Main aim and activites:

The aim of the project is to increase respect for the individual needs of pupils and to improve the relationship and cooperation between teacher and pupil, especially in schools with Roma children. Through this project, LEAF and its partner ETP are guiding teachers in 7 primary and secondary schools towards active learning and active citizenship.

The project actively tailored teacher development programs to address specific needs in individual classrooms. It enhanced educators’ skills through targeted training, aiming to bridge the gap between general training and the challenges faced in daily teaching. Throughout the project, teachers were accompanied by Leaf supervisors who through reflecting on values and attitudes, guided teachers towards critical thinking, self-respect, and support for understanding.

Key outputs included the active improvement of teachers’ implementation of training knowledge, the enhanced impact on classroom dynamics, increased teacher motivation, and the development of better-equipped leaders capable of fostering a supportive and innovative educational environment. Ultimately, the project actively aimed to instigate sustained changes in teaching practices, establishing a foundation for continuous improvement in the education system.

Project timeline: 11/2021 – 07/2023

Project Partner 1: ETP Slovensko – Centrum pre udržateľný rozvoj
Project Partner 2: N/A

Main aim and activites:

Project timeline: 10/2021 – 10/2023

Project Partner 1: Centrum komunitného organizovania
Project Partner 2: Amnesty International Slovensko

Main aim and activites:

Project timeline: 01/2022 – 07/2023

Project Partner 1: N/A
Project Partner 2: N/A

Main aim and activites:

Thanks to the project, Zmudri (Be wise) created a series of video courses on civil and human rights for young people. Social studies teachers received methodological materials and resources for offline and online teaching, which they can use in the long term in the following school years. They were able to fully engage 25 teachers and 344 students. In informal interviews and feedback questionnaires after online classes or face-to-face visits, students always appreciated the simplicity of tackling a seemingly complex topic (and indirectly also the use of the prepared methodology) and most of them declared a higher motivation to take an interest in what is happening around them.

Based on the feedback from the teachers, the methodological materials were improved and modified and a manual for their use was uploaded for further dissemination. Thanks to the project, Zmudri.sk has created a solid portfolio of topics for (especially) civic education that will be usable in the long term. In the next school year, the video course package and the methodologies (along with other video courses that have been implemented) will be used regularly and systematically by approximately 140 teachers who have expressed interest in a slightly modified version of the programme.

Project timeline: 08/2020 – 10/2021

Project Partner 1: N/A
Project Partner 2: N/A

Main aim and activites:

The aim of the project was to address critical issues and challenges within the education system with a focus on preventing discrimination and segregation of children. The project “CTeachers – Critically Thinking, Culturally Sensitive & Conscious Teachers” sought to support teachers in effectively preparing for and addressing these challenges in their teaching practice. In addition, the initiative introduced mentoring for teachers, filling a key gap in the education system.

The main objective was to link the formal and informal teacher training system, to systematise quality guidance and ultimately to prevent segregation in education. The project aimed to improve the quality of education in Slovakia by strengthening the human capacities of public institutions and NGOs. It sought to empower educators to address educational failures, overcome social inequalities leading to segregation, and address the academic problems of children and young people, ultimately contributing to teacher success.

The project has resulted in the creation of a network of well-trained trainers who are equipped with the skills and attitudes needed to solve problems within the education system. Participants have actively applied the knowledge they have gained in their own school and counselling practice, promoting a practical and effective approach to education. The project contributed to bridging the gap between the formal and informal teacher education systems, thus improving the overall quality of education.

Project timeline: 09/2020 – 08/2022

Project Partner 1: Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica
Project Partner 2: N/A

Main aim and activites:

The aim of the project was to address societal challenges in a polarised environment by promoting critical thinking and open dialogue among young people. It focused on regions outside major cities and provided teachers with training in argumentation and academic debate, fostering the skills needed for constructive discussion. 44 debating clubs were formed, 36 of which were created as a direct result of the project. The ultimate aim was to instil a culture of respectful debate, as evidenced by the positive impact on students and the wider community, as demonstrated by the successful organisation of 30 mock debates in 21 schools.

The project has implemented a range of activities aimed at promoting critical thinking and open dialogue among young people, particularly in regions outside major urban centres. To support teachers, the initiative organised comprehensive training on argumentation and academic debates in primary, secondary and higher education. These sessions provided educators with the skills needed to lead students in engaging and constructive debates.

Project timeline: 07/2020 – 07/2023

Project Partner 1: N/A
Project Partner 2: N/A

Main aim and activites:

The project was aimed at preventing bullying and tackling socio-pathological phenomena in schools in the Žilina and Banská Bystrica regions. The aim of the project was to improve the school climate, reduce the number of conflicts, promote social tolerance, remove barriers resulting from different socio-economic backgrounds and cultural differences, and teach pupils effective ways to prevent aggressive behaviour.

