{"id":21971,"date":"2022-12-04T14:30:15","date_gmt":"2022-12-04T14:30:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/epeka.si\/demo\/o-nas-2\/"},"modified":"2025-07-25T09:16:11","modified_gmt":"2025-07-25T09:16:11","slug":"o-nas-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/epeka.si\/en\/o-nas-2\/","title":{"rendered":"About"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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O NAS<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Nekaj besed o EPEKI<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The Scientific and Research Association EPEKA, Social Enterprise<\/strong> was founded in 2008<\/strong>. EPEKA was established as an initiative to connect creators of cultural, artistic, educational, scientific, and technological content for the European Capital of Culture 2012<\/strong> project.
A year later, EPEKA proposed that the Municipality of Maribor submit a candidacy for the European Youth Capital<\/strong> title. As a result, Maribor was awarded the title for 2013<\/strong>. We have continued our activities in EU citizenship<\/strong>, values, and intercultural dialogue ever since.
EPEKA has expanded internationally, establishing branches in the Czech Republic, Austria, Serbia, Turkey, the United Kingdom, Berlin, Montenegro, and Kosovo, as well as an informal youth group in Armenia. In Slovenia, we maintain affiliate branches in Ljubljana and Izola.
We have a long-standing history of working with underprivileged social groups\u2014both youth and adults\u2014promoting the rights of the Roma minority and empowering them. One of our most notable achievements is the establishment of Romani Kafenava<\/strong>, the first Roma restaurant in the EU operating on the principles of social entrepreneurship. Originally launched as part of a European Social Fund (ESF)<\/strong> project, the restaurant remains operational and has been recognized as a best practice by institutions such as the Council of Europe<\/strong>.
We are a non-governmental, non-profit organization and have operated by the principles of social entrepreneurship<\/strong> since 2013<\/strong>. Our mission is tied to advocating for the rights of vulnerable groups, especially youth and women. We combine theoretical approaches\u2014such as creating tools, monitoring policies, and providing counseling\u2014with direct community work. In 2016, we founded the EPEKA Youth Cooperative Society<\/strong>, and in 2017, we established Roma Station<\/strong>, a multi-purpose Roma center. In 2023, we also launched the European Housing Cooperative EPEKA<\/strong>.<\/p>

Our Main Fields of Work<\/h3>

Youth<\/strong>
Each year, we are involved in over 20 Erasmus+ and Europe for Citizens projects. Currently, we lead two Erasmus+ KA2 projects: European Youth Against Anti-Gypsyism<\/em> and Integration for Deeper Social Inclusion<\/em>. We also run national ESF projects aimed at supporting people with fewer opportunities.
In 2018<\/strong>, we opened a modern Youth Center<\/strong> (300 m\u00b2) for educational activities focused on youth with fewer opportunities.<\/p>

Social Entrepreneurship<\/strong>
We emphasize the inclusion of vulnerable groups<\/strong>. Our initiative Romani Kafenava<\/strong> serves as a model of responsible entrepreneurship. Through our Social Activation<\/strong> project and ESF-funded programs, we support long-term unemployed individuals and those from disadvantaged backgrounds by strengthening skills and employability.<\/p>

Housing Cooperatives<\/strong>
We develop housing cooperatives to support youth facing the housing crisis<\/strong>, aiming for affordable, community-based housing<\/strong> that fosters independence<\/strong> and stability<\/strong>.<\/p>

Ecology<\/strong>
We promote sustainable practices<\/strong> and green entrepreneurship<\/strong>, and we participate in environmental projects focused on biodiversity, climate action, and education for sustainability.<\/p>

Art<\/strong>
We run a gallery showcasing Slovenian and international artists<\/strong>, especially those from underprivileged groups. We also organize concerts and artistic events that foster intercultural values.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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The Roma restaurant Romani Kafenava<\/strong>, which also operates according to the principles of a social enterprise<\/strong>, dedicates all its profits to creating new jobs. It is the first Roma restaurant in the entire European Union<\/strong>. Thanks to its unique Roma culture, diverse cuisine, and distinctive interior design, Romani Kafenava is a true Slovenian and European gem. Roma women and men at Romani Kafenava offer traditional Roma specialties, host private events, organize catering services, give personal attention to every guest, and\u2014believe it or not\u2014they even predict the future<\/strong>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Zdru\u017eenje EPEKA, so. p.<\/strong>
Gorkega ulica 34
2000 Maribor
Slovenija<\/p>

Postaja<\/strong>
Preradovi\u010deva 12000 MariborSlovenija
epeka@epeka.si
www.epeka.si<\/p>

Glavna pisarna: 030 610-606<\/p>

ID za DDV: 62581350
Mati\u010dna \u0161tevilka: 4000919000
IBAN SI56 0417 3000 1488 756 (NOVA KBM, d. d.)<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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O NAS Nekaj besed o EPEKI <\/p>\n

The Scientific and Research Association EPEKA, Social Enterprise<\/strong> was founded in 2008<\/strong>. EPEKA was established as …
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