Goran Miloševič

LJUBLJANA15. April 2011

Conference »Social entrepreneurship: A vector of Change in the EU«

MOSAIC Association for Social Inclusion

CONNECTING LOCAL CHARACTERISTICS TO LOCAL RESOURCES

AND VOULNERABLE SOCIAL GROUPS

MOSAIC ASSOCIATION FOR SOCIAL INCLUSION

Association Mosaic is an NGO established in 2003. Actively intervenes in the field of social inclusion of

people from most vulnerable social groups in Pomurje region by: striving to improve their working qualifications -

TRAINING opening them the way to EMPLOYMENT in

activities where they can prove their abilities, developing and promoting alternative – inclusive -

BUSINESS MODELS, based on local characteristics.

REGION POMURJE TODAYRegional statistics:

1.337 km2 (6,6 % SLO) 121.500 inhabitants (6,2 % SLO) BDP/Capita: 11.000 EUR (65 % SLO) High unemployment rate: 20 %

Specific developmental problems: Low education rate (5,7 % high EDU) Negative population trends; “Brain drain”, Ageing Labour intensive industry and agriculture are decreasing Low level of innovation and enterpreneurship

Development opportunities: Better utilization of local resources – endogenous

development. Development of local economy – SOCIAL ECONOMY as

strategic tool.

(ALTERNATIVE) MODEL OF REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Dispersed and uncoordinated

Not competitive on global market

Preserved nature

Natural resources

Local human

and social resources

Utilisation of opportunities

inSocial

economy Underemployed Social exclusion Traditional knowledge Cultural heritage

Development of social economy is one of the most important tasks of regional development in Pomurje. It can provide new employment and social inclusion.

OUR STRATEGY IS

Following the principle of connecting local characteristics and resources to local needs and vulnerable social groups.

Quality food production (ecological and traditional), Renovation and revitalization of cultural heritage, Environmental care and “Green programmes”, Social programmes (Care for homeless, Care for older) Development of new tourist products (Eco-tourism)

RESULT Rehabilitation and social inclusion of most vulnerable social groups

by employment in Social Economy.

MOZAIK IS WORKING ON FOUR LEVELS

1. PROGRAMMES OF WORKING TRAINING To increase working qualification. Practical training in real working environment.

MOZAIK IS WORKING ON FOUR LEVELS

2. INTRODUCTION OF NEW FORMS OF EMPLOYMENT Developing new activities suitable for employment. Introduction of alternative forms of employment in

Social Economy. Currently 50 - 60 working places. Eco-social farm Korenika. Pribinovina company for employment of disabled

persons. Shelter for homeless people. Green programmes (woden biomass,

environmental care) – new business models – regional networking

WORKING ON FOUR LEVELS

3. Development of mentoring structure Two levels of mentoring structure (internal and

external). Involving experts from different fields (practical

knowledge and psychosocial support). – Importance of VOLUNTEERING.

4. Development of brand and marketing Growing importance of effective marketing. Importance of local market and tourism. Joining into the system of regional branding. Ethical consumption.

FINANCIAL SOURCES

Different financial sources Very important are the grants of EU programmes

(ESF, Cross-border cooperation with Austria and Hungary),

Grants of Ministries (Labour, family and social affairs; Agriculture, Culture) and national institutions (Unemployment office),

Market revenues – APROX 35 % at the moment. Networking with compatible businesses in the

production chain. Direct selling of the final products and services.

http://www.mozaik-drustvo.si/si

Welcome!