The Space Connects Us – Multifunctional centre in Moldava nad Bodvou to bring together children and young people from minority with the majority

Description

Direct objectives of the project are the establishment of a multifunctional center for children and young people serving as a coordination center for the other centers working with youth and children in the town of Moldava nad Bodvou, improving the level of communication and cooperation of existing centers for youth and children in Moldava nad Bodvou, ensuring high-quality services for children and young people in different areas (healthcare, education, non-discrimination, employment) and creation of the concept for the development of the work with young people. The project will achieve its main goals through the improvement of the level of social infrastructure and services for children and young people from disadvantaged groups. The activities provided within the project can help the minority children and young people to spend their free time in a useful way and be surrounded by children and young people from the majority society. The long-term effect will be that the children and young people have the opportunity to break out from the deteriorating social exclusion.

Summary of project results

The project, titled "Priestor nás spája" (Space Connects Us), aimed to address several critical challenges faced by marginalized Roma and disadvantaged youth in the Moldava nad Bodvou region. These challenges included:

• Social Exclusion and Segregation: Many Roma youth and children experienced systemic exclusion from mainstream society, limiting their access to educational, social, and cultural opportunities.
• Limited Infrastructure for Youth Activities: There was a lack of inclusive, non-segregated spaces dedicated to youth activities, which hindered their integration and development.
• Insufficient Career Guidance and Development: Young people lacked access to career counseling, mentorship, and vocational training, leaving them ill-prepared for the labor market.
• Health and Safety Concerns: Insufficient awareness and resources for health care, safety, and violence prevention further disadvantaged these communities.

The project aimed to establish a multi-functional youth center that would serve as an inclusive space for these activities, providing opportunities for integration, education, and empowerment.

The project successfully implemented several key activities, transforming the vision into tangible results:

1. Renovation of Infrastructure:

   • The project reconstructed an old cinema building to establish a multi-functional youth center. This center became a hub for various educational, cultural, and recreational activities.

2. Program Development and Implementation:

   • Health and Safety: Workshops and presentations were conducted to promote health awareness, violence prevention, and child protection.
   • Career Guidance and Education: Career counseling and vocational workshops were held to equip youth with skills and knowledge for future employment opportunities.
   • Environmental Education: Activities promoting sustainability and environmental protection were integrated into the center''s programming.

3. Community Engagement:

   • Organized inclusive events such as creative workshops and sports activities to bridge gaps between Roma and non-Roma youth.
   • The center served as a coordination hub for other local organizations working with youth and children, fostering collaboration and shared learning.

4. Library and Resources:

   • The newly established center housed the city library, ensuring broader access to educational materials for the community.

5. Publicity and Outreach:

   • The project maintained a robust online presence, including a dedicated website, and conducted opening and closing conferences to share results and promote awareness about the center and its impact.

Key Results:

1. Infrastructure and Access:

   • The multi-functional youth center became a vital resource for the Moldava nad Bodvou community, providing an inclusive, non-segregated space for activities that promoted integration and development.

2. Youth Empowerment:

   • The project engaged numerous Roma and disadvantaged youth, offering them opportunities for personal and professional growth. Activities such as career counseling and vocational training enhanced their readiness for the labor market.

3. Community Impact:

   • Improved relationships between Roma and non-Roma residents through collaborative events and activities at the center.
   • Increased public awareness and participation in topics such as health, safety, and environmental protection.

4. Sustainability:

   • The establishment of the youth center ensured long-term support for disadvantaged communities, serving as a model for inclusive programming and integration.

Beneficiaries:

• Marginalized Roma youth and children who directly participated in activities and programs at the center.
• The broader community, including families, educators, and local stakeholders, who benefited from the improved social cohesion and resources provided by the center.