Representatives of Norwegian NGOs visited Bratislava, Nitra, Martin and Zvolen

Representatives of Norwegian NGOs, in the period 10 – 13 October 2016, visited Bratislava, Nitra, Martin and Zvolen. The aim of their study trip was to inspire and make connections with Slovak NGOs.

In Bratislava, 6 Norwegians visited places such as the community garden in the Vodárenské múzeum area, also the baggage man at the railway train station who, thanks to this opportunity, raised themselves out of homelessness. In Nitra, they observed a colourful community centre Hidepark, in Zvolen an urban park Lanice and during the bike ride the main architect of Zvolen briefly presented also some other interesting places in this city. All the places visited during the study trip have one thing in common – active approach of citizens to create positive and useful activities in urban environment. One of the participants also gave an interesting lecture about commuting to work by bike in winter at the cyclist’s conference in Martin.

During the study trip, also several open discussions were organised. The first one, in the Pisztory palace in Bratislava, we had the honour to welcome also the ambassador of Norway, Ms. Inga Magistad. The discussions took place also in Trafačka in Nitra, and in a community centre OKO in Zvolen. The participants discussed various common things, such as growing vegetables in cities, situation in waste management etc. A number of questions were asked about commuting to work by bike in the far north in wintertime – something we can’t imagine easily here in Slovakia. Slovak organisations also made new contacts for further communication and planning of cooperation.