which provides comprehensive care and support to vulnerable children and families.

The mission of SOS Children’s Villages Croatia is to ensure that children grow up with the care, protection, and relationships they need to become their strongest selves.

They focus on creating a safe and nurturing environment for children and young people, promoting their well-being and development, through: family strengthening programmes - providing support to families to prevent separation and ensure that children can grow up in a loving home; alternative care - offering residential care in family-like settings for children who cannot live in their biological families; educational and vocational training - ensuring access to education and vocational training for children and young people to enhance their future prospects; and emergency response - implementing emergency programmes to support children and families affected by crises, such as the refugee crisis.

SOS Children’s Villages Croatia operates in two locations in Croatia, supporting 35 families and providing care for 140 children.

The "Prepare for Leaving Care" programme, selected by UniCredit Foundation through the Call for Education 2023, focused on developing the skills and abilities of disadvantaged students from challenging circumstances who lacked a strong social support network of family members, relatives, or other role models able to provide adequate guidance during their growth and development.

The programme targeted students aged 14 to 19 who were in alternative care, at risk of early school dropout, experiencing mental health challenges, or belonging to Roma minority communities. These vulnerable young people required tailored support to help them achieve greater autonomy and independence.

The programme was implemented in the regions where these students were located, providing support through SOS Children's Villages and SOS Youth Facilities. It ensured that participants from different geographical areas had access to the assistance and opportunities they needed.

"Prepare for Leaving Care" adopted a multidimensional approach that addressed all major aspects of participants' lives, including housing, education (both formal and informal), scholarships, internships, volunteering, personal growth and development through life skills training, relationships with biological families and peer groups, financial support, and other forms of assistance.

The programme also fostered collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, including employment offices, social care institutions, local government entities, businesses, non-profit organisations, schools, universities, and volunteers. Through this integrated network of support, it contributed to strengthening students' educational, social, and personal development while preparing them for independent living.

The "Prepare for Leaving Care" programme, selected by UniCredit Foundation through the Call for Education 2023, focused on developing the skills and abilities of disadvantaged students from challenging circumstances who lacked a strong social support network of family members, relatives, or other role models able to provide adequate guidance during their growth and development.

The programme targeted students aged 14 to 19 who were in alternative care, at risk of early school dropout, experiencing mental health challenges, or belonging to Roma minority communities. These vulnerable young people required tailored support to help them achieve greater autonomy and independence.

The programme was implemented in the regions where these students were located, providing support through SOS Children's Villages and SOS Youth Facilities. It ensured that participants from different geographical areas had access to the assistance and opportunities they needed.

"Prepare for Leaving Care" adopted a multidimensional approach that addressed all major aspects of participants' lives, including housing, education (both formal and informal), scholarships, internships, volunteering, personal growth and development through life skills training, relationships with biological families and peer groups, financial support, and other forms of assistance.

The programme also fostered collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, including employment offices, social care institutions, local government entities, businesses, non-profit organisations, schools, universities, and volunteers. Through this integrated network of support, it contributed to strengthening students' educational, social, and personal development while preparing them for independent living.

Prepare for Leaving Care

Objectives and Results

The "Prepare for Living Care" programme, concluded in 2025, involved 98 young people, 23% more than planned, offering 411 individual sessions and 31 workshops on independence, employment, practical skills, and mental health. All participants completed their education and 100% found a job within six months. Fifteen percent showed interest in higher education and 10% enrolled at university. Three apartments were renovated and two more secured, ensuring adequate housing. Personalized support strengthened autonomy, inclusion, and readiness for independent living.

SOS Children's Villages Croatia - SOS Dječje selo Hrvatska