COOPOWER Partners Explore Community Empowerment Practices During Study Visit to Plavecký Štvrtok

In May 2026, the COOPOWER project partners participated in a study visit to the Community Centre and Clubroom in Plavecký Štvrtok, operated by People in Peril Slovakia (Človek v ohrození).

The visit began with a welcome and introduction by the People in Peril team, who presented their integrated approach to supporting vulnerable groups, with a particular focus on the local Roma community. The COOPOWER partners learned how the organization combines community development activities with targeted measures to improve employability and access to the labour market.

During the visit participants had the opportunity to observe ongoing activities and gain insight into the services provided to young people and adults. Particular attention was given to the organization's efforts to support Roma community members in finding and maintaining employment through individual counselling, skills development, job-search assistance, mediation with employers, and long-term mentoring.

The study visit also provided an opportunity to meet staff members and beneficiaries, who shared their experiences and highlighted the positive impact of community-based support on both social inclusion and economic participation. Through open discussions, partners explored the challenges faced by marginalized communities in accessing employment opportunities, as well as the strategies used to overcome barriers and build trust within the community.

The exchange continued with a discussion on the centre's achievements, lessons learned, challenges and good practices that could inspire similar initiatives across the Danube Region. The visit concluded with a Q&A session, allowing partners to further explore approaches to community empowerment, labour market integration, and stakeholder engagement.

The study visit offered valuable insights into how locally driven, people-centred interventions can contribute to greater social inclusion and employment opportunities for vulnerable groups. The experience resonated strongly with the objectives of the COOPOWER project, which seeks to empower youth from vulnerable regions and strengthen pathways to sustainable employment across the Danube Region.

For more information about the work of People in Peril Slovakia and its community programmes, visit: https://clovekvohrozeni.sk/chcem-pomoct-na-slovensku/klubovne/