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Description
The main goal of the Svidník Community Center, a place for the development and education of a Marginalized Roma Community" project is to reduce the differences between Roma and non-Roma through defined activities. These activities will be covered by the newly built Community Center, with the aim of integrating Roma and non-Roma in joint activities and premises and offering a number of services to this group. It is necessary to pay more attention to children and young people. The lack of meaningful use of leisure time without a vision of another perspective forces them to establish families and gain at least some life certainty in the form of a social benefit. Recently, schools have been creating various activities within the framework of projects, more Roma assistants in schools, education is a chance and the key to changing the social situation. The project “Svidník Community Center, the place for the development and education of the marginalized Roma community” therefore reflects on these needs and wants to offer a systemic measure for a long -term solution of acute needs. The main idea of the project is to point out the special cultural specifics of the Roma community at the target group of Roma and non -Roma, thus gradually building the self -confidence and natural pride of this ethnic group. Gradually reduce the differences between the majority group of non -Roma and the minority group of Roma. One of the main activities to achieve this is a series of educational activities in key areas such as computer skills, but also skills such as sewing and cooking. Another important activity is a series of discussions focused on social and current topics (reproduction, health, but also trafficking in human beings). The last of the activities is the education of children and youth as well as teachers in areas such as traditions, culture, pride and ethnicity, the Roma language.
Summary of project results
he main goal of the project was to reduce disparities between Roma and non-Roma populations through defined activities. These activities will be facilitated by a newly established Community Center, aiming to integrate Roma and non-Roma individuals into shared activities and spaces while providing a variety of services to this group.
The project included the establishment of a Community Center in Svidník. The Community Center became an integral part of the area on Festivalová Street, home to the largest marginalized Roma community (MRC) settlement, embedding itself into their daily lives. During the project implementation, an opening and closing conference were held, along with a series of events celebrating Roma Day in 2023 and 2024.
Young people from the community participated in creating three music videos featuring traditional Roma music. The project also organized a series of educational activities, including sewing courses, ICT courses (information and communication technologies), and initiatives focused on children’s and youth education. These included dance classes, music and Roma language education, and exploration of Svidník’s landmarks, museums, and surroundings.
Additionally, expert discussions were conducted on topics such as reproductive health, social habits, and current societal issues. These discussions included themes like road safety with municipal police, waste separation, protecting seniors from usury, and combating the spread of hoaxes.
The primary target group of the project was the marginalized Roma community (MRC), with all activities designed to address their needs and expectations, resulting in tangible outcomes. Over 600 participants accessed supportive services during the project, benefiting from initiatives such as a sewing course that enhanced practical skills and introduced participants to embroidery techniques using a newly purchased high-quality embroidery machine. Similarly, an ICT course provided both basic and advanced knowledge in computer skills, with a focus on office tools like MS Word, MS Excel, and PowerPoint. Music-related activities encouraged the development of talent among children and youth, while practical education included learning the Roma language and exploring the history and landmarks of Svidník and its surroundings. Specialized discussions for children and youth addressed topics such as reproductive health, social habits, waste separation, and road safety. For adults, education covered a range of social and economic topics, including protecting seniors from usury, combating misinformation and hoaxes, reproductive health, counseling for future parents and families, proper child upbringing, basic social skills, financial literacy, household management, human trafficking, critical thinking, and human rights awareness. Events organized during the project helped break stereotypes and prejudices between the Roma and non-Roma populations, fostering relationships and integration. With over 100 participants attending each event, these initiatives provided a platform for interaction free of discrimination, racism, and xenophobia, creating opportunities for mutual understanding and empowerment.