Awards for those who have helped improve the situation for Roma in Slovakia
The NGO Award: ETP Slovensko
for complex and highly specialised and authentic work and services for disadvantaged and marginalised groups of inhabitants and the fight against poverty and social exclusion in Slovakia – in certain regards concerning the Roma in segregated settlements. For applying the concept of social mobilisation which provides motivation towards mutual assistance and support, specifically regarding the creation and co-creation of temporary employment opportunities and full time positions.
The Corporate Award: U.S. Steel
For the creation and implementation of the equal opportunities – work for the Roma program which resolves the situation regarding long-term unemployment with the aim of reducing unemployment in the region and improving the Roma standard of living. The project was extremely effective – with US Steel among others being an actual employer – which serves as a consecutive example and motivation for other employers.
Extra curricula education activities: Dokorán (wide open) foundation school
Nationwide non-profit organisation focused on life-long education whereby activities are implemented first and foremost in localities with higher Roma community counts., with the focus being on children from socially and linguistically disadvantaged environments. Specifics include skill development, countering inadequate education among Roma students, setting changes for improved education quality for the respective children, target oriented work with teachers and changes in the school environment and climate.
Individual award: PhDr. František Godla
For lifelong pedagogical work and public involvement to the favour of Roma and non-Roma students, for supporting and motivating Roma into becoming educated, for his contributions to the development of the Roma press and media, for his activities pertaining to Roma history in the context of the history of European nations and for his untiring efforts towards the political unity of Roma in Slovakia.
Activity of the year: Kvetoslava Turtáková and Jaroslav Korpáš
The nominated activity can be labelled as a direct novel or film story or the opposite. A non-Roma 16 year old girl turns up in a settlement, a girl who has been on the run for a long time, neglected, traumatised and quite probably abused. She was provided accommodation, food, hygiene and medical aid and many other institutional steps to help save her and potentially provide her with a future were taken.
We would like to thank everybody who has supported the Gypsy Spirit 2009 and look forward to seeing you at Gypsy Spirit 2010.