Change 21

Description

The project responds to multiple challenges concerning the inclusion of Roma communities into society and aims to remove the obstacles that are constantly slowing the process down. The project offers activities that address crucial areas such as health, education, employment, anti-discrimination, and housing. These activities aim at the social workers with Roma families applying a new approach (Pathway of Hope) that is already successfully implemented by the partner of the project, the Salvation Army in Norway. The partner´s role is supervising and tutoring while the new approach is being implemented into the social services in the community centres in Pezinok and Plavecký Štvrtok.  Moreover, the project aims also to register an Integrative Social Enterprise, that will be established in the second half of the project implementation. Such initiative helps people who have never worked before or for a long period of time. It helps them to acquire work habits or to gain qualification skills in a particular field as a bridge to employment. The project addresses the following cross-cutting issues, the project respects the principles of gender equality and the improvement of the position of women in a society at all stages. Project activities are mostly focused on uplifting the living conditions of Roma women and increasing their self-esteem. The main goal of the project is to deteriorate barriers that constrain the process of Roma inclusion and their empowerment in society. All activities in the project also include the social inclusion of people other than Roma as the project is based on the principle of non-discrimination. The goal is to break down the barriers between Roma and the majority and deliver equal opportunities for all, without any restrictions.  The transparency and anti-corruption principles are respected in the entire project implementation process duly presented on the promoter''s website, including the public procurement and contracts. 

Summary of project results

The Change 21 project, led by the Salvation Army Slovakia, tackled multiple challenges related to the social inclusion of Roma communities in two marginalized settlements: Plavecký Štvrtok and Pezinok – Glejovka. Key issues included:

• Health: Limited access to healthcare, hygiene facilities, and addiction prevention.
• Housing: Inadequate infrastructure, including insufficient access to drinking water and basic services.
• Education: High dropout rates, limited early childhood education, and a lack of support for academic success.
• Employment: Barriers to employment due to low qualifications and workplace discrimination.
• Non-discrimination: Persistent ethnic discrimination and limited integration with the majority population.

The project implemented comprehensive interventions across key areas to promote the inclusion and empowerment of Roma families:

Activities and Outputs:

• Community Engagement: Established two Community Centers directly within Roma settlements to provide accessible support services and programming. Activities reached 75% of the local population, including families, parents, youth, teens, and children.
• Educational Support:
  • Daily transportation for 12 Roma children to local primary schools, with parents eventually organizing their own transportation.
  • Early childhood education programs for preschoolers, helping them transition into mainstream schooling.
  • Courses for adults and children, covering topics such as financial literacy, IT skills, hygiene, and health care.
• Employment and Skills Development:
  • Training programs, including motivational interviews, job application assistance, and CV writing.
  • Workshops addressing life skills and personal growth, with a focus on long-term employability.
  • One Roma driver obtained an advanced bus driving license through project support.
• Cultural and Sports Activities:
  • Weekly football sessions and tournaments involving Roma and non-Roma youth.
  • Music and dance lessons for Roma teens, including access to instruments and participation in festivals.
• Health and Hygiene Services:
  • Installed washing and drying machines at the Pezinok Community Center, supporting hygiene practices.
  • Set up P.O. Boxes for mail delivery, addressing a critical gap in access to communication.
• Documentation and Advocacy:
  • Published a collection of stories, Growing Up on the Edge, documenting the experiences of Roma youth.
  • Developed the Roma Inclusion Concept for the Bratislava region, outlining a strategic plan for 2024–2030.

Outcomes and Impacts:

1. Roma Families and Individuals:

   • Enhanced social services and access to basic facilities directly benefited families in the settlements.
   • Increased school attendance and educational success for Roma children, with direct participation in extracurricular activities such as cultural trips, summer camps, and outdoor learning.
   • Improved employability and job readiness among adults, empowering them to achieve financial independence.
   • Strengthened family health and hygiene practices through accessible washing facilities and health education.

2. Youth and Children:

   • Broadened horizons through exposure to new experiences, including sports, cultural events, and education outside the settlements.
   • Integration with non-Roma peers through football tournaments and music festivals.

3. Community Impact:

   • Fostered inclusion by promoting collaboration between Roma and non-Roma communities.
   • Provided a safe and structured environment within the settlements for learning, recreation, and personal growth.

4. Policy and Regional Strategy:

   • Contributed to long-term planning for Roma inclusion through the development of the Roma Inclusion Concept for Bratislava.

Summary of bilateral results

The project benefited from its partnership with the Salvation Army in Norway (TSA Norway). The donor partner brought decades of experience in social services, outreach programs, and community development, providing invaluable insights and practical know-how. Key benefits included:Capacity Building: The Norwegian partner shared expertise in implementing the Pathway of Hope methodology, which guided the project’s approach to empowering Roma families and individuals.Practical Inspiration: Study visits to Norway allowed project participants to observe TSA Norway’s work in areas such as addiction services, refugee support, and social enterprises. This hands-on exposure provided practical solutions and ideas that were adapted to the Slovak context.Networking and Collaboration: The partnership facilitated meaningful exchanges with Norwegian stakeholders, expanding the project’s scope and fostering cross-border learning.The bilateral cooperation between the Salvation Army Slovakia and Norway had its results:Knowledge Exchange: - A study trip to Norway in 2022 enabled 12 project staff members to visit TSA Norway’s facilities, including addiction centers, refugee support hubs, and social enterprises. This trip fostered a deeper understanding of innovative approaches to community work and social inclusion.- Training sessions in Norway introduced Slovak staff to the Pathway of Hope methodology, enhancing their skills in family-centered social work.Youth Engagement: - In 2023, six Roma teens attended a summer camp in Norway, participating in sports, cultural activities, and exchanges with peers from across the country. This experience broadened their perspectives and fostered cross-cultural understanding.Organizational Development: - The collaboration helped strengthen the operational capacity of TSA Slovakia, with Norwegian experts offering guidance on fundraising, economic planning, and strategic development.