About us
Animal Welfare Association “Skitnica” Kakanj
Founded on May 19, 2022 under the name Animal Welfare Association “Skitnica” Kakanj, our organization was created out of the need to provide the local community with organized and lasting support in addressing the problem of abandoned animals. From the very beginning, our work has been focused on the everyday challenges faced by stray dogs, as well as by citizens who wish for a safer and more humane environment.
One of the main goals of our association is to find sustainable solutions to the issue of stray dogs while at the same time empowering the local community through education, public campaigns, and direct action. We believe that change begins with individual awareness, and by setting an example we show how care, responsibility, and solidarity can bring real results. Our activities include rescuing and sheltering abandoned dogs, organizing workshops and lectures, and cooperating with schools, institutions, and other organizations.
Through this approach, we aim not only to solve current problems but also to build a long‑term culture of respect and protection for animals. The “Skitnica” Kakanj Association is a place where love for animals turns into concrete action, and where the community gains the opportunity to work with us in creating a safer and more humane environment for all.
Our Team
Dedicated employees and committed volunteers, together with tireless field coordinators, form our strong team. Our strength lies in diversity – from experts who bring knowledge and experience, to young enthusiasts who contribute energy and fresh ideas. Each team member adds unique skills, and we are united by a shared vision of solidarity and care for the community. Thanks to mutual trust and constant support, we succeed in overcoming challenges and achieving our goals, and through joint effort we believe we can bring about lasting change.
President of the Association
Saida is the President and Founder of the Association (together with Carsten), and the bearer of the vision that initiated our work. Her initiative and dedication were the foundation of its establishment, and over the years she has built the structure and team that today operate in the protection of animals and nature. As a leader, she makes strategic decisions, represents the Association before institutions and partners, and inspires members and volunteers by her example. Thanks to her energy and commitment, the Association has become recognized in the community and beyond, with a clear mission and lasting impact.
Board Member
With over 20 years of experience in project management, coordinating large international teams, and fundraising, Elma Demir supports Udruženje Skitnica in developing existing and new programmes, fundraising, strategic planning, and networking at the national and international level. She works as a consultant for Technopolis Group and NGI Zero/Brno University of Technology on European Commission projects in the Western Balkans, and prior to this role worked for Institut Mines Télécom Business School in Paris, Goldsmiths, University of London, the World Bank, NATO, the Council of Ministers of BiH, and the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH. At Skitnica, she puts her knowledge and experience to work protecting abandoned animals and building a more accountable animal welfare system in Kakanj and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Board Member
Šejla is a Board Member and President of the Assembly, and one of the vital members of the Association. She actively participates in decision-making, chairs assembly sessions, and ensures that the Association’s work is aligned with its statute and goals. Her dedication and energy are evident in her daily engagement, as she is always ready to help in all areas – from organizing events to supporting volunteers. Thanks to her contribution, the Association operates steadily and with a clear vision.
Board Member
“Full-stack web developer and digital specialist with over 10 years of experience. He builds fast, clean websites and platforms for clients across the USA, EU, and the Balkans, covering server administration, CMS, and digital marketing. He is the founder and lead developer of Foregrid, a digital agency specializing in web development, branding, and digital marketing for international clients. Before founding Foregrid, he worked at OnzeLabs, LeadsFactory, and YIHR – Youth Initiative for Human Rights, where he developed WordPress platforms focused on conversions, multilingual advocacy platforms, and strengthened server infrastructure for organizations in the USA and EU. At Skitnica, he designed and developed from scratch the adoption platform, branding, UI/UX, and CMS – giving the organization a stronger digital presence.
Program Coordinator – Northern Europe
Albina is the Program Coordinator for Northern Europe and is responsible for planning, coordinating, and monitoring the Association’s projects in this region. She actively connects local partners, organizations, and institutions, ensuring that our initiatives are aligned with community needs and international standards. Her role includes developing and implementing educational campaigns, supporting volunteers, and organizing events, as well as strengthening cooperation with relevant actors in Germany and Scandinavian countries. Through strategic program leadership, Albina contributes to expanding the Association’s mission and strengthening our presence in Northern Europe.
