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1. Educational support

2. Social cohesion and equal opportunities

Educational support

Slovakia’s policies and initiatives on social inclusion through education and training focus primarily on inclusive education, removing barriers for disadvantaged youth, and fostering social cohesion and equal opportunities through formal, non-formal, and informal learning.

• Legal Framework and Principles: The Slovak Education Act (Act no. 245/2008) guarantees equal access to education, prohibits discrimination, and promotes an individual approach respecting the diverse educational needs, abilities, and health of all learners, including those with disabilities. The Constitution also ensures special support for disabled citizens' training.

• Inclusion Strategy: The government adopted the Strategy on Inclusive Approach in Education 2021–2030, focusing on inclusive education, counselling systems, desegregation, barrier removal in schools, training of teachers and professionals, and destigmatisation.

• Target Groups: Official policies identify learners with migrant backgrounds, disabilities, minorities (notably Roma children), NEETs (young people not in employment, education, or training), and socially disadvantaged backgrounds as priority groups for inclusion support.

• Programmes and Measures: Key actions include:

  • Supporting children with special educational needs with tailored curricula and pedagogical methods.

  • Developing and reforming counselling and prevention systems in schools.

  • Promoting desegregation by monitoring and eliminating segregated schooling, especially for Roma children.

  • Funding for barrier removal and increased accessibility in school facilities.

  • Training teachers to address diverse learning needs, with emphasis on learners from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Social cohesion and equal opportunities

Slovakia promotes social cohesion and equal opportunities through a comprehensive framework of policies, programmes, and funding mechanisms that address systemic inequalities and foster inclusive education. These efforts are grounded in constitutional principles, anti-discrimination legislation (Act No. 365/2004), and international commitments such as CEDAW.

The education system guarantees free and equal access at all levels, with a strong emphasis on inclusive education, gender equality, and non-discrimination. National education principles explicitly promote tolerance, civic responsibility, and respect for diversity, aiming to prepare students for life in a democratic society .

Key initiatives include:

• Anti-segregation policies targeting the integration of Roma children and other marginalized groups, supported by methodological guidance from the Ministry of Education.
• Teacher training and curricula that incorporate civic education, gender equality, and multicultural awareness.
• Non-formal and informal learning programmes that support youth work, community engagement, and inclusive educational environments, particularly for vulnerable populations.
• Training for educators and youth workers to foster inclusive, anti-discriminatory practices and multicultural competence
• Targeted projects addressing gender stereotypes, promoting the inclusion of Roma women and children, and supporting learners in rural and disadvantaged areas.

Public funding is allocated through national strategies such as the 2021–2027 National Strategy for Equality between Women and Men and Equal Opportunities, with resources managed by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family. These funds support lifelong learning, inclusive education, and participatory gender equality initiatives. While some recent funding shifts have emphasized pro-family organizations, education remains a key domain for combating stereotypes and inequality.