International development cooperation and humanitarian aid
"Navigating Life with Dementia: A Project for People with Dementia or at Risk of Dementia and their Families", 2024-2025
"Navigating Life with Dementia: A Project for People with Dementia or at Risk of Dementia and their Families," funded by the European Union and the Government of Montenegro, will focus on creating socially inclusive communities by providing relevant social services to families and communities addressing the needs of older persons with dementia or at risk and the needs of their families and caregivers, and by providing psycho-social support to people with dementia and their families in northern Montenegro. Institute Circle from Slovenia, in partnership with the NGO Impuls from Montenegro, and eight Montenegrin municipalities will continue their joint work in the field of dementia.
Development project: Education and economic empowerment of vulnerable groups of women and girls in Montenegro - EKOS, 2023-2025
Montenegro (MNE) is a distinctly patriarchal country that faces economic and other gender-based discrimination. The situation is particularly worrying in the northern, less developed part of the country, where every third woman/girl is a victim of some form of violence. The project, which is implemented by Zavod Krog, NVU Impuls and NGO Ikre, takes place in the north of MNE and through awareness-raising and training of various target groups contributes to the empowerment of women/girls with gender equality rights, knowledge to prevent violence, and active support in their efforts for economic independence. The project will activate the operation of a network of 10 NGOs in the north of ČG for the prevention of violence and the empowerment of women/girls in the field of gender equality (EKOS Network). Local public institutions will be addressed to include the topic in local strategic plans. An online academy will be established on the rights of gender equality, the prevention of violence and the promotion of economic independence. 16 members from the EKOS network will be trained to provide counselling and assistance to vulnerable groups. Through interactive workshops, they will advise vulnerable groups in the exercise of gender equality rights. Training of 20 rural women/girls in the cultivation of medicinal and herbal plants will be carried out to ensure their economic independence, including the creation of a business plan and promotional campaigns. A large-scale campaign to raise awareness of the importance of gender equality and the prevention of gender-based violence will take place in 5 participating cities.
The project is financed by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia in the framework of international development cooperation. The opinion and content of the project do not represent the official position of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia.
Guide: Planting and cultivation of medicinal and aromatic herbs
Guide to gender equality and violence prevention (mne language)
Humanitarian project "Help to flooded areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina", 2014
In May 2014, the Republic of Serbia (hereafter Serbia) and Bosnia and Herzegovina were affected by catastrophic floods, which are estimated to be the worst in the last 120 years. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, heavy rains caused extensive flooding in the northern, eastern and central parts of the territory bordering the Republic of Croatia and Serbia. Urban, industrial and rural areas were completely flooded in some places, many parts were cut off from the world and without electricity or communications due to the destroyed infrastructure. In addition to a large number of residential houses, commercial buildings and public infrastructure were also completely or partially destroyed. In May 2014, Institute Circle, together with other non-governmental organizations, became involved in providing first aid to residents of flooded areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina. When the situation slowly began to stabilize, Institute Circle together with Association Sezam sent a truckload of school equipment and inventory to Maglaj Primary School in July 2014. In November 2014, Institute Circle, with the help of donations from Slovenian primary and secondary schools, sent another truckload of school inventory and equipment to 11 primary and secondary schools and a kindergarten in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Reconstruction project of facilities "Help to restore flooded public infrastructure in Bosnia and Herzegovina", 2015
On July 3, 2014 the Government of the Republic of Slovenia adopted a resolution allocating aid for the restoration of damage to flooded areas in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, part of which is intended for projects of non-governmental organizations. One of the aid projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina was led by the Institute Circle in cooperation with the local humanitarian organization Pomozi.ba. The project included the renovation of the playground at the Kovači Elementary School in the Municipality of Zavidovići, the construction of a drainage system, drainage for water drainage, the arrangement of the yard and the gymnasium at the Duboki Potok Elementary School and the rehabilitation of a landslide in the Cage regional school, the reconstruction of the sanitary facilities at the Podorášje Elementary School in the Municipality of Srebrenik and the reconstruction of roofs in the Sapna Health Center. The project improved the conditions for the education of 1,686 children (hygiene, safety, learning) in the municipality of Zavidoviči, the conditions for educational, sports and health activities of children in Duboki Potok and the conditions for health care improved 15,850 citizens of Sapna. The project was financed by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia within international development cooperation. The opinion and content of the project do not represent the official position of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia.
