Social Activation program

The project

This program targets adult women from diverse cultural backgrounds, who cannot speak Slovenian, have a permanent residence permit in Slovenia or Slovenian citizenship and either receive social support, are unemployed or inactive due to social circumstances.

The program aims to help these women develop social skills, empower and motivate them to enter the labor market as well as improve their employability by acquiring work competences. Additionally, one of the goals is to strengthen the cooperation between various local and regional stakeholders working with migrant women, such as Centres for Social Work, the Employment Service, the Government Office for the Support and Integration of Migrants, administrative units, municipalities, health and educational institutions, NGOs, employers, etc.

An individual program lasts eight months and is divided into three parts. At the beginning, participants work in small groups with a focus on their personal growth. Later, the participants are familiarized with the work/study processes. Once a needs assessment is conducted, they are provided with support to develop new competences. Lastly, the participants are prepared for employment or additional education after the program and connected with potential employers.

The impact of the good practice

The participants are included in different workshops and trainings on the topics of communication, dialogue, family and workplace conflicts resolution, active participation in the local community, rights and duties, relations with neighbors, kindergarten staff, social and health workers, employers, etc. Participants are encouraged to strengthen their social, linguistic and communication competencies. Information and counselling are provided to individuals or groups, helping them address challenges they are faced with, identify work and education opportunities, consequently helping then overcome social exclusion and poverty.

Trainings cover usage of modern communication tools, writing short texts or applications forms with emphasis on administrative and institutional framework of public sector, as well as local customs, habits and rules.

The program seeks to establish a safe space and trust and motivate participants to identify their own strengths and potential and broaden their knowledge and skills. With information and psychosocial support, they are encouraged to enter the labor market and become active members of society. Participants are informed about the labor market situation and their rights and duties as employees. Within workshops they develop self-confidence and skills to work in the field of culture and crafts.