Through training, we wanted to provide workers with disadvantaged youth with up-to-date knowledge of soft interpersonal skills and support their application in practice to transfer these skills to youth. We focused on improving the skills, employability, quality of life and inclusion of youth, while also addressing material conditions, psychosocial factors and barriers such as discrimination, racism and lack of education. International cooperation has brought us new approaches and experiences. Our organisation gained competences in multicultural aspects, while our partner Brusinky provided its experience in working with diverse groups. We gained knowledge about human behaviour, the nervous system and strategies to build mental resilience, which we applied in our work with youth. By developing and disseminating training materials, we improved learning, employment and understanding of diversity, contributing to a more inclusive society and effective application of approaches in practice. natural abilities.
In Slovakia, young people, particularly from marginalized Roma communities (MRC), face significant challenges in education, employment, and health. The OECD reported that only 11% of Roma children completed secondary school in 2018, with 60% attending segregated schools, severely limiting their opportunities. This social exclusion contributes to a life expectancy that is seven years shorter than the majority population, and 87% of Roma from MRC are at risk of poverty, with 91% of children under 16 affected. Mental health issues have surged, with anxiety and depression cases increasing by 300% since 2021. Additionally, PISA results indicate a decline in literacy, with a quarter of 15-year-olds performing poorly in core subjects. To address these issues, a pilot project has been initiated to introduce new scientific approaches aimed at supporting disadvantaged youth, especially from MRC. The project's primary goal is to create an enabling environment that nurtures the natural abilities of these young individuals. By focusing on education and skill development, the initiative seeks to empower Roma youth to overcome barriers and achieve academic and social success.