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Description
Nowadays, there are increasing reports of pollinator extinction and the need to protect bees and renew beekeeping. In connection with this, there is a honeycomb processing industry in Slovakia dealing with processing of beeswax and honeycombs. This almost forgotten profession is also specific for its concentration in one of the least developed regions of Slovakia (West Gemer). This area is characterized by a high concentration of the Roma population, high unemployment rate and a lack of work with vulnerable groups. It is not traditional for the beekeeping to involve vulnerable groups, because it is more conservative and significantly ossified. Since 2014, the kRaj association has been developing activities that involve Romas, people with mental or physical disabilities, long-term unemployed (especially women) in this stereotypical craft and they are significantly changing the view of it.
The project aims to create a social enterprise that processes beeswax into products for beekeepers: wax dividers, finished frames, pure wax and for the general public: design wax candles and other wax products for all supporters of current trends in the use of natural materials, zero-waste and social projects. The project follows the needs of the target group, which are, besides the possibility of employment, improving the position on the labour market by retraining, increasing the group''s credit in the eyes of the majority group and changing the established views on the beekeeping community. By doing so, beekeeping brings not only an environmental footprint but also opportunities for economic and social development in the region. An e-shop will be prepared for products for the public and will be distributed in Slovak florists, gift shops, petrol stations and designer shops, which will make wax products a traditional Slovak gift. The project focuses on vulnerable groups, especially Romas, people with mental or physical handicaps, people at risk of poverty and homeless people.
Summary of project results
The project worked in a region with high unemployment, where the vast majority of people go to work in other districts or abroad. This has an impact on family budgets and, in the case of a more distant place of work, significant family problems. The creation of jobs directly in the region is a great benefit for the whole region. In most of the cases, it is more difficult to get a job if the applicant is Roma. It is this unpleasant fact that the project has changed and is a positive example for a conservative environment.
The project had 4 main activities: 1. Creating a social enterprise workshop - it was an important milestone. A social workshop for wax processing was established with the intention of employing the long-term unemployed. The workshop will continue to be an incubator for similar projects and courses for the unemployed. 2. Training of those, who are interested in working in the company - in total, the project gave a chance to 30 people. They gained working habits, new specialization and better position in the labor market. They can also use the craft to start their own business. 3. Social workshop - The first 2 employees got a job in the social workshop. Today, the workshop is sustainable and will create more jobs opportunities. 4. Product marketing - helped to make the project''s goals visible and at the same time presented its own products. Results: The first result was the strengthening of the position of vulnerable groups. The beeswax processing course was attended by 30 people from the vulnerable groups. Their family also benefited from this measure, which increases the number to 70 people for whom they have improved their economic or social status. These results are further strengthened by a partnership with the labour office in Lučenec and Poltár, which helps to find suitable candidates for courses and employment. As part of the project, a social workshop was established in the village of Utekáč, which started with gradual employment and at the end of the project employed 2 women. In a broader context, the project shows the path of local small businesses that can operate in regions with national to international influence. Create organic products and work with people who have not had a job for a long time. It is a good example for existing and emerging entities with a societal model value. The project also gave a good signal to beekeepers.