The digital world is changing faster than ever before. For some, it is full of opportunities; for others, it is yet another barrier. In Luník IX, women are learning that even the basics of computer skills can be a step toward independence, employment, and fulfilled dreams.
We live in a digital age and are witnessing the incredibly rapid development of artificial intelligence. Every day we hear that those who don’t jump on this moving train will be left behind.
For people living in poverty, however, this world can be even more exclusionary — not only because they lack the means and opportunities to “jump on board,” but because they often lack even basic digital skills.
This is also why the UPre ženy programme focuses on developing digital skills. Women in Luník IX are strengthening these skills through workshops implemented with support from The Starbucks Foundation as part of its Global Community Impact Grants initiative.
Katarína Brnčalová, District Manager Starbucks Slovakia, delivered the UPre ženy training for the third time.
"It's a very interesting and rewarding experience — preparing this kind of training, getting to know the community of women from Luník IX, and helping them integrate into everyday life. Together with my colleagues, we taught them computer basics and also covered job platforms so they could navigate them on their own. Even if it helps just one woman find a job, it's worth it,"
And what does participant Anna-Mária think of the training?
"I had to leave school in my final year before graduation, so I come here to learn as much as I can. It helps me a lot, and we have a great group."
Anna-Mária attends the sessions together with her young daughter. Alongside parenthood, she is working toward making her dreams come true:
"My dream is to finish school, pass my final exams, and then do something in administration. But the most important thing for me is raising my daughter, because she is my whole world."
Women living in marginalised Roma communities face multiple layers of discrimination — based on ethnicity, gender, social background, and where they live. A Luník IX address is often enough reason for an employer not to invite someone to an interview. In an increasingly digitalised world, another barrier is added to these: a lack of digital skills, without which it becomes ever harder to look for work, navigate everyday situations, and be self-sufficient. This is precisely why it is important to create spaces where women can gradually acquire these skills and turn them into real opportunities.
The UPre ženy programme in Luník IX is implemented in partnership with ETP Slovensko, with support from The Starbucks Foundation, whose Global Community Impact Grants focus on strengthening communities and expanding economic opportunity through locally relevant initiatives.
Foto: Petra Juhásová
