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Description
The main goal of the project is to increase the chances of vulnerable children and young people from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds in the Vranov nad Topľou district. I shall help them to success in life and society, to ensure sufficient access to extracurricular, and hobby activities that will positively affect their personal development needs. The project applies an integrated approach focused on 4 measures - health, employment, anti-discrimination, and education. To achieve the goal of the project, the following activities will be implemented for children and youth: Promoting the employment of young people, Health and healthy lifestyles, Education for arts and culture, Discrimination - let''s not be afraid to talk about it. Activities are aimed at improving language skills, preparing for a job interview, improving the ICT skills needed at work, acquiring knowledge of basic hygiene habits, preventing various addictions and healthy eating. Many activities will be implemented as overlapping activities between Roma and non-Roma communities to ensure Roma inclusion and eliminate prejudice against Roma.
Summary of project results
The Multifunctional Center 4.0 was designed to address several challenges, including improving children and youth''s knowledge about health and healthy lifestyles, enhancing the employability prospects of young people, and fostering personal development among children and youth. The project also contributed to the inclusion of Roma communities and supported not only the primary target groups but also the wider public. Additionally, it brought valuable experiences to the project partners themselves.
The core target group for the activities included children and youth, particularly Roma children and those at risk of social exclusion. Through its initiatives, the project successfully met its goals and delivered on its intended objectives, creating positive impacts for all involved.
The Multifunctional Center 4.0 served as a valuable resource and a unifying element for the center, its coordinators, and the individuals seeking support and education. Regular meetings enhanced the knowledge and empathy of participants, while individual sessions with psychologists improved relationships within groups and fostered deeper interpersonal connections.
The project delivered a range of impactful activities tailored to the needs of the Vranov region''s residents:
Employment Support: Activities focused on preparing participants for the job market, including guidance on creating résumés, selecting career paths in ICT and technology, and improving language skills. Participants were also introduced to basic foreign language education to enhance their employability.
Health and Healthy Lifestyles: This series of events helped participants learn about healthy nutrition, meal planning, and healthier food choices. Experts in addiction prevention, healthcare professionals, psychologists, physiotherapists, lactation consultants, and Montessori educators contributed to these activities. Specialized events such as Fridays for Mothers and sports activities led by trainers promoted physical and mental well-being.
Arts and Cultural Education: This component featured the most diverse range of activities, including workshops on creating Roma family chronicles, memory training sessions, and the Summer Thursdays series, which introduced various themes and experts. Key cultural events included the RomLIT Roma Literary Festival, which celebrated literature, music, and culture, and Honey Book Days, emphasizing the importance of honey. Seasonal highlights included Magical Christmas, showcasing traditions and culture, and the International Marriage Week, which highlighted the significance of relationships. Other notable events included the Šaliansky Maťko storytelling competition, Week of Slovak Libraries, Night with Andersen, Save the Planet Day, Children’s Day celebrations, summer holiday activities, and a Celebration of Roma Culture.
These activities provided a comprehensive approach to education and community engagement, offering invaluable support for children, youth, and families while fostering cultural awareness and social inclusion.
The Multifunctional Center 4.0 project achieved significant results that positively impacted its primary target groups—children and youth, particularly Roma children and those at risk of social exclusion. Activities were designed to support personal development, improve employability, and enhance knowledge in areas such as health, healthy lifestyles, arts, and culture.
With the help of long-standing partners—SZUŠ Jastrabie nad Topľou, the Municipality of Dlhé Klčovo, and the Educational and Information Institute Nižný Hrušov—the project was able to provide high-quality activities and ensure effective publicity. The partnerships were built on shared expertise and collaboration, enabling the successful execution of initiatives aimed at youth employment, health education, arts and cultural learning, and prevention of discrimination and cyberbullying.
The project directly benefited children and youth under 24 years of age in the Vranov region, many of whom lacked opportunities for personal growth or skills development necessary for life and employment. It also supported the inclusion of Roma communities and engaged the wider public, offering valuable experiences for all participants and project partners.
A key beneficiary of the project was the Upper Zemplín Library in Vranov nad Topľou, one of the region''s leading public libraries with an annual visitor count of approximately 70,000. Through its involvement, the library enhanced its expertise in project management and implementation, enabling it to design and deliver impactful initiatives. The project’s visibility also encouraged other organizations to seek advice on similar initiatives, further amplifying its regional influence.
By meeting its objectives, the Multifunctional Center 4.0 project not only supported the development and well-being of its primary target groups but also strengthened partnerships, enriched the professional capabilities of local institutions, and inspired further community-focused projects.