In the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program, students must participate in an important segment called CAS — Creativity, Activity, Service. One part of CAS is called Service, where students do volunteer work within their community to help others and make a positive impact on the society. This part of the IB program curriculum is essential for the holistic development of students, developing their character and social responsibility along with academic growth.  

During the service hours of CAS, students are given an important opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge in real life settings and, as a result, develop into more well-rounded human beings.  

Volunteering in Zagreb:  Volonterski Centar Zagreb  

For students in Zagreb looking for volunteer opportunities, Volonterski Centar Zagreb (Volunteering Center Zagreb) is an excellent resource. It is an organization that connects volunteers with various initiatives and organizations across the city. Through their website, students can find a wide range of projects that need volunteers, from helping at shelters and organizing events, to environmental campaigns and tutoring children. Volonterski Centa roffers not only a platform for volunteering but also guidance on how to become a better volunteer, and the center also organizes training and workshops for those looking to improve their skills.  

If you are looking to contribute to your community and make a real difference, you can visit their website to explore available opportunities and learn more about the impact of volunteering in Zagreb.  

Zlatni Zmaj 

An excellent example of a well-structured volunteering project arranged solely for students in Zagreb is Zlatni Zmaj (Golden Dragon), a community service project that helps children with their studies and learning. With this project we are able to help kids in Zagreb, some of whom may not have the home support or means to be academically successful in school, and with doing that, better our community.   

IB students can volunteer as tutors in subjects including math, language, arts, and science via Zlatni Zmaj. The program not only aims to improve the academic performance of the children helped this way but also increase the confidence and motivation of these children who, unfortunately, experience difficulties in education and can´t afford professional help. The volunteers work with the kids in one-on-one lessons providing guidance, support, and individual attention to each child.  

It makes an enormous difference both to the children who are helped nas well as to the volunteers. This is why Zlatni Zmaj creates a safe and friendly environment for kids, where they can freely ask questions and get an individual approach. For the volunteers, it is a way to learn teaching skills, practice patience and share in an experience of closer familiarity with families who live under conditions that are more difficult.  

 

Online Resources 

If you are searching for ways to further your engagement in the well-being of your community, there are many projects searching for volunteers online. A trusted platform where you can find volunteer projects to participate in is an Instagram profile held by Bruno L’erotic. There he posts about projects such as collecting presents for unfortunate children that would be shipped to them on Christmas or St. Nicholas Day. He also publishes about various fundraisers for the sick and the ones with special needs.  If you are interested in helping, check out his Instagram account – @leroticbruno