Career Guidance for foreigners during the COVID-19 pandemic

Mareena is a Slovak NGO that provides career guidance and support to people in need of international protection and foreigners living in Slovakia. This target group is particularly vulnerable in the current situation as many foreigners and refugees residing in Slovakia have lost their jobs in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. When the crisis began, the first step taken by the NGO was to map their situation and needs. Based on the responses, Mareena took a prompt action by offering mentoring and career counselling to its clients. The NGO gathered and employed volunteers (Slovak professionals) to accompany foreigners and people in need of international protection through the whole process of job searching. Other examples of activities carried out by the NGO in reaction to the pandemic included: hosting webinars on topics related to job seeking in the Slovak labour market or keeping foreigners informed about the national pandemic-related measures in English language. Mareena also launched asocial media campaign to promote positive image and impact of foreigners living in Slovakia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last but nor least, Mareena initiated the creation of a coordination group of non-governmental organisations providing services for foreigners living in Slovakia to better address and cater to their needs.