In June 2023, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Slovakia, and its Migration Information Centre (MIC) in Slovakia have organised a series of community events that aimed to celebrate diversity, promote cultural exchange and provide valuable support to community members.

Let’s delve into the highlights of these events and the significant impact they have had on bringing people together.

"Ukrainian Cuisine" Brought People Together in Presov  

In an effort to celebrate the rich culinary traditions of Ukraine, the ”Ukrainian Cuisine” event provided an opportunity for 33 members of the Ukrainian community to highlight their culinary skills. 

IOM MIC Presov - Borscht, varenyky, mlynci and holubtsi brought a pleasant friendly atmosphere among people from the Ukrainian community living in Presov. Photo © International Organization for Migration (IOM) 2023.

Participants from the Ukrainian community in Presov prepared traditional dishes from different regions of Ukraine while also receiving helpful information from the IOM MIC team regarding the free services available. Attendees showed interest in legal and employment counselling, recognition of education, retraining opportunities and social benefits.

People from the Ukrainian Community Spent "Day of the Forest" in Nature 

Collaborating with the NGOs Mareena and the League for Mental Health, the IOM MIC Trencin organised an engaging community event on the theme of a “Day of the Forest.” Starting from Trencin’s bus station, 28 adults and 23 children from the Ukrainian and Slovak communities embarked on a journey to Horne Srnie, where they enjoyed educational activities led by a forester. 

IOM MIC Trencin - People from the Ukrainian community in Trencin spent a “Day of the Forest” in nature. Time spent in nature reduces stress, improves mood and has a positive impact on mental and physical health. Photo © International Organization for Migration (IOM) 2023.

Children also had the opportunity to engage in activities provided by the League for Mental Health. This event served as a platform for community members from diverse backgrounds to interact, while the IOM MIC team shared information about their activities and areas of community engagement.

The "Ukrainian Evening" in Martin was a Great Place to Form New Friendships

The IOM Community and Outreach Coordination team, together with the Cultural Mediator, organised an evening event at the Ukrainian Community Centre in Martin. This gathering was initiated by Ukrainian clients and volunteers who contribute to the centre’s efforts in providing material support and organising social and community activities. 

IOM MIC Zilina – Common cooking brings people together, fosters connections and creates a sense of community through the shared experience of preparing and enjoying meals. Photo © International Organization for Migration (IOM) 2023.

Specialities of Ukrainian cuisine prepared by the recipients of year-long support were served to 30+ visitors of the event, and the Slovak guests were introduced to the food traditions of their neighbours. This event was a wonderful place to form new friendships and develop cooperation in the activities of the IOM, local civic associations and Ukrainians living in the Turiec region. The attendees were delighted to socialise, gain information about the IOM’s support and explore various aspects of their temporary stay in Slovakia.

Various Activities in Banská Bystrica Contribute to Collaboration among People and Organisations

Throughout the month, the IOM MIC Banská Bystrica actively engaged in numerous activities aimed at supporting the Ukrainian refugee community. They participated in a regional platform to support victims of crime, exchanged information on support services and prevention mechanisms and collaborated with local stakeholders.

IOM MIC Banská Bystrica - The IOM MIC team took part in the coordination meeting that took place in Záhrada – Kultúrne centrum in Banská Bystrica. During the meeting, participating organisations shared valuable insights into their ongoing efforts to assist refugees, discussing humanitarian aid, material support, social integration and legal assistance. Photo © International Organization for Migration (IOM) 2023.

The team also conducted information seminars and meetings that addressed legal issues, employment and social support for the Ukrainian refugee community and international students. These initiatives not only facilitated collaboration among key organisations but also empowered community members by providing legal aid, consultations and necessary resources.

Information about Temporary Protection, Safe Employment and Social Security help Ukrainians from Trnava to Integrate

The IOM MIC Trnava organised an information seminar focused on crucial topics for the local Ukrainian community in Trnava. With the participation of the IOM MIC’s legal and social counsellors, 12 attendees received comprehensive insights into temporary protection, safe employment and social security. 

IOM MIC Trnava - Providing information to migrant communities empowers them with essential knowledge about local services, resources and rights, helping them to navigate and integrate more effectively into their new environment. Photo © International Organization for Migration (IOM) 2023.

The session provided an interactive platform for individuals to ask specific questions and receive qualified support in legal and social issues. This seminar played a pivotal role in promoting the IOM MIC’s free services, building trust and equipping participants with essential knowledge in legal advice and assistance, work and social advice, support for education and retraining and cooperation with communities of migrants in Slovakia.

A Friendly Environment Full of Support for all Community Members

The community events organised by the IOM MIC (Migration Information Centre) in Slovakia over the past month show the power of community engagement, cultural exchange and support. By celebrating diversity, fostering connections and providing essential information and services, these events have left a positive impact on the communities involved. They display the dedication of the IOM and its partners in promoting inclusivity, building trust and empowering individuals to thrive in their temporary homes. These initiatives serve as a testament to the collective effort in creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all community members.

All of IOM MIC's services are free of charge, and most of them do not require pre-registration. For more detailed information about MIC activities and upcoming seminars, please visit the MIC website and IOM Slovakia social media.

Read more about MIC's job counselling, safe work information sessions and Slovak language courses:

Information about legal residence in Slovakia and safe working conditions is crucial for the Ukrainian community 

IOM strengthens cooperation with and supports the Mongolian Community in Slovakia 

People fleeing the war in Ukraine learn the Slovak language to get a better chance for a new life 

Welcoming Slovakia is also about recognizing the importance of other cultural milestones: Independence Day of Ukraine

Safe employment is their first step in the integration in a new country. IOM provides labour counselling to people from Ukraine 

Welcoming Slovakia also means helping Ukrainian refugees looking for a job in Slovakia – at IOM/Profesia workshop 

500 people from Ukraine learn Slovak in IOM language courses 

IOM acts to help Ukrainian citizens navigate the Slovak labour market 

With the support of: 

Migration Information Centre to Support Integration of Migrants in Slovakia (phase X, Individual Project). This project is co-funded by the European Union from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF). Home Affairs Funds.

IOM Migration Information Centre (MIC) activities supporting the labour mobility and integration of migrants under the Recovery and Resilience Plan of the Slovak Republic are funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU.