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Description
The aim of the project is to increase opportunities for skills, talent, sport and personal development, to raise the level of education and thus to eliminate poverty. As well as increasing financial illiteracy, preventing the emergence of socio-pathological phenomena and adverse conditions in the field of hygiene and health. The aim of the measure is to support inclusion in the educational process, to improve teaching through teaching assistants, promoting equal access to quality education and improving student outcomes and competencies, including marginalised Roma community (MRC). Project partners cooperation will include improving the position of vulnerable and Roma children and young people in cooperation with schools, staff of the Low-Threshold Service for Children and Families in Snina (NSSDR), Healthy Regions and other organizations in the Snina district, as well as paediatricians, foundations, charities and state institutions . Following ensuring better access to education through the "Omama" project in all 6 kindergartens in the city, cooperation with primary schools and vocational schools. Women called "Omamas" come directly from excluded communities, they know the situation, people, mother tongue, they can give parents the right arguments they understand. Lastly, reducing unemployment by creating jobs in the Municipal Enterprise Snina - a registered integrated social enterprise.
Summary of project results
The project focused on addressing the challenge of coexistence between the majority population and minority groups in Snina through an inclusion process. Recognizing the need for integration, the project aimed to bridge social divides by providing inclusive leisure activities for children from diverse social backgrounds. By offering these activities without distinction, the project sought to bring together children from different social groups, promote social cohesion, and create equal opportunities for all.
The project implemented several activities across multiple centers, creating a network of spaces for children and youth. Key activities and outputs included:
- Creation of the Multifunctional Centre for Children and Youth: This network consists of four centers in three municipalities (two in Snina, one in Stakčín, and one in Ulič) that together provide a variety of leisure activities. The centers offer a combined 80 hours of activities per week.
- New Open Sports Centre in Snina: A new building dedicated to sports activities was constructed, increasing leisure offerings by an additional 20 hours per week.
- The Open Talent Centre: the roof of Snina’s Leisure Centre was renovated, allowing two previously unused classrooms to be restored. These spaces were developed into The Open Talent Centre. One classroom focuses on artistic talent, equipped with a ceramic kiln and materials for ceramic creation. The second classroom is an environmental lab where children can learn about local flora and fauna.
- Activities at Stakčín Elementary School: After-school activities provided children with 10 additional hours of meaningful leisure time each week, allowing them to socialize and engage in structured programs.
- Children''s and Workout Playground and Environmental/Eco Centre in Ulič: This playground is open to the public and popular within the community. Additionally, a new environmental and eco-center, situated in the Kotva Community Centre, was created to offer environmental education. The eco-center offers 10 hours of activities weekly and is accessible to children of different ages and backgrounds.
The project yielded substantial benefits for children and the community as a whole:
- For Children: The project expanded leisure and educational opportunities for children across social groups, allowing them to develop talents, engage in sports, and learn about the environment. The Open Talent Centre in Snina enabled artistic and scientific exploration, fostering creativity and curiosity. These activities provided children with a safe, supportive environment where they could connect with peers from diverse backgrounds.
- For the Community: By enhancing recreational infrastructure and providing inclusive programs, the project strengthened social cohesion within Snina, Stakčín, and Ulič. The centers and playgrounds became hubs for community engagement, promoting understanding and mutual respect between majority and minority populations.
- Overall Impact: The project successfully increased leisure hours by 80 hours weekly across the multifunctional centers, providing children with more options for constructive after-school activities. This expansion of activities helped address the social integration challenges and created a more inclusive community environment.
Summary of bilateral results
The project benefited from the partnership with the donor project partner, Salvation Army Norway. The team participated in an exchange visit to Norway, where they observed the Salvation Army’s approach to supporting disadvantaged groups, including children and adults from socially marginalized backgrounds. This experience was particularly valuable in understanding how to work effectively with Roma communities, which was a key aspect for the project in Snina. The Norwegian partner also demonstrated their work with homeless and ill individuals, providing the Snina team with insights and best practices applicable to their local context. Additionally, Salvation Army Norway visited Snina three times, offering direct input and participating in project-related conferences.The primary bilateral outcome was that the Norwegian partner gained a deeper understanding of the specific challenges faced in Snina, particularly the coexistence of majority and minority populations. Through on-site visits and discussions, the Norwegian partner engaged directly with the local community, identifying daily life challenges and suggesting solutions to improve social cohesion. This exchange fostered knowledge-sharing and mutual understanding, resulting in practical recommendations for fostering inclusion and bridging social divides in Snina.The cooperation with Salvation Army Norway proved beneficial, and the City of Snina intends to continue this partnership.