Snina - a city of equal opportunities for all
City of Snina ·Slovakia
About this project
<p>The aim of the project is to increase opportunities for skills, talent, sport and personal development, to raise the level of education and thus to eliminate poverty. As well as increasing financial illiteracy, preventing the emergence of socio-pathological phenomena and adverse conditions in the field of hygiene and health. The aim of the measure is to support inclusion in the educational process, to improve teaching through teaching assistants, promoting equal access to quality education and improving student outcomes and competencies, including marginalised Roma community (MRC). Project partners cooperation will include improving the position of vulnerable and Roma children and young people in cooperation with schools, staff of the Low-Threshold Service for Children and Families in Snina (NSSDR), Healthy Regions and other organizations in the Snina district, as well as paediatricians, foundations, charities and state institutions . Following ensuring better access to education through the "Omama" project in all 6 kindergartens in the city, cooperation with primary schools and vocational schools. Women called "Omamas" come directly from excluded communities, they know the situation, people, mother tongue, they can give parents the right arguments they understand. Lastly, reducing unemployment by creating jobs in the Municipal Enterprise Snina - a registered integrated social enterprise.</p>
Bilateral cooperation results
The project benefited from the partnership with the donor project partner, Salvation Army Norway. The team participated in an exchange visit to Norway, where they observed the Salvation Army’s approach to supporting disadvantaged groups, including children and adults from socially marginalized backgrounds. This experience was particularly valuable in understanding how to work effectively with Roma communities, which was a key aspect for the project in Snina. The Norwegian partner also demonstrated their work with homeless and ill individuals, providing the Snina team with insights and best practices applicable to their local context. Additionally, Salvation Army Norway visited Snina three times, offering direct input and participating in project-related conferences. The primary bilateral outcome was that the Norwegian partner gained a deeper understanding of the specific challenges faced in Snina, particularly the coexistence of majority and minority populations. Through on-site visits and discussions, the Norwegian partner engaged directly with the local community, identifying daily life challenges and suggesting solutions to improve social cohesion. This exchange fostered knowledge-sharing and mutual understanding, resulting in practical recommendations for fostering inclusion and bridging social divides in Snina. The cooperation with Salvation Army Norway proved beneficial, and the City of Snina intends to continue this partnership.
Project partners
- Salvation Army Norway Donor project partner· Norway
- Ternipen Roma Centre Project partner· Slovakia
- Ulič municipality Project partner· Slovakia
- Salvation Army in Slovakia Project partner· Slovakia