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Description
A project is built on a "win-win" strategy for all stakeholders. Through the use of innovative tools, it will contribute to the alleviation of tensions/fears in society, expressions of intolerance and negative stereotypes towards selected groups that have unfortunately become the "norm". The direct connection of actors will spark a dialogue across cultures and faiths, so necessary in contemporary Slovak society, thus bringing about positive change at the local level and improving civil coexistence.
The ambition of the project is to bring an intensive educational campaign and to develop dialogue between population groups. It will promote positive and cooperative interactions, understanding and respect, increasing diversity and respect for democracy, freedom and human rights. The format of the project is quite new in Slovakia, linking relevant actors, generations, cultures and faiths. The concentration and content of the activities will develop a constructive dialogue on fears, prejudices, causes and impacts of intolerance through positive examples and contributions of "strangers" among us. Experiential learning will promote creative and critical thinking in contrast to memorization in school without context and self-reflection. Project activities are designed to counter hate speech and prejudice, in favour of promoting tolerance, inclusion and empathy. Through intensive campaigning and face-to-face meetings, the project will seek to reduce deepening tensions in society and radical thinking among young people, through active refutation of misinformation and hoax content, pro-actively linking key actors and members of selected minorities in the fight against hate speech.
Summary of project results
The project endeavored to address several pressing issues and challenges within Slovak society. Foremost among these challenges was the need to foster intercultural tolerance and diversity, particularly in the face of a rising trend of hate speech, hate crimes, and extremist expressions directed at cultural and religious minorities. The project sought to counteract these negative developments by establishing bridges between the majority and minority communities.
In response to the identified challenges, the project introduced a unique format in Slovakia, the Majilis platform, designed to connect relevant stakeholders, generations, cultures, and faiths. This initiative aimed to address the increasing social distance and lack of understanding between different communities, ultimately working towards building a more cohesive and inclusive society.
Moreover, the project aimed to contribute to the reduction of discrimination and negative stereotyping prevalent in society, particularly against individuals with diverse origins, beliefs, or skin colors. By creating a real Arab-style cultural-social space through the Majilis platform, the project sought to provide a conducive environment for dialogue, conversations, and education, fostering mutual understanding and respect.
The project implemented a range of activities designed to foster intercultural understanding and address societal challenges. It introduced the Majilis platform, a novel format in Slovakia, aiming to connect diverse stakeholders, generations, cultures, and faiths. This platform served as a real Arab-style cultural-social space, becoming a central hub for meetings, conversations, and education.
The project involved creating a series of 9 animated educational videos focusing on terms like antisemitism, extremism, orientalism, radicalism, aligning with the state education program.A full-color, multi-page bulletin supported the campaign by encouraging critical thinking, verification of information, and emphasizing photo authenticity and source reliability.
For schools, the project offered 9 experiential activities targeting educators and students aged 15+, addressing human rights and aiming to increase knowledge through historical and contemporary perspectives, art, culture, and teamwork.
In the public domain, 9 large-scale educational-cultural-social events were organized in 9 Slovak cities, emphasizing districts with cultural challenges. These 3-day events included lectures, workshops, video projections, debates, and involved local representatives and the non-profit sector.
The project also included proposing and collectively selecting a logo for "no hate places." Additionally, it identified and promoted 27+ specific places as such on the Slovak map, fostering collaboration through networking, enhancing visibility via Google Maps, and distributing stickers, badges, and flyers.
Educational animations titled "-isms" and #HateFreeZone: Diversity Enriches! were created as part of a public education and information campaign. School and public events, structured as traveling living rooms, facilitated experiential activities in the realm of civic and human rights.
An impactful output of the project was the establishment of a permanent installation in dedicated premises. This space, inspired by the UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage, served as a popular venue, embodying the purpose of a real living room – a place for people to connect, engage in discussions on various topics, and nurture positive interpersonal relationships. Living rooms featured facilitators and central themes for debates, occasionally sparking polemics.
Notably, the project successfully contributed to the reduction of hate speech, hate crimes, and extremist expressions directed at cultural and religious minorities. Through its activities, the project fostered positive and cooperative interactions, promoting understanding and respect among diverse participants.
The Majilis platform, as a real Arab-style cultural-social space, became a central venue for meetings, conversations, and education, serving as a catalyst for increased understanding and unity. The project''s focus on promoting intercultural dialogue resulted in positive changes, particularly at the local level, enhancing diversity and respect for democracy, freedom, and human rights.
The establishment of a permanent installation in dedicated premises further solidified the project''s impact. Inspired by UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage, this space became a popular venue for people to connect, engage in discussions on various topics, and cultivate positive interpersonal relationships. Living rooms, featuring facilitators and central themes for debates, served as a source of unity and understanding.
The project''s beneficiaries encompassed the entire community, including cultural and religious minorities, who experienced a reduction in discriminatory acts, and the broader society, which witnessed positive changes in attitudes and behaviors towards diversity and inclusion.