ABOUT US

Društvo za razvoj človeških virov in socialnih programov NOVUS - the Association for the Development of Human Resources and Social Programs NOVUS (Association NOVUS) is a non-profit organization (NGO) that focuses on development of social programs and ensures free of charge services to vulnerable groups of the population (socially disadvantaged, elderly, people with disabilities, vulnerable employees, unemployed individuals, youth, etc.). We promote lifelong learning, informing people about various opportunities related to personal and career development, developing and implementing various educational and social programs and projects (personal growth, career development, employment, family support programs, social welfare programs, ICT literacy, etc.), providing support for personal development and career growth, assisting with job searching, raising awareness about human rights and health care.

Our goal at NOVUS is to contribute to ensuring equality, social justice, social inclusion, and ultimately, a higher quality of life for these vulnerable groups.

We have been active since 2001, which has provided us with rich experience and relevant references in implementing various projects both as an independent applicant and as a partner. We offer reliable partnership in the development of new projects, preparation of project documentation, implementation of programs and projects in the aforementioned areas, and proper reporting in accordance with the client's guidelines. We have grown to a professional institution with more than 12 employees and wide array of volunteers covering main areas/ fields listed below, alongside scope of activities and selected projects. For further information feel free to contact us: ana.kuntaric@drustvo-novus.com

Centre for families

Our center for families focuses on work in the field of family support. Activity span stretches from holiday workshops for children, informal gatherings, to workshops for parents, counselling and individual meetings with family members. Since 2008 (-ongoing) we have organized more than 1.500 workshops for more than 32.000 users. 

(Re)activation of the (long-term) unemployed

With that we support long-term unemployed individuals to re-enter the work market. Within that scope we provide training, hands-on practical experience and support since 2017. The majority of the program is financed by Ministry of Labor, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities. Over 100 individuals have participated since its inception. We have established cooperation with approximately 50 labor market stakeholders who actively contribute to the program by delivering expert lectures or offering employment opportunities for participants.

Regional NGO hub

Since 2016 (-ongoing), we have been carrying out the activities of the Savinjska region's NGO regional hub NOVUS as a support organization for the development of the NGO sector in this region. With the hub we support NGOs in 31 municipalities. So far, we conducted mentoring programs, training and consulting for over 120 NGOs within the NGO hub. The activities of the hub also include raising legislative initiatives on the local level and building cross-sectorial local partner networks that conducted over 35 regional events.

Competence and skills building

We provide competence and skills building for various stakeholders, clients and target groups, e.g. youth, women and adults.

YOUTH

Since 2006, we have been conducting various programs in areas such as employment, career guidance, ICT, health and entrepreneurship, hosting and conducting over hundreds of workshops and professional events with educators, career guides, and parents, that have reached more than thousand young people in the Savinjska and Koroška regions. With Digital Adventure »DiGiA« (2023-2024) we have conducted digital training for children and young people aged 6 to 29, covering topics such as information and data literacy, communication, online safety and etiquette, content creation, and career planning. Participants gained essential skills in using digital tools, develop critical thinking, and learn ethical practices when handling information. The “VšečKAM in GREM” (2019-2022) project was a key initiative for Career center, working closely with primary and secondary schools. This Centre for young people in Velenje, covers Savinja, Koroška and Zasavje regions, providing professional events and training sessions, assisting students with individual counseling to help them make informed career choices.

WOMEN

Many participants in various workshops are women who face challenges in the labor market due to different circumstance, as well as social exclusion. To counteract that, we aim to integrate and ensure equal access to workforce opportunities using inclusive techniques. These techniques were central to the Erasmus+ project "WOWIT" (2022-2023) and "She-FIT" (2022-2025), project funded by the L'OREAL fund and aims to integrate migrant women into all parts of social life. Moreover, we participate in the Google.org AI Opportunity Fund (2025-2026) project, targeting socially excluded groups like women, immigrants, and the long-term unemployed, with aim to equip them with critical AI knowledge and tools to improve their employability in a digital economy. The project, through tailored training programs, seeks to bridge the AI skills gap and ensure equal access to workforce opportunities. Over 100 participants will gain practical AI skills, preparing them for sustainable careers and strengthening the local economy with a more skilled workforce.

ADULTS

In 2023, we implemented the "Dig-IT!" (2023) project, aimed at enhancing digital skills for adults over 30 in Slovenia, with a focus on basic and advanced digital competencies. The project offers training in areas like information literacy, communication, digital content creation, security, and career planning. Since 2019, the SPIN (2019-2021) project aimed at individuals at risk of losing their jobs due to obsolete skills, has engaged 180 individuals at risk of unemployment, providing of assistance, including individualized career plans and training in diverse fields in cooperation with regional Employment Service offices and companies. We offer support through cooperation with local stakeholders, including municipalities, adult education centers, labor offices, and companies. In this field of adults, we have been offering basic computer skills training for elderly individuals for over a decade. We provide education in digital skills-enhancing programs for senior citizens such as “Di-SPOT” (2020-2021) (also for children) and “Di-FIT” (2022-2023).

Our team is happy to assist you!

Drop us a line: ana.kuntaric@drustvo-novus.com