Change 21

About this project

<p style="text-align: justify"><span style="font-size: 11pt"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="color: #000000">The project responds to multiple challenges concerning the inclusion of Roma&nbsp;communities into society and aims to remove the obstacles that are constantly slowing the process down. </span>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.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp;</span></span></p>

Bilateral cooperation 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.

Project partners

• Salvation Army Norway Donor project partner· Norway
• Prevencia AD Project partner· Slovakia
• Bratislavský samosprávny kraj Project partner· Slovakia