On this page

1. Formal, non-formal and informal learning

2. Youth-targeted information campaigns on global issues

3. Key initiatives

    

    

Formal, non-formal and informal learning

Formal learning

As stated in the Primary and Secondary School Education Act , with the last amendments adopted in 2023, the goals and principles of education in Croatia include the following goals:

• education according to general cultural and civilisational values, human rights, and children’s rights
• training students to live in a multicultural world
• respecting diversity and promoting tolerance
• active and responsible participation in the democratic development of society
• preparing students for lifelong learning

The former National Youth Programme 2014-2017 aimed to enhance the existing formal education system and strengthen the synergy of the public sector with the economic and non-profit sectors, with special emphasis on non-formal education and expansion of the youth work field. Special attention was given to:

• the development of social and civil competencies through civil education, providing young people with the means to successfully fulfil their civic roles and advance society as a whole
• promoting a culture of non-violence on the primary and secondary education levels

The new National Youth Programme 2023-2025 focuses on vocational education, skills development, and the promotion of media literacy among young people. The National Youth Programme emphasises:

• vocational education and skills – in addition to strengthening the recognition of vocational education and occupations, the aim is to encourage students to engage in and study vocational and deficit occupations
• media literacy - the development and promotion of media literacy, especially digital literacy, are necessary to prepare children and young people for thoughtful and responsible participation in the media and digital environment, while also raising their awareness of the potential dangers and risks in this space

In formal education, global problems are analysed across all education levels, typically using an interdisciplinary approach due to their nature. Primary and secondary education covers these issues through various subjects such as science, social studies, geography, biology, sociology, psychology, politics and economy, Croatian language and literature, and history.

The proposed curricular reform, as part of the comprehensive education reform, envisages further development of new content and methods. For example, in the humanities and social sciences section of the curriculum, the following topics are envisaged:

• Human in the World – students are introduced to basic perspectives on life, religion, and ethics, all within their dependence on the cultural and temporal context
• Human in Communities – students learn about the position of individuals in social structures and processes, as well as the mutual influence between individuals and society both in the past and present. This exploration spans from personal and local levels to the global community.  Students explore the position of Croatian society in relation to social processes and discover their own identity, with a strong emphasis on developing awareness of belonging to the Croatian and European cultural circle, while cultivating the basic values of contemporary democratic society. They critically assess various interests present in the community and engage in shaping their own living conditions.  This involves participating in the community, promoting human rights, and engaging in the social, cultural, economic, and political development of society. They research and learn about the social, political, cultural, religious, and other forms of diversity within the community, and train for interpersonal and intercultural cooperation by cultivating social values.

Furthermore, the curriculum will include the development of several inter-subject topics:

• Personal and Social Development
• Health
• Sustainable Development
• Learn How to Learn
• Entrepreneurship
• Information and Communication Technology
• Civil Education 

Informal and non-formal learning

The Ordinance on the Recognition and Validation of Non-formal and Informal Learning is currently in the process of adoption.

The Croatian Qualifications Framework Act, with the latest amendments adopted in 2021, defines non-formal and informal learning, as well as their validation. The application procedure, recognition, and validation of previously acquired units of learning outcomes were intended to be regulated by the Ordinance on the Recognition and Validation of Non-formal and Informal Learning, which still has not been adopted.

This type of youth work has a longstanding tradition in Croatia, carried out through the activities of numerous youth-led and for-youth organisations, as well as the engagement of social workers and other related professionals. However, this type of youth work remains unrecognised, lacking a strategic approach for its support and development.

The Catalogue of Non-formal Education Programmes in Human Rights and Democratic Citizenship Implemented by Civil Society Organisations in Croatia aims to enhance cooperation and partnership between formal and informal education providers in Croatia. This catalogue presents just one level of information gathered by the National Foundation for Civil Society Development through their call for parties interested in attending educational training/modules in 2004 and 2005, and through a subsequent survey.

An example of an initiative active in this field is the GOOD Initiative, which focuses on the systematic and quality implementation of education in human rights and democratic citizenship within educational institutions. It consists of 60 organisations developing educational programmes and cooperating with schools. These educational programmes are implemented by:

• Centre for Peace Studies
• Forum for Freedom in Education
• GONG 
• Croatian Youth Network
• Parents in Action – RODA
• Centre for Education, Counselling and Research – CESI
• Croatian Centre for Drama Education
• Association LORI

Youth-targeted information campaigns on global issues

The project #SaferInternet4EU aims to promote online safety, media literacy, and cyber-hygiene in order to make children, parents, and teachers more aware of digital opportunities and challenges. In addition, the European Union (EU) will launch betterinternetforkids.eu portal.

Information providers

The Ministry of Science and Education is responsible for informing young people about global issues at the formal education level. It performs administrative and other duties related to education:

• the preschool, primary, and secondary education system, both in Croatia and abroad
• the national curriculum
• textbooks, standards, and other conditions for educational work
• developing the school system
• student standard
• training children, youth, and adults in vocational knowledge and skills, as well as the activities of associations in this field
• developing higher education
• achieving national strategies and programmes for higher education
• monitoring the successfulness of studies and other higher education processes 
• stimulating lifelong learning and higher education of adults, as well as performing administrative oversight of institutions of higher education

The Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development occasionally runs campaigns targeting youth, focusing on environmental issues, sustainable development, and related topics.

