In Croatia, a group of high school students from Josip Slavenski Čakovec High School in Čakovec saw an opportunity to bridge generations and build community resilience. As part of the UPSHIFT social-entrepreneurship programme (run by UNICEF Croatia within the larger ZABUM initiative) they designed a project called “Grandchildren’s Club Čakovec.”

What the project was about

The students chose to work with the local Home for Elderly and Infirm Novinščak. Their aim was twofold: to foster intergenerational solidarity and to bring young volunteers together with older residents. Through workshops, shared meals, board games, creative sessions, and conversations, they created a regular space where young people and older adults could connect.

Who participated & what impact they had

Students (including Žana Marie Munda, Margareta Kamenar and others) formed a volunteer club of about 40 members. Over the year they organised dozens of meetings involving elderly residents and young volunteers. Impact included:

• New friendships between youth and older persons.

• Breaking down stereotypes and isolation for both generations.

• A sustained volunteer structure that continued beyond the initial project.

“When Margareta and I were thinking about how to help our loved ones … we never dreamed that such an honest and warm, but also powerful story could emerge.” – Žana Marie Munda

Tools and steps used

• Participation in the UPSHIFT programme: workshops on designing social-impact projects. UNICEF

• Mentorship support and small funding to launch the idea.

• Workshops and events organised by the youth team (creative, social, inter-generational).

• Communicating in the community (schools, social media, local institutions).

• Regular evaluation via meetings and reflections.

This project shows how young people can lead positive change in their community: not just by doing charity, but by creating meaningful, sustainable relationships. It aligns closely with the themes of leadership, peer support, and building safe inclusive spaces.