Development project "Jordan through the eyes of a child", 2014-2016
Institute Circle in cooperation with the Jordanian organization SOS Villages, conducted training for professional workers (youth workers, psychologists, sociologists and social workers) from the rural areas of Amman, Irbid and Aqaba in Jordan in the field of children's rights and various aspects of the child's development, from physical, emotional and mental. As part of the training, there were also workshops for mothers and fathers who take care of children, mostly orphans, under the auspices of the partner in the project, as well as practical exercises as part of workshops for the development of life skills in children and young people. Although Jordan was among the first Middle Eastern countries to ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the youngest still remain the "weakest members" of Jordanian society. Their various rights are violated, from the right to citizenship to the right to development (e.g. education, leisure activities...), to the right to participate (e.g. expression of opinion). Children from rural areas, who are also the poorest are most exposed to rights violations and discrimination, disabled children, illegitimate children, whose parents often give up on them due to stigma, and refugee children, especially children from Syria in the last three years. The project was financed by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia within international development cooperation. The opinion and content of the project do not represent the official position of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia.
Development project "Empowering refugee women in Uganda - Saying NO to inequality, vulnerability and poverty", 2015-2017
Institute Circle and the Ugandan organization Hope of Children and Women Victims of Violence (HOCW) jointly implemented a project with the aim of increasing the economic independence of women, especially refugee women, in Ndejje, Uganda, and improving the position of women and increasing respect or implementing their rights. After the completion of the project, 60 women were able to support their families financially by growing mushrooms and hairdressing, and 110 girls and women involved knew how to list their rights, protect themselves, say no, act in case of violence and act as equals to men. Mushroom growing and hairdressing are areas with a lot of business potential in the Ndejja area, so we upgraded the existing work in these two areas within HOCW, trained women, provided them with space, tools, accessories and materials, as well as additional support for work. The purchase of land for HOCW is the first ownership of the property. In terms of the size of the country's economy (GDP per person), Uganda ranks fourth in terms of the number of refugees in the country. In February 2016, there were over 500,000 registered refugees in Uganda, of which 79% were women and children. It is especially difficult for women to find employment, there are many single mothers. Refugees who are not in refugee camps (there are over 77,000 of them in the urban environment) mostly eat 1-2 times a day. With occasional jobs, they barely earn enough for the cheapest, basic food. Not knowing the language and customs hinders them from integrating into society and ensuring their livelihood. The local population already struggles with poverty, but the situation is even worse for refugees. The project was financed by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia within international development cooperation. The opinion and content of the project do not represent the official position of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia.
Development project "My community Ein El Helwah - Psychosocial support for Syrian and Palestinian refugees, children and women v Ein El Helwah", 2015-2017
Institute Circle, in cooperation with the local partner organization Naba'a Developmental Action without Borders, implemented a project in the refugee community of Ein El Helwah in the south of Lebanon, the aim of which was to improve the psychosocial and emotional state of refugees, especially children and women who fled from Syria. A range of individual or group psychosocial support activities were available, from simple recreational activities to therapies, which were attended by 200 children and 200 women. Special attention was paid to young girls, who are one of the most vulnerable groups, in separate meetings and to parents who are trying to provide their children with the most pleasant childhood possible in difficult circumstances. Already at the beginning of the project, a group of young refugees was offered the opportunity to train new animators, who acquired new knowledge and skills during the training. Before the Syrian crisis, 70,000 Palestinians lived in EEH, but now 120,000 Palestinian and Syrian refugees live on 1 km2 of the camp and in its surroundings. EEH is the most densely populated and, due to different political factions, the most turbulent refugee camp in Lebanon. In addition to the Syrians, 30 percent of all Palestinian refugees from Syria have settled in the area, who are cared for only by the financially underprivileged and unprepared UN Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). The project was financed by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia within international development cooperation. The opinion and content of the project do not represent the official position of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia.