The beneficiaries of the project were both teachers and pupils who received training in social and communication skills. The intended impact included the development of skills to deal effectively with aggressive behaviour, promote social tolerance and break down barriers arising from different socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. The goal of the project was to educate and guide students in selected classes and grades to resolve conflicts and problems, promoting skills that serve as anti-bullying prevention.

The project promoted cooperation and exchange between schools, including online meetings. Students tried to solve problems in their schools with the support of coordinators and engaged in public communication through different media. Schools praised the project, acknowledged its positive impact on pupils and recommended its implementation in primary schools. The project has contributed to a positive impact on the whole school and individual pupils, with the intensity of the sessions being adapted to the severity of the COVID-19 situations. The interest of other schools in similar training programmes indicates the potential for scaling up this approach in the school setting.

Project timeline: 06/2020 – 03/2022

Project Partner 1: N/A
Project Partner 2: N/A

Main aim and activites:

The project set out to address various pressing issues and challenges associated with the experiences of LGBTI+ young people. A primary objective was to mitigate the impact of prevalent prejudice and stereotypes, particularly within the school environment. The project aimed to confront and alleviate discriminatory attitudes and biased perceptions that often resulted in negative consequences such as bullying or harassment.

Recognizing schools as potential hotspots for discrimination, the project aimed to tackle instances where manifestations of prejudice and stereotypes escalated to discrimination or harassment within the educational setting. The overarching goal was to create a safer and more inclusive environment for LGBTI+ students.

The project also sought to reduce high rates of harassment documented in survey data, indicating that a significant percentage of young LGBTI+ individuals experienced humiliation or harassment in schools. Efforts were directed towards sensitizing students, educators, and professionals to foster a more supportive atmosphere.

Another key challenge addressed by the project was the lack of awareness and understanding surrounding LGBTI+ issues. This involved not only changing the perceptions of students but also conducting training sessions for professionals, including school psychologists and healthcare practitioners, to enhance their awareness and sensitivity.

In summary, the project aimed to contribute to a more tolerant and accepting society by addressing the root causes of discrimination, prejudice, and stereotypes faced by LGBTI+ young people, particularly within the educational context. The initiatives undertaken focused on education, awareness-building, and community leadership to create a lasting positive impact on the targeted challenges.

Project timeline: 10/2020 – 10/2023

Project Partner 1: N/A
Project Partner 2: N/A

Main aim and activites:

The project aimed to address various issues and challenges in different environments by collaborating with European and domestic experts, artists, activists, media, middle and elementary schools, and a marginalized Roma community. The common goal of these activities was to respond to the deficit in critical thinking and social cohesion, which are essential for the sustainability of democracy and human rights.

The project implemented a diverse range of activities and generated various outputs to achieve its objectives. It organized large public debates, exclusive seminars for teachers and students, and an international conference hosted at a primary school with a significant Roma student population. These events aimed to stimulate critical thinking and foster social cohesion. The project yielded outcomes, benefiting the general public, educators, students, and marginalized communities. There was an observable increase in awareness and understanding of human rights principles, leading to positive shifts in public perceptions and attitudes.

Project timeline: 06/2020 – 11/2023

Project Partner 1: The Norwegian support group after the 22nd July attacks
Project Partner 2: N/A

Main aim and activites:

A series of well-structured activities aimed at addressing the challenges within the Slovak democratic environment took place within the project. Two roundtable discussions were held as part of the project, which provided a space for stakeholders to exchange knowledge and strategies for promoting democracy and countering extremism. Three impactful end-of-year events, collectively referred to as “End of the School Year Highlights”, served as milestones to showcase achievements and celebrate the culmination of the academic year.

An integral part of the project was the winter online conference, which aimed to delve into relevant topics related to democracy, education and extremism. In addition, four educational seminars were organised, two of which were accredited by the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic, demonstrating their educational benefit.
Significant emphasis was placed on the involvement of primary and secondary school pupils in the Banská Bystrica self-governing region through 248 seminars. These workshops, conducted both online and offline, covered various aspects of democracy, critical thinking and strategies for countering extremism.

Project timeline: 08/2020 – 09/2023

Project Partner 1: Amnesty International Slovakia
Project Partner 2: Reach-Institute, o.z.

Main aim and activites:

The aim of the project was to raise awareness about reproductive rights and to strengthen women’s right to freely make decisions about their bodies and reproduction. The long-standing violation of reproductive rights in the Slovak Republic has been exacerbated by repeated proposals to ban and/or further restrict women’s access to abortion that have been submitted to the National Council of the Slovak Republic. They have also reinforced insensitive public discourse and the impression that abortion is readily available to women and that their rights are not violated.

