New participants, more intensive training, and increased involvement of graduates. We continue our work with women in Luník IX, thanks to the support of the Karl Kahane Foundation and the Starbucks Foundation.
During the pilot year of UPre Women, we worked in three distinct communities: Dobšiná, Veľký Krtíš, and Luník IX in Košice. This has provided us with valuable insights into how to work most effectively with Roma women. We focused on strengthening their skills and self-confidence to help them secure employment in the labor market. However, we did not focus solely on developing the women themselves – we also collaborated with employers, local authorities, the public, and the Roma community to foster changes in the environment where UPre Women live and work.
A new year, new skills, and a stronger community
We will build on these insights in our work with a new group of young Roma women. We are launching a new edition of the UPre Women program, enhanced with more intensive lessons in digital skills, improved literacy in reading and writing, and activities focused on promoting good mental health. We will also involve the team from our new partner, Starbucks, in educational activities.
We will begin recruiting a new group in October 2025, with training set to commence at the end of November. We will also involve graduates from the pilot year at Luník IX in the process, enabling them to continue developing their community and share their experiences.
„Our goal is to work within the community on a long-term basis, contributing to lasting changes in the living conditions and opportunities for Roma women from Luník IX. This also necessitates close cooperation with local stakeholders and the elimination of anti-Roma discrimination in the labor market, as it is a key factor driving our efforts in these communities. We are thrilled that, thanks to the support of two new partners, the Karl Kahane Foundation and the Starbucks Foundation, we can continue the UPre program for women in Luník IX.”