Development project "Through vocational training to economically and socially successful Afghan women", 2015-2017
Institute Circle, in cooperation with the local partner organization HELP, implemented a project in Herat, Afghanistan, the aim of which was the economic and social empowerment of local women through vocational training and education in the field of entrepreneurship, marketing and promotion, as well as consulting on in the field of finding employment or establishing one's own or group small business or cooperative. Within the framework of the local organization and in cooperation with Institute Circle and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Slovenia (MFA), there is also an employment center that establishes contact with local employers and training participants and helps them offer their products or services on the market. More than 13 years after the fall of the Taliban regime, the potential of women for social and economic development in Afghanistan still remains untapped. Although the importance and necessity of the development of women's social and human capital is written in all important documents for the development of Afghanistan, Afghan women remain in a worse socio-economic position compared to both Afghan men and women in the world. The project was financed by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia within international development cooperation. The opinion and content of the project do not represent the official position of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia.
Development project "Egypt through the eyes of a child", 2015-2016
Institute Circle, in cooperation with the local organization SOS Villages, implemented a project whose goals were:
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to increase the role of 15 educational workers and employees in foster care centers in the field of empowering children and raising awareness of children's rights in Cairo, Alexandria and Tanta,
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to strengthen respect and realization of children's rights by 100 foster care, social and youth workers and mothers,
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to empower 100 vulnerable children for active and responsible behaviour through workshops on their rights, activities to strengthen life skills and involvement in activities to promote children's rights.
Children in Egypt are victims of exploitation and violence in the family, school, and other institutions. Due to parental neglect, thousands of children live on the streets or in foster homes. Eighty-four percents of children aged 2-14 are victims of physical and psychological violence by their parents (Cabinet Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC) 2009). Children compete with each other and with adults for food, drugs and money, they quickly become victims of exploitation by adults, sexual violence and other abuses, they have no access to education, medical care and legal assistance. they have only limited access (Manara 2011: 66). The project was financed by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic Slovenia within international development cooperation. The opinion and content of the project do not represent the official position of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia.
Development project "By empowering mothers and children to a better future for Syrian families in Jordan", 2017-2019
Institute Circle completed a three-year project in Jordan with the goal of rehabilitating women and children affected by armed conflicts in the Middle East. With the cooperation of local organizations, three rounds of 8-9 month training sessions were held for a total of 261 children, of which approximately half of Syrian refugee children, while the rest were Iraqi refugee children and children from poorer Jordanian families who left school early due to economic and social conditions. After the end of each round of training, most of the children returned to school following a regular or shortened program, or joined the programs of other organizations (for vocational or other additional training). Vocational training for 60 women was also carried out during the project. Today, however, more than half of the participating women can support themselves and help their families with the knowledge gained in the project. Since the start of the war in Iraq and Syria, many refugees have sought refuge in Jordan, from many of whom live below the poverty line. Many children do not attend school, and the local labour market is also saturated. Single women in particular, who support their families alone, may be victims of violence due to the lack of suitable skills and opportunities for work and income. There are also numerous conflicts with the local population, with whom the refugees compete for work and resources. The project was financed by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic Slovenia within international development cooperation. The opinion and content of the project do not represent the official position of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia.
