More information
Description
The largest concentration of the Roma population lives in the settlement near the target village, where this marginalized group lives without electricity, water and sewage. Children live in an unsuitable family environment, neglected by their own parents, their lack interest in education and the provision of basic living needs. In order to improve the situation and solve the above-mentioned problems, the Applicant, together with the project partners, plans to implement the construction of a new multi-purpose facility for children and youth in Stráne pod Tatrami and neighbouring villages. The facility will include a gym hall, a fitness room, a computer room, tutoring class and a room for field social work. Moreover, another goal is the creation of a network of 6 centers, which will organize activities for children and youth in the target village Stráne pod Tatrami as well as in the nearby villages of Ľubica (8km) and Rakúsy (12 km). All three locations are identified in the Atlas of Roma Communities 2019 and are located in the district of Kežmarok. All the activities will be offered free of charge and inclusive for the target group. In the implementation of the project, the Slovak partners will provide premises, including their equipment, which are currently used in the personal hygiene center and can be used in the project activities, they will expand the educational activities for the endangered group of children but also older youth, including young parents, and they will support the employment and employability of young adults from the marginalized Roma community in the target village through career counselling, education and job mentoring needed for adaptation in the workplace. Partner 4, Åpenhet, is a Norwegian private company that will help raise awareness and increase the reach of the activities. Åpenhet will collect, process and disseminate data and information to support the project objectives and deliverables.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address several key challenges, including the lack of extracurricular opportunities for vulnerable children and youth from disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly in marginalized Roma communities. It sought to improve their access to educational, social, and health-related activities, enhance their career and employment prospects, and promote social inclusion. Additionally, the project tackled issues related to poverty, social exclusion, and limited access to proper housing and healthcare. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these challenges, highlighting the need for systematic support for Roma inclusion and local development.
The project faced a serious issue identified during a government audit concerning a construction contract worth €1,293,457.86 (IR 405). The audit found a conflict of interest between the winning bidder and the former mayor, leading to a proposed 100% financial correction. Despite objections from the beneficiary, the Public Procurement Office confirmed the audit''s findings and identified additional irregularities. The beneficiary has been requested to return the funds, and if unable to do so, the Program Operator will cover the amount and initiate legal recovery from the municipality. Despite these financial corrections, all project activities were fully implemented, and its objectives and results were achieved.
The project implemented a wide range of activities across multiple areas:
- Investment Activities: Construction of a multifunctional sports and community facility for children and youth in Stráne pod Tatrami.
- Publicity and Support Activities: Creation of a project website, promotional materials, and public awareness campaigns.
- Health Activities: Weekly health awareness sessions, physical exercise programs, dance activities, and a summer school program.
- Educational Activities: Establishment of a virtual library in the Community Center in Rakúsy.
- Housing Support Activities: Expansion of hygiene and laundry facilities due to high demand, including purchasing new dryers and extending opening hours.
- Employment and Career Guidance: Career and job counseling services, skill development programs, and support for students in career planning.
- Data Management and Research: Collaboration with a Norwegian partner to develop a report on improving access to education and employment for vulnerable children and youth.
- Job Creation: Establishment of a permanent job position for managing the community center.
The project significantly improved the quality of life for children and youth from disadvantaged and marginalized communities, particularly those of Roma background. Key outcomes included:
- Enhanced extracurricular opportunities: More children gained access to structured after-school programs, sports, and educational activities.
- Increased awareness of health and hygiene: Programs promoting healthy lifestyles contributed to better well-being among participants.
- Improved employment prospects: Career counseling and skills development helped young people better prepare for the labor market.
- Strengthened social inclusion: The newly built multifunctional center became a safe space for interaction, learning, and social integration, fostering tolerance and preventing discrimination.
- Sustained impact: The project created long-term infrastructure and services, ensuring that the support continues for at least five years beyond the project’s completion.
Summary of bilateral results
The involvement of the Norwegian partner brought significant benefits to the project, particularly in terms of expertise, knowledge-sharing, and methodological support. Their contribution was crucial in developing strategies to improve access to education and employment for vulnerable children and youth. With extensive experience in social inclusion and community development, the Norwegian partner provided valuable insights that enhanced the effectiveness of the project’s activities. Additionally, their participation strengthened the credibility of the initiative and facilitated the exchange of best practices between Slovakia and Norway.At the bilateral level, the cooperation led to several key outcomes. One of the most important results was the development of a comprehensive report containing measures and methodologies to improve access to education and the labor market for marginalized children and youth. This document, prepared by the Norwegian partner, was translated into Slovak to ensure its accessibility for local stakeholders. Throughout the project’s implementation, regular videoconferences and consultations enabled continuous knowledge exchange, ensuring that best practices from Norway were effectively adapted to the local context. Moreover, the collaboration strengthened institutional ties between Slovak and Norwegian organizations, promoting long-term capacity building and improvements in education, employment, and social inclusion policies.Although the formal cooperation within this project has concluded, the established bilateral relationship remains valuable. Future collaboration may continue in the form of knowledge-sharing initiatives such as workshops, training sessions, and joint research focused on social inclusion and employment opportunities for vulnerable groups.