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Description
Roma and other socially disadvantaged families living in segregated housing settlements in Prievidza do not have many opportunities to learn how to live healthier and more meaningful lives. Project addresses this challenge by teaching people from this community new skill - how to grow their own fruits and vegetables. At the beginning, a survey will be prepared, in which the opinions of residents will be taken into the account. Next, a round table will be organized in cooperation with a psychologist, social workers and residents, at which the results of the survey will be consulted and implementation of the project will be prepared. Project activities aim to actively involve residents in public events, motivate them to cooperate in public affairs and simultaneously increase their awareness of environmental protection. The project plans to directly involve 20 inhabitants.
Summary of project results
The overall goal of the ACF program, under the call "Call code: 04 – 2 – M, Topic Vulnerable Groups - Small Grants," was to strengthen civil society, promote active citizenship, and improve the status of vulnerable groups. These groups often face social isolation and various forms of discrimination, with limited access to information, the labor market, education, culture, and decision-making processes.
The project, "Land Therapy," primarily focused on the Roma minority and other groups at risk of social exclusion and poverty, specifically in the settlement community on Ciglianska cesta. The project provided a unique opportunity for residents of this segregated housing estate, which is home to Roma and socially disadvantaged families, to create a more pleasant and beneficial living environment.
The project established cultivation fields in the form of raised beds. In November 2020, the project promoter prepared a questionnaire to gauge the interest of local residents in what they would like to see planted in the raised beds. This feedback was considered when purchasing seeds. In January, a meeting was held with the local government, where the project was presented and close cooperation was agreed upon.
Since February, seeds have been planted by volunteers in indoor greenhouses, with volunteers sourced from the community. In April, volunteers began constructing the raised beds. From April to September, various experts were contracted to provide consultations on topics related to environmental protection and self-sustainability.
By May, vegetable planting was underway, with daily activities including morning watering, weeding, and soil loosening. The period from July to September was dedicated to harvesting, and all produce from the garden was utilized in the community center.
The project introduced a new methodology for distributing the harvest among the volunteers who assisted with its implementation. The results were showcased in September during the "Festive Day" event, titled "Who is Not Lazy is Green," which was attended by representatives from the local government. During the festival, participants had the opportunity to engage in manual labor, gaining both new skills and motivation.
The project’s activities combined several educational elements, including environmental education, vocational training, the development of manual skills, occupational therapy, education in permaculture, and motivation to support work habits and rehabilitation efforts.