Development project "Economic and psychosocial empowerment of refugee women in the Lebanese Ein El Helwah", 2017-2019
Institute Circle completed a three-year project in Lebanon with the goal of rehabilitating women and children affected by armed conflicts in the Middle East. In cooperation with local organizations, more than 2,000 refugee women or poorer Lebanese women in the Palestinian refugee camp Ein El Helwah and the surrounding area were provided weekly diverse psychosocial activities and vocational training. As part of the project, women also had access to a gynaecologist. Most of the participants were Syrian and Palestinian refugees, but poorer Lebanese women also participated. Many of the latter live below the poverty line, refugee women have no rights, and their access to the labour market is limited. Single women in particular, who support their families alone, may be victims of violence due to the lack of suitable skills and opportunities for work and income. About 70 percent of Syrian refugee families in Lebanon live below the poverty line. At least 58 percent of Syrian refugees live in rented apartments or houses, dilapidated buildings or informal settlements. The project was financed by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic Slovenia within international development cooperation. The opinion and content of the project do not represent the official position of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia.
Development project "Awareness and education about children's rights in Egypt", 2018-2020
Institute Circle, in cooperation with the local organization SOS Children's Villages, implements the project "Education and awareness of children's rights" in Egypt. In the first part of the project, 45 new trainers were trained to conduct workshops for children with the "Our Rights" manual, and in the continuation of the project, these new trainers conducted workshops and trainings on children's rights for adults and children. One thousand two hundred Egyptian children from various schools and organizations in three cities, Cairo, Alexandria and Tanta, and 150 teachers, parents, guardians in foster homes, and government representatives were involved. The project was based on the use of an instruction manual for teachers and a set of cards "Our Rights" to teach children about their rights, issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of Slovenia. In Egypt, despite comprehensive legislation on children's rights, these are regularly violated in practice in all areas. Among the reasons are the difficult living conditions of families, lack of education and lack of awareness of parents and teachers about the rights, needs and potential of children. The victims of such violations are mainly children in the informal, poor districts of large cities, such as Cairo and Alexandria, where the project will take place. They, like orphans, refugee children, girls, are further neglected. Most children in Egypt are not aware of their rights, do not recognize violations and do not participate in decisions about their lives. With the project, we empowered children on their rights and what to do in case of violations of them. The project was financed by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic Slovenia within international development cooperation. The opinion and content of the project do not represent the official position of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia.
Development project "For her future - Raising awareness against child marriage among refugees in Lebanon", 2020-2022
Emma Institute implemented a 3-year project in Lebanon in cooperation with Institute Circle and local partner Naba'a, the aim of which was to raise awareness against child marriage and gender-based violence among refugees in Lebanon. With the project, the Emma Institute, together with its partners, worked to reduce the number of child marriages in Lebanon and provide victims with psychological and medical rehabilitation. Nine years after the start of the Syrian crisis, Lebanon remains the country with the highest number of refugees per capita in the world. Nine hundred fifty thousand Syrian refugees are registered with UNHCR, 69% of them live below the poverty line. Due to poverty, exposure to violence and the acceptance of child marriage in society, the number of child marriages has increased and more than 30% of Syrian girls are forced into marriage before the age of 18. Therefore, the project raised awareness about the inadmissibility of these marriages, about the rights of children and women and against gender-based violence on several levels and between different groups. In the first part of the project, 15 girls, 10 mothers and 5 fathers were trained in the aforementioned fields, who were among 900 female peers in the continuation of the project. One thousand five hundred parents raised awareness against these marriages. At the same time, 300 local religious leaders, judges, doctors raised awareness, and 45 leaders were trained to carry out 4 local and 2 national campaigns against child marriage and to legislate the minimum age for marriage. In addition, at least a thousand victims of marriage and gender-based violence were offered group and individual psychosocial support with referrals to a psychotherapist for the most difficult cases. A gynaecologist also worked within the project, provided medical assistance and counselling to project users, and also conducted workshops on reproductive health and family planning. The project was financed by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic Slovenia within international development cooperation. The opinion and content of the project do not represent the official position of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia.
