Slovakia

Slovakia is a mountainous country in Central Europe. The country maintains a combination of a market economy with a comprehensive social security system, providing citizens with universal health care, free education, and one of the longest paid parental leaves.

Total population: 5.5 million
Total children under the age of 18: 1 million

The situation of children in Slovakia

Institutional care is no longer seen and supported as a solution for the situation of vulnerable children in Slovakia. The system of care for children went through transformation and so did the public awareness about the issue. Christian NGOs had an important and positive role in that process. However, the involvement of Christian families and churches is very limited. According to research, a change of mindset and attitude of heart is needed. The need for help, and to see a change in the situation of vulnerable children and families, is particularly critical in excluded communities. That is where a broadscale collaboration is needed the most.

Slovakia without Orphans:
So far there is no WWO movement in Slovakia that includes churches, NGOs, and governments to collaborate on behalf of vulnerable children. There is, however, a Slovakia without Orphans facilitation team meeting regularly, building connections, mapping the current situation, and praying. The team organized a round-table conversation in 2021 and plans to meet again to invite family-based care champions, advocates, and practitioners to explore how they can collaborate.
If you would like to participate in Slovakia without Orphans roundtable and be part of the conversation, please contact: Lubo Hlavacka 

Other Information about Orphaned and Vulnerable Children and Family Care in Slovakia

Better Care Network Information on Family-Based Care in Slovakia
More information for prayer at Operation World

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