Sustainable Inclusion in NP Poloniny: The Social and Green Approach of the Community Centre
About this good practice
The Community Centre, located in the village of Ulič within NP Poloniny, serves a population of 800 and is the only community center in the Snina district. Employing 3 staff members, it focuses on integrating socially disadvantaged groups, including marginalized Roma families and older adults, while promoting a healthier and more inclusive community. The center's activities prioritize environmental education, health, and overall well-being.
Objectives:
•Improving living standards for all residents, enhancing physical and mental health.
•Promoting health awareness through education on hygiene, nutrition, and active living.
•Providing meaningful leisure activities for older adults to reduce isolation and boost mental health.
•Offering environmental education to encourage healthier living in harmony with nature.
Implementation:
•Organizing intergenerational activities (indoor and outdoor), which foster emotional well-being for older adults and social development for children.
•Encouraging active participation in group activities to counteract sedentary habits linked to mobile device use, promoting physical fitness in a natural setting.
•Leveraging the unique location within a national park to inspire outdoor activities, showcasing the health benefits of nature and increasing appreciation for local natural wealth.
By addressing health from physical, mental, and social perspectives, the Centre plays a vital role in improving the quality of life for all residents.
Resources needed
Human and financial resources:
3 internal employees of the community center,
Salaries for 3 employees, operating costs of the center
Evidence of success
Green oases-Creation of a rock garden and a small wooden gazebo in the garden behind the community center. The entire community participated in the implementation of the project, from children to older adults.
Indoor and outdoor Enviro and Eco Center-The environmental center offers a number of features through which children can learn about the environment in an experiential way. These features include an outdoor oven, insect and bird houses, a compost area, raised beds, a sensory trail
Potential for learning or transfer
Key success factors
• people from the community work in the Community Center
• support from the founder and cooperation of actors and partners around the community center
• Significant awards at the national level for the work with Roma community
Challenges encountered
• The first challenge was to clarify that the activities are open and for the benefit of everyone and do not solely the Roma community
• To gain the trust of the community, to motivate it to cooperate and keep cooperation active