Circle Institute provided food, cleaning products and psychosocial assistance to vulnerable Egyptian families due to Covid-19, 2020
Due to the economic crisis during the spread of Covid-19, Circle Institute distributed packages with food, cleaners and disinfectants to more than a hundred vulnerable Egyptian families, mostly supported by women, distributed learning aids and toys to the children, and provided individual psychosocial support to the most vulnerable women. Activities due to Covid-19 are taking place within the project "Awareness and education about children's rights in Egypt" in cooperation with SOS Children's Villages. The main goal of the project is to educate Egyptian children about children's rights with the help of the educational tool "Our Rights". The project is financed by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic Slovenia within international development cooperation. The opinion and content of the project do not represent the official position of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia.
Development project "Water, hygiene, food for a decent life of Darfurians", 2021-2023
Sudan is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world due to climate change (droughts, rising temperatures, unstable rainfall) and a growing population. The most urgent issue is water - also in South Darfur, where the project "Water, hygiene, food for a decent life of Darfurians" is taking place in cooperation with the local organization HOPE. 9 million Sudanese, including the majority of the population of South Darfur, do not have regular access to drinking water. In rural areas, only 63.5% of people have access to drinking water, which in South Darfur is mainly caused by the destroyed, damaged or non-existent water infrastructure and contaminated water in traditionally hand-dug wells. Sanitary infrastructure is also connected to water - 22 percent of the rural population has access to it. The food security of the Darfurians is also at risk. Due to unstable rainfall, non-existent irrigation systems, the inability to buy quality seeds or their lack, the population is increasingly exposed to rising food prices. In order to contribute to a healthy and dignified life for the people of South Darfur, the project will regulate access to drinking water, sanitary conditions, irrigation water and seeds for agriculture in three local communities. In the Bulbul Tambasko community, the local water supply system will be renovated with drinking water for 700 households or 4200 people, for a school with 350 children and for a local clinic. In this and two other communities (Degrees, Umm Zaifa) with a total of 2,700 households, hygiene awareness will be raised, and one community will also receive sanitary facilities and sinks. At the same time, 180 households, small farmers, will be selected in three communities, of which 110 are supported by women and 70 by men. They will receive seeds and knowledge in the field of new water management technologies and sustainable agriculture. An irrigation system will also be established in each community, into which water will be pumped by a solar-powered pump. a water committee for managing water resources and a 25-member village committee for community conflict resolution. At the same time, through local actions, awareness will be raised about the importance of natural resources, sustainable and fair water management, and peaceful coexistence and conflict resolution between different local groups. It will also raise awareness about gender equality, the fight against gender-based violence, women's rights, etc. The project will thus provide people with access to drinking water, regulated sanitary conditions, and knowledge and technology in the field of agriculture in an integrated way, while at the same time establishing relationships that will contribute to conflict prevention, fair and sustainable management of resources, and equality in society. The project is financed by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia within international development cooperation. The opinion and content of the project do not represent the official position of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia.
Development project: "Education and awareness of children's rights in Egypt", 2021-2023
Institute Circle, in cooperation with the local partner organization SOS Children's Villages in Egypt, is implementing the project "Awareness and education about children's rights in Egypt" for the fourth year in a row. A new project, financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia, will educate teachers, parents and more than 2,000 children about children's rights with the help of the "Our Rights" handbook and cards. Since violations of children's rights in Egypt are a common problem due to the lack of education and awareness of adults (parents, educators), groups of trainers from governmental and non-governmental organizations will first be formed, who will be trained to use the Our Rights manual and methodology and pass on the knowledge to teachers from Egyptian schools. In the continuation of the project, in Cairo, Tanta and Alexandria, during four three-day training sessions, a group of trainers will teach 60 pedagogues from various primary schools knowledge in the field of children's rights and skills for using the Our Rights methodology, and the pedagogues will then carry out 14 workshops on various children's rights. Children will thus gain knowledge about their rights and duties and how to claim and defend their rights, and through interactive workshops they will also gain knowledge to develop their potential and promote sustainable development. They will also be given skills to promote respect for children's rights and will also hold 4 events to promote their rights. The project will thus contribute to strengthening the respect and realization of children's rights by educators and parents, while at the same time strengthening the awareness of Egyptian children about their own rights and duties. Despite progress in legislation on children's rights, Egyptian children are still victims of rights violations and violence. Many live in poverty, do not have access to quality education or do not go to school at all, many are exposed to various types of violence and do not know where and how to seek help. The project is financed by Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia within international development cooperation. The opinion and content of the project do not represent the official position of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia.
