{"id":5259,"date":"2023-11-13T14:02:51","date_gmt":"2023-11-13T13:02:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cestavon.sk\/zebra\/"},"modified":"2024-10-14T11:49:53","modified_gmt":"2024-10-14T09:49:53","slug":"zebra","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/cestavon.sk\/en\/zebra\/","title":{"rendered":"ZEBRA"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The Zebra program<\/h1>

How do average teenagers in poor communities usually spend their time? Just like any other teenagers all over the world. They head out, meet up in groups, and enjoy hanging out with friends. They have few opportunities for meaningful activities. In marginalized communities, there is little opportunity for young people to bring their ideas to life or develop their talents.<\/p>Donate<\/a> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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That is why the ZEBRA program focuses on children and young people from poor communities aged 11 to 19. We work on developing their life attitudes, skills, and personal resources. We help them succeed in education, engage them in sports activities, nurture their talent, and guide them on their path to adulthood.<\/p> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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The program was launched as a pilot in three marginalized communities \u2212 Ve\u013ek\u00e1 Lomnica, Chminianske Jakubovany and Kecerovce. In our Zebra clubs, young Roma leaders organize activities in a safe and stimulating environment.<\/p> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Zone<\/h2>

Safe zone for you<\/p> <\/div>\n

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Empathy<\/h2>

We understand your needs.<\/p> <\/div>\n

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Be safe<\/h2>

You are safe here.<\/p> <\/div>\n

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Respect<\/h2>

We treat you with respect.<\/p> <\/div>\n

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Authenticity<\/h2>

You can be yourself.<\/p> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Zebra stripes are like human fingerprints, unique to each individual. The same goes for the young people in our clubs. The black-and-white zebra stripes are also a symbol of inclusion, which we aim to promote through connecting young people from Roma communities with those from the majority population. The term ‘zebra’ is also used for pedestrian crossings, and we hope that our Zebra program will serve as a pathway for young people living in poverty to access new environments and experiences that would otherwise remain unavailable.<\/blockquote>
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What are the needs of young people in communities?<\/h2>

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\n Access to water for more than just a few hours a day. Proper streetlights on the way back from school so I wouldn\u2019t be afraid to walk home. A place where it\u2019s quiet at least for a while and no one is yelling. To have someone to talk about what’s bothering me. <\/p>\n

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Sebasti\u00e1n, a teenager from Ve\u013ek\u00e1 Lomnica<\/p>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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\n The transition to high school in the city is often so challenging that many young people drop out before completing their studies. I think that a tutor who would help them in adapting to a new school would be the best solution. <\/p>\n

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Mgr. Alena Davidov\u00e1, PhD., principal of the Elementary School Kecerovce<\/p>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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\n Zebra clubs give children a chance to talk to each other and share their concerns. They can nurture talents they don\u2019t have the opportunity to develop at home. I\u2019d love to see these children to get an education and a find a fulfilling job. <\/p>\n

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Olinka, youth leader, Chminianske Jakubovany<\/p>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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\n Young people face significant challenges while growing up. This is even harder for those who grow up in socially excluded communities. That\u2019s why it\u2019s amazing to have strong adult figures, who care, support, and encourage them, as well as help them overcome these challenges. I think that this is the real essence of working with young people. … Zobrazi\u0165 viac<\/a> <\/p>\n

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Karin Swanson Adr\u00e1\u0161ikov\u00e1, Zebra Program Consultant<\/p>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Young people face significant challenges while growing up. This is even harder for those who grow up in socially excluded communities. That\u2019s why it\u2019s amazing to have strong adult figures, who care, support, and encourage them, as well as help them overcome these challenges. I think that this is the real essence of working with young people. And that\u2019s exactly how I perceive the Zebra program \u2212 a safe environment for personal growth, where leaders offer support and guidance to young people during their adolescence.<\/p>\n

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Karin Swanson Adr\u00e1\u0161ikov\u00e1, Zebra Program Consultant<\/p>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Why was the Zebra program created?<\/h3> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n
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In the OMAMA program, we focus on early childhood, as it is the most essential phase in human development. On the other hand, for young people the teenage years are often the most challenging ones. It is during this time that they make decisions that can impact the rest of their lives. They are faced with decisions about going to high school or starting a family.<\/p> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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In poor communities, girls face pressure to become mothers early, often by the age of 16 or sometimes even earlier. This is not an ethnic issue but rather a problem of generational poverty, where early sexual experiences and teenage pregnancies are a global social phenomenon. As a result, children are becoming parents, bringing their children into the never-ending cycle of poverty.<\/p> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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This also results in a high number of students dropping out of elementary and high school early, leaving young people unprepared for the job market. In Slovakia, there is a 29% unemployment rate among low-skilled people. Young Roma people face several forms of discrimination, such as verbal abuse, segregation, and social isolation from their peers from majority population. This leads to limited opportunities, inequality, low self-esteem, and deteriorating mental health. In addition, there are hardly any extracurricular activities for young people from excluded communities.<\/p> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Quality free time and positive connections with peers or adults from the majority population can help overcome many challenges these children face. They can find role models to look up to, develop new skills and shape their characters. This allows them to live their teenage years in a much healthier way and be better equipped for a more respectable future.<\/p> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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