Grant: €14 976

Area: Social inclusion

Patrón: Mia Bajáková

Despite Slovakia´s economic growth, hundreds of thousands of people still live in extreme poverty which they were born into and which they struggle to escape from. The unique Omama initiative has been supported by the Foundation Granvia with €14 976.

The pilot project was launched in three Roma settlements from the most impoverished parts of Slovakia. In Banská Bystrica region it is Muránska Dlhá Lúka, in Košice region Kecerovce and in Prešov it is Zborov village. In each community, mothers are selected to become the so-called "omamas". They are capable, responsible, have a natural authority and solid relationship with children. These 4 women are employed and, with the help of early baby-care professionals, trained in methods of developing the brain of a child in its nascent years.

The aim of the project is to break the cycle of generational poverty by developing the personality of children from a poverty-stricken environment from a key early age (0-3), that helps establish healthier foundations for their success in future life.

At the same time, the mission of the organization is to help specific socially-challenged women acquire education, work habits and meaningful jobs that will allow them to work permanently.

The project has been a huge success and its innovative approach has also been recognized by foreign organizations.