Miami, FL / Zagreb, Croatia — Best Buddies International, the global nonprofit dedicated to ending the social, physical, and economic isolation of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), is excited to announce the launch of a new school Friendship Program in Croatia in partnership with the American International School of Zagreb (AISZ). This initiative marks a significant step in fostering inclusion and peer friendships among young people in the region.
The Friendship Program will be introduced at AISZ, where students with and without IDD will have the opportunity to form meaningful one-to-one friendships that promote connection, confidence, and mutual respect. Best Buddies’ school programs have a long track record of creating inclusive school cultures that empower student leaders and build bridges across diverse communities.
“We are honored to bring Best Buddies’ school Friendship Program to Croatia through this collaboration with the American International School of Zagreb,” said Anthony Shriver, Founder of Best Buddies International. “Starting inclusion at a young age transforms not only individuals, but entire school communities. When students learn empathy, compassion, and authentic friendship early in life, they carry those values forward and help build a more inclusive world for everyone.”
The American International School of Zagreb—a respected international school serving students from early childhood through high school—joins Best Buddies in championing a culture of inclusion, understanding, and respect. AISZ’s commitment
to inclusive school environments and community engagement makes it an ideal partner for implementing a program that encourages students to embrace differences and advocate for peers of all abilities.
The school Friendship Program will launch with training and activities designed to support student ambassadors and faculty champions. Through structured events, peer buddy pairings, and community engagement efforts, students will learn from one another while fostering inclusive practices that extend beyond the classroom. Best Buddies International has established Friendship Programs in schools around the world, demonstrating that early inclusion can reduce social barriers and create lifelong advocates for people with IDD. The partnership with AISZ underscores the shared belief that fostering meaningful friendships and inclusive habits during the formative school years lays the foundation for a more compassionate and connected Society. Parents, educators, and community members are invited to learn more about the program and support its growth as Best Buddies and AISZ work together to create impactful experiences for students in Croatia.
For more information about Best Buddies International and its global programs, visit www.bestbuddies.org.
At AISZ, our vision is for every student to experience the future today. We are committed to creating learning environments where all students - with diverse strengths, needs, identities, and ways of learning - are supported to grow, belong, and succeed. We prepare learners to navigate tomorrow’s challenges and embrace the opportunities of a rapidly changing world with confidence, creativity, and a strong sense of self.
Our mission is to nurture both the skills and the character of every learner, empowering each student to discover their potential and build a future filled with purpose, possibility, and promise. We are excited to partner with Best Buddies, a recognized leader in inclusive advocacy and equity for neurodivergent individuals. This partnership reflects our shared belief that inclusion is a foundational practice which strengthens learning communities and ensures all students are valued, supported, and empowered.
Together, we look forward to deepening our commitment to inclusive, neuroaffirming practices that honor difference, promote community, and create meaningful opportunities for every learner.