Finance Coordinator
Teo is responsible for financial coordination and ensures that the Association’s work runs transparently and sustainably. He takes care of budget planning, expense monitoring, and the preparation of financial reports, while also supporting the team in project implementation. His role is crucial in linking our activities with financial stability, because it is precisely through responsible management of resources that our ideas become reality.
Corporate Relations Officer
Anida works on developing and maintaining communication with partners, companies, and institutions. She actively connects the Association with relevant stakeholders, participates in negotiations and partnership development, and ensures that our projects are recognized and supported. Her role is crucial in strengthening the Association’s presence in the business and institutional environment, because it is precisely through cooperation and building trust that our initiatives gain broader support.
Logistics Assistant
Elma is responsible for field activities and logistical support of the Association. She actively coordinates events, supports volunteers, and ensures that operational tasks are completed on time. Her role is crucial in connecting our plans with the real needs of the community and our Association, because it is precisely through fieldwork and logistical organization that our ideas become reality.
PR Coordinator
Nermina is responsible for public relations and communication of the Association. She actively creates posts and campaigns that bring our work closer to the community. Her support is essential in organizing events and promoting our initiatives, as she connects the Association with the public in a warm and professional way. Thanks to her engagement, stories about animal protection reach a wider audience and inspire people to get involved.
Volunteer!
Join our team and help abandoned animals – every hand means more love and safety!
In Memory of Carsten
The Skitnica Association gratefully pays tribute to Carsten Schroeder, one of our founders.
His vision, remarkable contribution, dedication, and unconditional love for animals laid the foundation of our work and enabled us to help dozens of abandoned and vulnerable animals over the years.
Carsten’s kindness and deeds continue to live on through every animal we have helped, through every story of rescue and new beginnings.
Thank you, Carsten, for leaving an indelible mark on our shared journey with your heart and your actions.
Association Activities
Cooperation with institutions
The Association establishes closer cooperation with the competent authorities for the implementation of the Animal Protection and Welfare Act and related regulations. It also takes measures to initiate misdemeanor charges against individuals responsible for violating the law, in cooperation with the relevant institutions. In this way, we contribute to strengthening the legal protection of animals and ensuring the consistent application of legal provisions.
Promotion
The Association promotes the protection and adoption of abandoned animals, ensures their care with the support of other organizations, and provides veterinary assistance to sick and injured animals. It advocates for the construction of shelters by local authorities and promotes sterilization, vaccination, microchipping, and responsible ownership to prevent abandonment and animal suffering.
No to animal exploitation
We conduct educational campaigns on the protection, rights, and welfare of animals, with the aim of informing the public and raising awareness about responsible treatment of animals. Our work focuses on preventing abuse and suffering, especially of endangered animals and their habitats, as well as abandoned dogs and cats. We stand against cruelty, killing, factory farming, the fur industry, exploitation of protected species, the use of animals in entertainment, and product testing.
Public awareness
We organize information stands and distribute materials such as leaflets and brochures, and launch petitions to raise public awareness. We register individual cases of animal cruelty with the aim of protecting animals and preventing abuse. Through these activities, we contribute to spreading knowledge and strengthening citizens’ responsibility towards animals. Our work connects education, action, and community support to ensure lasting change in the treatment of animals.
Transparent work
The Association informs its members and the public about its work, challenges, and campaigns, and promotes ethical principles in veterinary medicine and industry. In cooperation with the media, it actively works towards achieving its goals and raising awareness about animal protection.
Protection
Active commitment to the protection of nature and the environment through various ecological actions. We organize the cleaning of public areas, tree planting, and educational activities that encourage citizens to behave responsibly towards the environment. We preserve natural resources and create a healthier environment for people and animals.
