Divé maky: Bridging Cultures through Talent:

Divé maky (Wild Poppies) is a leading Slovak NGO dedicated to the inclusion of Roma youth by nurturing their talent and education. They actively promote intercultural awareness by shifting the public perception of Roma identity from a "social burden" to a source of cultural enrichment.By fostering mutual respect rather than just "aid," Divé maky creates a more cohesive, inclusive society.

Key Pillars of Inclusion:
•    Individual Empowerment: Their Scholarship Program provides long-term mentoring, ensuring talented kids succeed in the mainstream education system.
•    Systemic Change: Through Youth Leadership projects, they raise a new generation of Roma role models who act as bridges between communities.

The Association for Help to People with Intellectual Disabilities in the Slovak Republic:

The Association for Help to People with Intellectual Disabilities in the Slovak Republic (ZPMP in SR) continues its mission to foster inclusion, social skills, and independence for young people with mental disabilities through several key initiatives in 2025 and 2026.

 Youth-Focused Activities:

• Art Salon ZPMP 2025 and 2026: A prestigious national art competition and exhibition that showcases the creative talents of children and youth with intellectual disabilities. It aims to bridge the gap between the majority and the community through public exhibitions.
• BIVIO Centre – Vocational Training: Located in Bratislava-Rača, the BIVIO Social Enterprise serves as a crucial training hotel and restaurant. In 2025, projects like "Learning to Work in BIVIO" focus on preparing young adults for the open labour market through hands-on practice in catering and hospitality.
• Other activities of the organization include, for example:
  • Self-Advocacy and Political Participation: ZPMP actively organizes workshops (supported by Inclusion Europe) where young people learn to stand up for their rights. These sessions focus on "self-advocacy," teaching youth how to make independent decisions and participate in civic life.
  • Inclusive Transition from School to Work: A major international partnership project (running through 2025) focuses on creating a "Roadmap for Inclusive Transition." It aims to support young students with disabilities as they move from special education to professional employment using multimedia storytelling and e-books.

Pontis Foundation
The Pontis Foundation is one of Slovakia's most influential NGOs, with a strategic mission to foster social innovation, modern education, and a responsible society. In 2025 and 2026, their youth-focused agenda prioritizes preparing the next generation for the 21st-century labour market and promoting active civic participation.

Youth-Focused Activities:

• Budúcnosť INAK (Future DIFFERENTLY): A flagship after-school program for children aged 11–15. In 2025 and 2026, the program is expanding its regional innovation centers, providing a three-year curriculum focused on digital skills, entrepreneurship, and soft skills to ensure equal opportunities for youth from diverse backgrounds.
• Impact Summit #nextgen: A dedicated platform for young leaders and changemakers (aged 18–35). In 2025 and 2026, the summit and its related workshops focus on mental resilience, brain drain prevention and giving young people a voice in national public discourse.
• Other activities of the organization include, for example:
  • Impact Lab: This EU-funded accelerator (running through 2026) supports smaller NGOs and projects that tackle digital well-being, critical thinking, and psychological safety in schools for young people.
  • EDUcamp: An initiative that brings together teachers and students to innovate the educational process. The 2025/2026 sessions focus on integrating AI into learning and fostering a more inclusive and modern school environment.
     

Other on-going programmes and initiatives of non-governmental non-profit organizations