FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES
National Network
Croatia
Address
Ulica Filipa Vukasovića 28Country
City
SenjMobile Phone
+385994227167Telephone
+385994227167Year of Establishment
2009Contact Person1
Marko ŽmirakContact Person 2
Marija ŠiljegOrganisation Type
Non-Governmental OrganizationFields of Activity
Environment/Sustainable development, International/Cultural relations, Youth and educationGeneral Information
Bura Budućnosti Senj (BBS) is a non-governmental, non-profit association established in the Republic of Croatia, based in the city of Senj. The Association operates both nationally and internationally, bringing together young people, professionals, volunteers, and partners with the aim of promoting lifelong learning, intercultural dialogue, active citizenship, and social inclusion.
BBS is open to cooperation with local communities, institutions, and international organizations, implementing its mission through education, research, mobility, cultural exchange, and community development projects.
Mission and Objectives
The mission of BBS is to enrich society through education, youth empowerment, and the inclusion of vulnerable groups, while fostering sustainable development and social cohesion.
The main objectives of the Association are to:
promote multiculturalism,
strengthen democratic principles, civic education, and active citizenship,
encourage youth mobility, exchanges, and international cooperation,
foster the social inclusion of vulnerable groups and persons with disabilities,
develop both formal and non-formal education, lifelong learning, and career guidance,
raise awareness of sustainable development, environmental protection, and health,
promote volunteering, solidarity, and social entrepreneurship.
Main Projects / Activities
Bura Budućnosti Senj (BBS) actively develops and implements innovative projects that combine education, sustainability, youth employability, and new technologies. Some of the key projects include:
Youth Employability – Data Relevance, Gathering and Processing (YED)
Erasmus+ KA210-YOU, 2023–2025
As a partner in this international initiative, BBS contributes to strengthening the capacity of youth organizations in collecting, processing, and using data for strategic planning, project development, and publications. The project supports evidence-based approaches to youth employability and results in collaborative strategies, blogs, and publications. By improving data-driven decision-making, YED enhances the quality of youth work and employability initiatives across Europe.
Virtual Learning – Real Change
Funded by the Ministry of Science and Education, 2025
This project integrates Virtual Reality (VR) technology into education to raise environmental awareness and knowledge of renewable energy. It engages elementary and high school students in interactive VR learning environments, workshops, and hands-on activities. Through innovative methods, the project addresses key sustainability challenges such as climate change, recycling, and renewable energy, empowering young people with practical knowledge and digital competences for a greener future.
VR4EUSenj
Funded by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, 2025
This initiative leverages Virtual Reality (VR) to bring the European Union closer to young people in Senj. By creating immersive experiences, the project promotes understanding of EU institutions, values, and opportunities, while encouraging civic engagement among youth. VR4EUSenj combines education, technology, and EU awareness to make complex European topics more accessible and engaging for the younger generation.
Zero Waste Network
Funded by the Ministry of Science and Education, 2022
The project strengthens extracurricular education by promoting sustainable development and healthy lifestyles. It fosters cooperation between schools and civil society, introducing innovative practices that actively engage students in nature conservation and sustainable habits. Through workshops, campaigns, and practical initiatives, students gain first-hand experience of environmental protection and contribute to building a zero-waste culture in their communities.
How can you contribute to the Network in your country?
Bura Budućnosti Senj (BBS) can contribute to the ALF Network in Croatia by strengthening intercultural dialogue and youth participation through its experience in education, sustainability, and international cooperation. The association has a strong record of implementing projects that integrate innovative technologies (e.g., Virtual Reality), environmental awareness, and youth employability. By sharing best practices, facilitating partnerships between schools, local communities, and international organizations, and engaging young people in creative and inclusive activities, BBS can add value to the national network. Moreover, BBS’s expertise in advocacy and project development enables it to support joint initiatives, knowledge exchange, and cross-border cooperation within the ALF framework.
Why do you want to join the ALF Network?
BBS aspires to join the Anna Lindh Foundation Network in order to become part of a community of organizations committed to intercultural dialogue, mutual understanding, and inclusive development. Membership in the Network would provide opportunities for collaboration with like-minded organizations, learning from international experiences, and contributing to common initiatives in the Euro-Mediterranean region. For BBS, joining the ALF Network means expanding its capacity to empower young people, promote sustainable and inclusive societies, and foster European and Mediterranean cooperation. The Foundation’s mission fully reflects BBS’s values and strategic direction, making this membership a natural step towards greater impact at both the national and international level.