PROTECTA was founded by the participants of the Student protest in 1996/97 whose aim was to direct the energy of the young in the future towards positive social activities on the local and national level. Although it was registered in 1998, PROTECTA began conducting its activities in 1997 even, as an informal group.

PROTECTA has dedicated, in its former work at the local level (in Serbia), a lot of attention to the fight against corruption, which is a frequent phenomenon in the countries going through transition, like Serbia. The corruption can be seen at every step, so their programs have, so far, been educative and informational, in order to attract public's attention to these problems and change the citizens' awareness that it is "something completely normal".

They have mostly dealt with the employment corruption, especially of young people. Similarly, they have dedicated their attention to corruption affairs. In their previous work, they have also hosted workshops on the topic of sex trafficking with vulnerable groups (Roma people, refugees, and the like).