Description
The districts Sásová in Banská Bystrica and Zvolen Západ face common problem - low level of neighbour relations, isolation and estrangement of residents, passivity, low social life and lack of common interests. It decreases quality of life, residents are not able to advocate their needs and interests and districts are stagnating. The solution seems to lie in community centres - one is already established in Sásová, it gains the interest of residents. The objective of the project is then activation of citizens and increasing their interest in public affairs. The project's outcome will be active communities in two districts, concentrated at respected community centres. The project's outputs will be 2 community centres, 130 "members" of citizen's movement, 5 campaigns on needed issues and 8 ths € raised. A partner, the Kultur og nærmiljøavdeling in Sagene, Oslo, will train, lead and coach Slovak partners in order to activate citizens like in Oslo.
Summary of project results
The project addressed a need of activation of inhabitans of two large living neighbourhoods in Zvolen and Banská Bystrica (Západ and Sásová). Both sites are known as "sleeping" places where people just overnight, the community life is not very vital and people were not active in advocacy of their interests and improving of auality of life. Thus, the objective of the project was to activate citizens via community organizing and this objective was fully reached, as it is apparent from the project's results. Long-term impact of the project resides in increased social capital and ability of inhabitans to improve their living conditions in wide cooperation with authorities and other partners. Outcomes of the project consists of consolidation of two citizens' initiatives and their ability to articulate needs and interests, to lobby for and advocate them as well as in ability to organize themselves, to organize events and communicate mutually. In addition, a cooperation with Norwegian partner has improved a lot. Main outputs of the project consist of 13 successful local campaigns, 30 new members of the centre in Zvolen and 105 long-term involved persons in Banská Bystrica, as well as living connections with a Norwegian partner. Involvement of beneficiaries in the project was wide. First they were addressed by needs assessment, then they participated in preparation meetings and in campaigns (= focused activities) at the end. In addition, they organized several community events. The main benefit was improved quality of life and coexistence of the neighbours as well as increased respect of communities from side of authorities. Both partners benefit from the project. While the Slovak one got learn how to operate efficient community centre, the Norwegian one got familiar with method of community organizing.
Summary of bilateral results
The Kultur og nærmiljøavdeling in Sagene, Oslo, is department of local municipal office, It is responsible i.e. management of local community centre, public participation in planning, communication with volunteers, etc. It will contribute by exchange of 12-years of experience and know-how and by coaching Slovak partners. The community centre Sagene assisted to the CKO in establishment of the community centre in Zvolen-Západ and development of existing one in Banská Bystrica-Sásová, advising on methods how to attract and involve local citizens, how to operate a community centre, how to use it in fighting of poverty and in social inclusion. Norwegian partner influenced also representatives of both Slovak towns via meetings showing that community centres may contribute to achieving of their goals too. The project was not first common activity of partners, they collaborated in another project in past. However, now bilateral partnership are strengthened as far not only Norwegian partner assisted to the Slovak one, but also Slovak partner delivered specific experience in methods of community organizing not used in Oslo yet. No doubts that introduction of methods used in Oslo enriched community organizing not only in project sites in Zvolen and Banská Bystrica, but also in other cities of Slovakia. Slovak project partner is involved in activities on national level so it is good channel to disseminate experience in Slovakia. In addition, participation of Norwegian partner in events and activities in Slovak neighbourhoods increased awareness about Norway and its cultural and social environment.