The associations implementing the programme of regional info centres with the financial support of the Central State Office for Demography and Youth (CSODY) include: 

• Regional Youth Info-centre Rijeka UMKI: programme ‘Regional Youth Info-centre Rijeka'
• Info zona: programme ’Regional Youth Info-centre “Info zona”’
• PRONI Centre for Social Education: programme ’Regional Youth Info-centre Osijek’
• The Association for the Promotion of Quality Education of Youth with Disabilities Zamisli: programme ‘Regional Youth Info-centre Zagreb’

The associations implementing the programme of local info centres with the financial support of the CSODY: 

• Youth association Youth in the European Union: project ‘TOČKA – Youth Info-centre’
• Association for the Promotion of IT, Culture and Coexistence IKS: project ’INFO! INFO! Info-centre Petrinja’
• PRONI Centre for Social Education: project ’Youth Info-centre Vukovar’
•  Association for Environmental Protection and Promoting Sustainable Development Argonauta: project ’O-točka’, local youth info-centre
• Association Network Zagor: project ’Inform and Create! 2.0’
• Zum Association: project ‘Youth Info-centre Pula’
• Independent Youth Association: project ‘Youth Info-centre Lepoglava’
• Healthy Life Promotion Association Buđenje: project ’Local Youth Info-centre Šolta”
• Bjelovar Centre for the Development of Civil Society: project ’Youth Info-centre “Like”’
• Europe House Slavonski Brod: project ‘Youth Info-centre of the Brodsko-posavska County”
• Youth Triangle Kaštela Association: project ‘Youth Info-centre Kaštela”
• Impress Association: project ’Info-centre “Mogućnosti”’

The Association of Youth Information Centres in Croatia (AYICC) is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation (NGO) founded in 2008 in Zagreb. Its aim is to develop a quality youth information system in the Republic of Croatia. The AYICC is the national umbrella organisation for youth information work, focusing on youth information centres and NGOs that provide youth information.  It is a member of the European Youth Information and Counselling Agency (ERYICA) and works to support local info-centres by establishing a system of quality assurance, education, and certification of professionals to work in info-centres.

On other levels, various associations, agencies, projects and similar entities provide information to the youth.

Key initiatives

The Government Office for Cooperation with NGOs launched the Call for Project Proposals within the Swiss-Croatian Cooperation Programme. The aim of the call, titled Strengthening the Contribution of Civil Society Organisations in Sustainable Development Education for the Improvement of Economic and Social Cohesion, is to promote the contribution of civil society organisations to economic and social cohesion, as well as sustainable development of local communities. 

In the current National Youth Programme 2023-2025, the CSODY outlines the following measures under Priority 4, Youth and the European Union:

• strengthening the international mobility of young people:
  • to implement the measure, it will be ensured that youth organisations, organisations for youth, young individuals, and all other stakeholders are informed about the possibilities for mobility/participation of young people and those who work with young people in the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes
• implementation of European youth policies:
  • to implement the measure and enhance access to information on national youth policies, national co-financing of the Youth Wiki programme will be provided in accordance with the contract between the European Commission and the national contact point
• empowering civil society organisations to inform young people about the EU and encourage their active participation:
  • to implement the measure, financial support will be provided through a public call to civil society organisations. The support aims to inform young people about the EU, covering topics and policies communicated within EU institutions. It also include informing about the rights, obligations, advantages, and decisions affecting the everyday lives and quality of life of Croatian citizens. The objective is to encourage young people to use the opportunities offered by the EU, including the possibility of their active participation

The Strategy for Sustainable Development of the Republic of Croatia was adopted in 2009 for a ten-year period. It includes an analysis of the existing economic, social, and environmental state, as well as guidelines for long-term action. The document establishes basic principles and standards for setting goals and priorities, guiding the long-term transformation towards sustainable development of the Republic of Croatia. Key areas presenting challenges for Croatia include:

• encouraging population growth in the Republic of Croatia
• environment and natural resources
• promotion of sustainable production and consumption
• ensuring social and territorial cohesion and justice
• ensuring energy independence and increasing energy efficiency
• strengthening public health
• achieving interconnectedness of the Republic of Croatia
• protection of the Adriatic Sea, coastal area, and islands

The Croatian National Development Strategy 2030 was adopted in 2021. The document outlines the development needs and development potential of the Republic of Croatia. The established development directions and strategic goals are intended to contribute to Croatia making better use of its potential, eliminating the economic and social damage caused by the global crisis, and stimulating Croatia’s recovery as quickly as possible. A total of 13 strategic goals were determined:

• competitive and innovative economy
• educated and employed people
• efficient and effective judiciary, public administration, and management of state assets
• global recognition and strengthening of the international position and role of Croatia
• healthy, active, and quality life
• demographic revitalisation and better position of the family
• security for stable development
• environmental and energy transition for climate neutrality
• food self-sufficiency and the development of the bioeconomy
• sustainable mobility
• digital transition of society and the economy
• development of assisted areas and areas with development peculiarities
• strengthening regional competitiveness