As part of the monitoring activities, the project implementer carried out 3 in-depth research probes in order to fill in the missing knowledge about the situation in the Slovak Republic. A number of advocacy activities were carried out. These were related to efforts to prevent the adoption of 18 restrictive bills in the National Assembly of the Slovak Republic. The project implementer conducted roundtables, negotiated with politicians, provided consultations, produced analyses of parliamentary proposals, documents for parliamentary debates, calls, mass comments, and participated in the meetings of the Health Committee of the National Assembly of the Slovak Republic. Through advocacy and research activities, he created a supportive argumentative base for public protests with the slogan We will not be silent! and strengthened civic mobilisation.

Project timeline: 06/2020 – 01/2023

Project Partner 1: N/A
Project Partner 2: N/A

Main aim and activites:

The project was aimed at addressing the challenges faced by human rights, which have been and are under massive attacks undermining their status as universal and indivisible rights for all people. The human rights narrative was weakening, and upcoming trends suggested that this trend may persist. The main challenge was to counter these trends through a comprehensive project, given the critical need for such a response to prevent further dilution and violation of human rights.

The project successfully organized 89 events on various human rights topics. These included 37 events for the general public and 52 educational events, mainly interactive workshops, living libraries and discussions, aimed at young people in primary, secondary and higher education. In addition, 30 training sessions on human rights issues were held for teachers and related professions, as well as for young individuals, mainly from secondary schools. The project also produced 13 human rights magazines, which were distributed to young people and the teaching community. In addition, 100 videos on basic human rights issues were produced. The project’s activities reached a wide audience and had an impact on more than 404,000 individuals, surpassing the original target of 3,000.

Project timeline: 10/2020 – 08/2023

Project Partner 1: N/A
Project Partner 2: N/A

Main aim and activites:

The project focused on the historical failures and challenges faced by Slovak society during and after the Second World War. Specifically, it focused on addressing the problem of the limited acknowledgement of the country’s participation in Nazi crimes and the expulsion of certain population groups from its territory. The primary method used in the project was to highlight individual narratives influenced by these historical events using art-inspired forms such as film, public memorials (Stolperstein or “Stumbling Stones”), literary-historical treatments with visual elements such as photographs, and audio presentations.

To increase the clarity and tangibility of the message, these stories were strategically placed in well-known public places in the respective regions. Placing memorial stones to victims of Nazism in the exact places where they once lived allowed passersby to empathize with the experiences of individuals or families, thereby promoting sensitivity to human rights and protecting the public from human rights violations.

The successful placement of 60 Stolpersteins in 16 towns and villages, accompanied by 77 media outputs and 19 documented stories on the project website, exemplified a tangible commitment to preserving the human rights stories of the people concerned. Interviews with 17 witnesses, mainly from the oldest age group, ensured the preservation of valuable testimonies that contributed not only to historical knowledge but also to the advancement of public awareness, education and increased sensitivity to human rights issues.

Project timeline: 01-07-2019 – 31-12-2020

Project Partner 1: N/A
Project Partner 2:N/A

Main aim and activites:

The project aimed to address a number of societal challenges and issues, with a primary focus on promoting a more nuanced understanding of migration in Slovakia. The main objective was to counter the prevailing negative political discourse around migration in the country. By organising a series of events, the project sought to promote critical thinking among young people (aged 15 to 25) on important social issues, facilitate the development of human rights knowledge, cultivate solidarity towards vulnerable groups, reduce extremist and xenophobic sentiments, promote creativity and artistic expression, and contribute to raising civic awareness.

In addition, the project aimed to challenge negative stereotypes associated with migration and to create a more positive and informed outlook among participants. The initiatives implemented also included targeted training, research activities and collaboration with various organisations, professionals, immigrants, educators and students to address the multifaceted aspects of migration discourse and promote positive social change.

Project timeline: 08/2019 – 10/2022

Project Partner 1: CVEK – Centre for the Research of Ethnicity and Culture
Project Partner 2: Mareena

Main aim and activites:

The grant recipient was motivated to prepare and implement the workshops mainly by the growing support for far-right political parties and fascism among young people, as well as the disinformation war that has taken over the Slovak media and influenced public opinion. In addition, there was an insufficient number of history lessons in the school curriculum, and the teaching of history was based on memorising facts without understanding the context. By implementing experiential learning, they sought to ensure that workshop participants understood the meaning and context of information about Slovak history – in order to gain a comprehensive view of the world, to contribute to building historical memory, to strengthen human rights awareness and critical thinking, and to challenge stereotypes and prejudices. Between April 2019 and January 2021, 240 experiential learning workshops were held in primary and secondary schools in Slovakia, attended by 5366 pupils from primary schools, secondary schools, gymnasiums and conservatories.

The course of the project was unexpectedly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which changed the format of the workshops. These gradually moved online and were held via the ZOOM platform. They reformulated the methodologies of the experiential workshops for primary schools “Decision-making”, “School celebrations 89/90” and for secondary schools “We have just been born” and “Tender change” to be able to deliver the workshops online.

Project timeline: 01-06-2019 – 31-07-2020

Project Partner 1: N/A
Project Partner 2: N/A