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Description
The project is aimed at developing a network of existing centers such as community centers, leisure centers, etc., operating mainly in the field of education and work with youth and the development of life skills necessary for lifelong learning, employment in the labor market and in life without discrimination. The network of these centers "INetwork" will bring together locally active institutions and individuals - Roma and non-Roma young people, high school and university students, teachers, lecturers, youth workers, social and community workers etc. dealing with the values of inclusion and actively promoting them in the educational, social, cultural space/practice in the local community. The goal of IncluCampus is to create space (virtual, physical) and daily opportunities for active learning and support for the emergence of new thoughts, ideas and activities, which result in social inclusion and active civic participation of people from excluded Roma communities. Objectives of IncluCampus: Creation and material and technical support of individual opportunities for informal and lifelong education of people from excluded Roma communities; Seminars, trainings, workshops and lectures for people from excluded Roma communities as well as for those who provide them with professional interventions; Creation of an interactive network of students and young people from Roma communities and the majority environment; Creation of an advisory network of experts for learning and social inclusion (teachers, trainers, representatives of helping professions).
Summary of project results
The IncluCAMPUS project, launched in 2022 by the civic association eduRoma in collaboration with the University of Prešov’s Institute of Roma Studies, ETP Slovensko, the Dadoro civic association, and the Community Center in Výborná, is a development initiative aimed at fostering opportunities for learning and social inclusion. Its primary objective is to create both virtual and physical spaces for active learning and daily opportunities to generate new ideas, initiatives, and activities that result in social inclusion and active civic participation for individuals from marginalized Roma communities. All activities under the IncluCAMPUS project, managed by eduRoma, are financed by Norwegian funds and the Slovak state budget.
The project focuses on several key goals: creating material and technical support for informal and lifelong education opportunities for people from excluded communities; organizing seminars, trainings, workshops, and lectures for marginalized Roma individuals and those providing them with professional interventions; establishing an interactive network of students and young people from both Roma and majority communities; and creating a network of experts to support learning and social inclusion, including educators, trainers, representatives of helping professions, and NGOs.
One of the main outputs of IncluCAMPUS is the establishment of IncluNETWORK, a consortium of experts dedicated to promoting the social inclusion of vulnerable population groups in Slovakia.
The project focused on implementing training sessions, workshops, seminars, and public campaigns to support the social inclusion of individuals from marginalized Roma communities. Key achievements include:
The civic association eduRoma organized 90 training sessions, workshops, and seminars for teachers, representatives of helping professions, and young people from marginalized communities. ETP Slovensko conducted 26 training sessions, workshops, and seminars along with 10 integration activities for young people from excluded areas and the majority population. The Dadoro civic association delivered 108 training sessions for individuals from marginalized communities, while the Community Center in Výborná provided 26 similar training opportunities.
A significant milestone was eduRoma''s anti-prejudice campaign, launched in February and March 2024 in collaboration with 12 partners and NGOs. Titled "Act so they can start fulfilling their dreams," the campaign aimed to motivate state institutions and school administrators to address challenges and adopt measures highlighted in the campaign. Additionally, it sought to raise public awareness about persistent issues in the education of Roma students that hinder their ability to obtain quality education necessary for full social inclusion.
The campaign extended to social media, aiming to encourage authorities to implement measures in education that would equip teachers, students, and young people with essential knowledge about Slovakia’s minorities, fostering the reduction of mutual prejudices and stereotypes.
eduRoma also supported the production of 10 video podcasts, public discussions, and the online magazine Romano Fórum. These initiatives actively engaged public opinion and aimed to reduce prejudice against minorities through podcasts, public debates, and journalistic activities within the minority-focused online platform.
This multifaceted approach successfully combined educational and awareness-raising activities to promote social inclusion and address prejudice in Slovak society.
he results of the project had a positive impact on local marginalized communities and young people from excluded Roma communities, significantly improving their social and communication skills, which fostered their social inclusion. Additionally, the project supported the development of professional skills and the acquisition of new knowledge for professionals working with marginalized Roma communities. The project actively involved Roma and pro-Roma organizations, strengthening their collaboration in supporting individuals from excluded communities.
One of the main outcomes of the IncluCAMPUS project was the establishment of IncluNETWORK, an informal and open platform of experts advocating for the social inclusion of marginalized communities in local and state policies. The network comprises experts in humanities, educators, youth workers, helping professionals, and representatives of universities and NGOs. The first major initiative of IncluNETWORK was a nationwide anti-prejudice campaign, titled "Act so they can start fulfilling their dreams," conducted on social media to support Roma students and promote education free from prejudice.
As part of the IncluCAMPUS project, a survey was conducted in the intervention areas to assess the acceptance of the Roma population by the majority population. The survey was carried out in the municipalities of Výborná, Podsadek, and Ihľany, where partners implemented educational activities to enhance opportunities for comprehensive social inclusion. The baseline survey was conducted in March-April 2023, and the final survey in February-March 2024. The survey methodology included official population data and utilized the established client networks of project partners. Data collection involved field interviews and telephone surveys with local authorities to estimate the proportion of marginalized Roma in each municipality.
The final survey results indicated an increase in acceptance rates of the majority population toward Roma in all locations. In Podsadek, acceptance rose to 28.35%, a 3.64% increase; in Výborná, it reached 43%, a 6% increase; and in Ihľany, it climbed to 35.12%, a 5.78% increase. Overall, the intervention areas recorded an average increase of over 5% in acceptance rates. These improvements were directly influenced by the activities implemented as part of the IncluCAMPUS project, highlighting its success in fostering social inclusion and breaking down barriers between Roma and the majority population.