More information
Description
In the town of Rožňava, innovative methods close to nature are not applied when caring for greenery. Due to the low number of meeting opportunities, prejudices against people with mental disabilities persist among the public. The project will bring an example of social innovation, with an emphasis on its sustainability, by connecting nature-friendly solutions for the care of urban greenery with the integration of people with disabilities and also by involving several target groups in joint activities. The project aims to create opportunities for self-realization and therapy of clients of the Jasanima social home, it will also include alternative natural solutions in the care of urban greenery, create opportunities for joint activities with the general public and educational activities for children and youth with the participation of these clients. The project will also create one job opportunity for a disadvantaged jobseeker with a view to creating more similar jobs in the future. This will be achieved by purchasing 4 sheep, which will create a permanent habitat in the area of St. Elizabeth''s Hospital in Rožňava and in the vicinity of the Jasanima social home, on a relatively large meadow, which will be grazed instead of mowing. The clients of the social home and the project promoters will take care of them together. In addition, the sheep will graze the selected grasslands in the city, which will bring not only an ecological approach, saving public finances but also a nice attraction in the city for the public. The employed shepherd will take care of the sheep in the field and their transport on the purchased cart will be provided by the municipal company Technical Services. In the future, in addition to payments from the city for grazing, sheep could graze land to private applicants, which would bring additional profit for the established social enterprise.
Summary of project results
The project was designed to address several challenges and needs related to the care of urban greenery and the integration of disadvantaged groups into society. The project, by connecting close to nature solutions for the care of urban greenery with the integration of people with disabilities and also involving several target groups in joint activities, will bring an example of social innovation, emphasizing its sustainability and gradual development and other activities.
The main challenges addressed by the project:
- Integration of disadvantaged groups
- Innovative and sustainable approaches to the care of urban greenery
- Prejudice against people with disabilities
- Development of social entrepreneurship
The main activities of the project:
- Purchase and care of sheep
- Creating a habitat for bees
- Reconstruction of the greenhouse and joint work in the community garden
- Creation of a social enterprise
The activities contributed to the ecological care of greenery, provide occupational therapy for people with disabilities and enable the implementation of educational programs for schools and preschools. People with disabilities, especially those with intellectual disabilities, often have limited opportunities for social interaction and participation in common activities. The project confronted the prejudices and stigmatization that exist against people with disabilities. By creating opportunities for joint activities with these people and influencing the younger generation, he contributed to a gradual change in perception and the removal of negative attitudes. The project organized joint activities between DSS Jasanima clients and the general public, as well as educational programs for children and youth. These activities strengthened relations between different groups of people and contributed to reducing prejudices against disadvantaged people. The project responds to the lack of implementation of innovative and nature-friendly methods in the care of urban greenery. Focusing on alternative natural solutions has a positive impact on the city''s biodiversity and ecosystems. The project strengthened its sustainability by linking to a social enterprise that uses activities related to greenery and occupational therapy to support disadvantaged groups and ecological care. This aspect takes into account the need for financial independence of the project and its ability to provide beneficial services for society.
The project was of key importance in connecting ecological care with the inclusion of the disadvantaged. The success of the project showed that by combining urban green care with occupational therapy and education, bridging between groups and breaking down prejudices is possible. It improves the quality of life of disadvantaged people in the long term and sustainably supports the environment.
The project is innovative by harmoniously connecting solutions bringing benefits in the social, ecological and educational fields. He won the VÚB Foundation''s "ATLAS 2023" award in the Environment category. The sheep are very popular with DSS Jasanima clients and they like to visit them. Contact with them has a positive therapeutic effect on them. Clients are also happy if they can be part of public event programs. A disadvantaged job seeker (Roma with basic education) employed by the project as a shepherd/gardener acquired new skills in the field of sheep and bee care and cultivation during the project, which increase his employability on the labor market. DSS clients receive occupational therapy benefits by caring for sheep, bees and farming. Relatives of DSS clients who have a secondary benefit from the established therapeutic methods and at the same time occasionally visit the sheep with the clients.
The people involved in the project are the clients of DSS Jasanima, pupils of school and preschool institutions, members of the community garden, the general public, disadvantaged job seekers.