The Goričko region is one of the most remote rural areas in Slovenia and faces the highest unemployment rates in the country: ranging from 8.2% to 15.6% against a national average of 6.2%, according to data from the Employment Service of the Republic of Slovenia. This situation causes negative demographic trends which pose a major problem for the area. Young people move to larger cities or abroad to find employment. A primarily elderly population stay behind, where they face social exclusion due to the lack of support services and opportunities for socialisation.

A central element of the project was the renovation of a farmhouse for the Korenika Eco Social Farm, which has been providing opportunities for employment and social integration of vulnerable groups in rural areas for more than fifteen years. Pribinovina d.o.o. – the company that operates the farm – involves around fifty vulnerable people in the delivery of workshops focused on organic production and processing as well as educational tourism. Other project partners included the Mozaik Association, which implements social welfare programmes that contribute to job creation, and the Rakičan care home, which provides at-home assistance.

The project aimed to provide a high-quality structure to house an intergenerational centre and day care services for older people. Furthermore, it aimed to develop an innovative programme for ensuring the sustainable operation of the centre and securing new jobs for young people.

The renovation of the facility and acquisition of new equipment were implemented by Pribinovina d.o.o. The investment included demolition work and the comprehensive renovation of a former farmhouse (re-construction of the building and new mechanical and electrical installations). The building was renovated in accordance with industry standards for operating as a day centre for the elderly, whilst also aiming to ensure energy efficiency.

Secondly, the staff of the Mozaik Association, with the support of the Rakičan care home, developed a work programme for the intergenerational centre, which was tested during the project by conducting six pilot workshops with the target groups. The workshop content covered diverse themes such as local natural and cultural heritage, artisan and culinary traditions, organic production and processing, traditional animal husbandry, natural healthcare and healthy living, digital skills and also psychosocial support. Pribinovina d.o.o. provided at-home support services (cleaning, maintenance, hot meals, etc.), while Korenika enabled participation in the centre’s activities (i.e. caring for the animals, working in the herb garden…).

Thirdly, the staff of the Mozaik Association prepared and implemented a communications campaign (including print, social media television and radio), plus a series of promotional activities to raise awareness about the new services. In-person presentations were organised in the municipalities of Goričko, and these were attended by a broad group of stakeholders from all age groups. The staff of the Rakičan care home also participated, informing potential users about the intergenerational centre’s activities. In addition to this, they carried out ten individual counselling sessions.

The workshop programme now includes practical and creative workshops, lectures, presentations, informal gatherings and outdoor activities. People of all ages can also voluntarily get involved in caring for animals, working in the herb garden, and other small tasks at the centre.

One new job was created and more will follow when the elderly day care service becomes fully operational. In order to provide this service, the centre will employ young people as carers and support service providers.

The social capital of the people living in this area has been strengthened through this multi-agency partnership fostering opportunities for building connections, inclusivity and social integration.