Supporting underpriveleged people in Zagreb!

Croatia was one of the countries, where I had found it most difficult to find a suitable project, and thus I didnt really know what to expect when we arrived in Zagreb. We had arranged to visit a charity called Zagrebacki Bokci who help to support underprivelged people within the city, but we knew very little detail about exactly what they did.

We arrived at a tower block just outside the city on Monday morning, having spent the previous night sleeping in the car nearby. We were met by Nela, who has been my main contact throughout the partnership, and entered into a world of donated clothes, furniture, electrics, food, you name it.

The charity has been in existence for 10 years, and was setup by Zagrebian Joe, who works himself into the ground in a bid to support others. He was abley assited by Dravco, who seems to be either helping out people or swigging from a beer can, or both. These were your architypal working class heroes. Everyone who we spoke to in the area commented on what a great job they do, and they have partnerships with several businesses and organisations around the city.

One issue that was raised repeatedly was the issue with charity work in a former communist state. During Communism, there was no need for any charity as people were all given the basic neccessities to live. As a result of that there is no real structure of funding or support for charities, and thus very few exist.

Zagebacki Bokci was a prime example of a community driven project - people helping people. It is difficult, however, without any established sector, to see how they can grow and improve. Having said that, the work that they do is great, and their office was always busy with people looking for help. Perhaps the issues they deal with, are more a responsibility of the government, if not to erase the problems, at least support organisations such as Zagrebacki Bokci, who are doing the work for them.