Description
Through the project "Support and growth in MIXklub and MIXáčik" we will be providing support and growth to children, young people and families endangered by social exclusion, by means of an open, safe and stimulating environment in low-threshold centres. By developing social and life skills, communication skills; providing new information, strengthening inner resources, self-esteem and individuality, we will improve responsibility, competence and the ability to cope with life situations of children, young people and families.
Summary of project results
Children´s Fund of the Slovak Republic is located in one of the districts of Bratislava called Vrakuňa – specifically in the area called Pentagon. Children, young people and their families live here in a significantly disadvantaged environment at risk of social exclusion. They deal with basic existential questions, often struggling with their own lifestyle (such as misuse of drugs, working in the sex industry or being imprisoned). They have no trust in state institutions, are not aware of their own rights nor know how to apply them or ask for these rights to be met. The children and young people often spend their free time wandering the streets, whilst being excluded by the environment – due to living in the block of flats known as ‘Pentagon’ which is demonized and known for its high criminality as well as labelled as an urban ghetto. The aim of of the project „Support and growth in Mixclub and Mixáčik“ was to empower the vulnerable groups.In the centres called „Mixclub“ and „Mixáčik“ we have been providing an open, safe and stimulating environment and in each activity of this project we have been focusing on developing their social, life and communication skills. Due to the activities we have been organising, they have had the opportunity to support their self-esteem, realise their own individuality as well as to learn responsibility and to cope with various life situations. During the time of running the project, we opened the Centres 78 times, were in contact with 224 people, out of whom there were 32 children up to the age of 6, 107 children and young people between the age of 6 and 18 and also 85 parents or relatives. We produced a brochure, whose content was created in cooperation with the children, young people and adults, in a printed as well as electronic version. It contains 5 parts and each one focuses on the different topics such as dealing with offices, information on nurseries and schools, job-hunting, free time activities. By using this brochure, they become more independent when dealing with various daily situations. We have managed to achieve our goal as the children, young people and families have been supported and enabled to better cope with life situations in relation to themselves, others or the environment.
Summary of bilateral results