Development project: For her dignity –health, food and protection against violence for women and girls in Lebanon, 2023-2025
Lebanon is witnessing a deep economic, financial and political crisis that has left 82% of the total population suffering from multidimensional poverty. Syrian refugees and the majority of Palestinian refugees are living in extreme poverty. The inability to satisfy the basic life needs has led to, among other things, family tensions, violence against women and sexual exploitation. In most cases, women do not seek help because they are financially dependent on the perpetrator or have no information on where to get help. They also have less and less access to sexual and reproductive health services due to lack of financial resources. The project's activities contribute to a more dignified life of more than 1700 Syrian and Palestinian refugee and poor Lebanese women in three communities through individual and group psychosocial support, legal support and health care for victims of violence. In addition, the project educates and raises awareness on gender-based violence and gender equality through workshops for more than 2,400 women, men and young people and 30 duty bearers. Through three awareness-raising campaigns and nine open days, the project also raises awareness of gender-based violence among the general public and duty bearers. In addition, the project provides access to gynaecological care for more than 2 000 women, while 800 women and girls will be educated on sexual and reproductive health through workshops. 300 of the most vulnerable women, who are supporting their families, will also receive food assistance. All these activities will contribute to the dignity, self-esteem and well-being of the women involved. The project is financed by Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia within international development cooperation. The opinion and content of the project do not represent the official position of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia.
Development project: "Dignity and peaceful coexistance of conflict affected communities in Darfur through access to food security, WASH, and GBV services", 2023-2025
More than 2 million people have fled their homes in Darfur, around 130,000 in 2022. According to OCHA, there are more than 1,700,000 people in need in South Darfur, where the project is being implemented. Among them are internally displaced persons, refugees, returnees and the poor communities that host them. In the four target communities, internally displaced persons represent half of the population. Due to the population growth and destroyed or neglected infrastructure, these communities face a lack of potable water and their food security is threatened by climate change, lack of productive assets and lack of knowledge on climate-smart agriculture. Women also face violence. In order to ensure a dignified life for the four communities, installation of a solar-powered water yard and water distribution points in addition to two upgraded wells with a solar water pump will provide access to drinking water for around 6,000 people. The project will also contribute to improved agricultural productivity and enhance the food security of 600 men and women. New trainers will be trained in modern and sustainable farming practices and they will pass on their knowledge to other women and men farmers on 24 demonstration farms. At the same time, participating women and men will be supported through the establishment of four cooperatives. The members of the cooperatives will be trained in management and marketing. In addition, twelve savings and credit schemes will be developed. 3,000 kg of seeds for various cereals and vegetables will be distributed to the members of the cooperatives and solar-powered irrigation systems will be introduced in three communities. At the same time, communities will be educated and empowered to protect their members from violence - four community-based protection networks will be established and trained and 32 volunteers will be trained to raise awareness against female genital mutilation and child marriages in the communities. Besides, 40 victims of violence with special needs will be provided with psychosocial, medical and legal support. Three latrines will be installed for women – this will protect them from being exposed to sexual violence during open defication. Four awareness-raising campaigns against gender-based violence will also be carried out, reaching at least 2 000 participants. The project is financed by Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia within international development cooperation. The opinion and content of the project do not represent the official position of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia.
