Work with Dignity: Removing Barriers to the Employment of Refugees in the Trnava Region

The project "Work with Dignity" responds to the urgent need for systemic integration of persons displaced by the war in Ukraine (refugees) within the Trnava region. While the initial phase of the crisis focused on emergency humanitarian aid, the current situation demands a transition toward long-term self-sufficiency. The core challenge is the existence of significant systemic and social barriers that prevent refugees from entering the labor market with dignity and fairness.

1. Systemic Barriers and "Brain Waste"
A major issue is the mismatch between the high qualifications of refugees and their actual employment. Many face complex and lengthy "nostrification" (recognition of education) processes. Combined with language barriers, qualified professionals are often forced into precarious, low-skilled labor. This results in "brain waste", where the potential of the displaced population remains untapped, hindering their economic independence.

2. Exploitation and Legal Vulnerability
Due to a lack of knowledge regarding Slovak labor law, many refugees are vulnerable to exploitation. They often struggle to understand employment contracts, tax obligations, and social security rights. This vulnerability pushes them toward the "gray economy" or unfair working conditions provided by unscrupulous intermediaries. There is a critical need to increase legal awareness to prevent labor exploitation and ensure that work is performed under fair and dignified conditions.

3. Social Polarization and Disinformation
The host community in Trnava is increasingly influenced by disinformation and myths regarding the "abuse of the social system" by refugees. This leads to social tension and polarization. The project seeks to address this by communicating the economic benefits in region.
 

1. Legal and Career Counseling Center (Direct Support and Information)

Establishment of a counseling point alternating between CPPR and TADCH (Charitable organization). Experts will assist displaced persons with the preparation of documents for nostrification (recognition of education), explanation of labor contracts, taxes, and leave entitlements to prevent illegal work. The focus is on finding jobs that match the clients' actual qualifications. At least 50 professional consultations will be provided (both in-person and online) and documented in an anonymized client log.

2. Monitoring of Barriers and Advocacy with Regional Institutions

Systematic collection of data regarding systemic barriers on the local labor market (e.g., shortage of kindergarten places, non-recognition of experience, language barriers). The findings will be presented to regional public institutions, specifically the Trnava Labor Office (UPSVaR) and the City of Trnava, to propose concrete measures for better job access. One analytical report on labor market barriers will be submitted to the relevant regional authorities, and 10 persons will be directly involved in consultations with public institutions.

3. "I Know My Rights" Campaign (Awareness and Anti-disinformation)

The campaign focuse on a series of workshops for the Ukrainian community on labor rights (contracts, sick leave, diploma recognition) and a social media campaign to combat the "gray economy" and myths about the general "abuse of the system" by refugees. There will be 25 educational information outputs (posts, infographics) on social media, and documented workshops.

4. Capacity Building and Volunteering

Staff and volunteers of CPPR and TADCH will be trained regarding legislative changes in the employment of foreigners. Ukrainian volunteers will be involved in information distribution and translation assistance within the counseling center.
 

1. Expected Project Results
The project focuses on transforming direct aid into systemic support. Key measurable results include:
Increased Legal Awareness: Displaced persons will gain essential knowledge of Slovak labor law and nostrification procedures.
Fair Employment Access: At least 50 professional consultations provided to help refugees find jobs matching their qualifications, preventing exploitation and illegal work.
Evidence-Based Advocacy: One analytical report on systemic barriers will be produced and submitted to regional authorities.
Institutional Dialogue: At least 10 persons (refugees and experts) will be involved in formal consultations with regional public institutions (Trnava Labor Office - UPSVaR, City of Trnava) via "round table" discussions.
Anti-disinformation Outreach: 25 educational outputs on social media to promote information integrity and debunk myths about refugees.

2. Project Impacts
Short-term: Displaced persons will secure better employment; the organizations will successfully map local barriers and
professionalize their public communication.
Mid-term (1–3 years): Strengthening the strategic partnership between CPPR and the TADCH. The organizations will
transition from "grant seekers" to expert consultants for the City of Trnava and the Trnava Self-Governing Region (TTSK) in
matters of social inclusion.
Long-term (3+ years): Building institutional resilience to handle future crises and diversifying funding sources through
experience with international schemes like EEA Grants.

3. Beneficiaries
Displaced Persons from Ukraine will receive professional legal protection, assistance with education recognition, and
support in achieving economic independence.

Regional Public Institutions will benefit from field data and expert
recommendations for creating effective local integration policies.

Residents of Trnava will benefit from reduced social
polarization.