We’re thrilled to welcome Carpathian Foundation Slovakia as a new member of the ISSA Network. For over three decades, the organization has worked to build stronger, more inclusive communities — reaching nearly half a million people, including thousands of children across Eastern and Central Slovakia. The Foundation focuses on empowering local action, improving access to education and care, and fostering a culture of inclusion from the earliest years of life. 

Investing in Children, Strengthening Communities 

Since 1994, the Carpathian Foundation has tackled inequality at its roots. Their work builds civic engagement, equips children and youth with 21st-century skills, and supports marginalized communities—including Roma families and Ukrainian refugees—with access to education, employment, and housing. 

When the war in Ukraine forced thousands of families to seek refuge in Slovakia, the Foundation responded quickly. Partnering with UNICEF, they launched Together for Children—a grant and capacity-building program improving access to quality, inclusive early childhood education and care (ECEC). The program reached 7,500 children and strengthened 92 schools, organizations, and municipalities. 

Long-Term Support for Roma Families 

Starting in 2015, their Roma Community Development Programme has supported grassroots initiatives in 45 communities. These projects offer early years support to children living in generational poverty, often in segregated settlements, while also building the capacity of local organizations. 

One mother, raising five children—including premature twins—in a marginalized Roma community, shared how the support of a local field worker changed not only her children's development, but the atmosphere at home: 

“The community center supported us the whole way.... I laughed when the field worker said every mother can be the best teacher. But now, I am a teacher.” 

Strengthening Systems for Early Childhood 

Beyond local programs, the Foundation plays a vital role in building a more connected and responsive early childhood development system in Slovakia. They offer training for professionals, publish expert content, and support future social workers through partnerships with academic institutions. In collaboration with the Research Institute of Child Psychology and Patho-psychology, they’ve co-developed a tool to monitor children’s developmental outcomes. 

In 2023, they launched OdPerinky, a national platform that brings together a wide range of early childhood actors committed to shared progress in the ECD field. 

Looking Ahead: Sharing, Learning, and Collaborating 

The Carpathian Foundation Slovakia joins ISSA with a strong desire to share its experience and learn from others. They bring valuable expertise in founding a national platform, strengthening local ECD systems, and addressing discrimination, and look forward to collaborating on international projects that foster shared learning, broaden perspectives, and lead to more sustainable, inclusive solutions for young children and their families. 

“We’re excited to join the Joint Learning Labs, connect with peers, and collaborate on international projects,” Adriana Drugová, Manager of the Roma Community Development Program shares. “Together, we can co-create sustainable solutions and drive meaningful change for young children and their families.” 

Learn More 

🌐 Karpatská nadácia – Create prosperous eastern Slovakia 
🌱 OdPerinky – Platform for Early Childhood Development 

Please join us in welcoming Carpathian Foundation Slovakia to ISSA. We’re excited for what lies ahead, together.