Open Society Foundation–Bratislava

The Open Society Foundation–Bratislava focuses on strengthening the capacity of civil society organizations, developing multicultural education programs, challenging discrimination, improving civic participation and education of Roma youth, and supporting democratic development against illiberal forces.

To promote social tolerance and inclusive education policies and practices, the foundation promotes multiculturalism among policymakers, school administrators, and the wider public through activities such as debate forums, media campaigns, and summer school programs. At the same time, the foundation has worked with Roma youth to increase their involvement in social and political life, most notably through an international project that aims to develop European citizenship among Roma.

In an effort to increase civic participation and volunteerism in Slovak culture, the foundation has launched an initiative to develop a legal framework for volunteering in Slovakia. The project draws on lessons learned from other European countries. The foundation has been a leader in efforts to prevent hate crimes by working with both civil society groups and government agencies to develop draft criminal law amendments and monitoring the drafting of Slovakia’s hate crime legislation.