As part of an exchange program focused on sharing experiences and strengthening competencies in social entrepreneurship and inclusive employment, Humana Nova hosted a delegation from the Employment Service of the Republic of Slovenia (ZRSZ) last week.
The visit brought together experts from across Slovenia, who work with vulnerable, hard-to-employ groups. The goal was to get to know Humana Nova's work models firsthand, exchange best practices, and deepen the understanding of how to integrate vulnerable groups - including people with disabilities, minorities, single mothers - into the workforce.
An inside look at the Humana Nova model
The program opened with a presentation of Humana Nova’s 15-year journey as a social enterprise. We highlighted our core pillars: the circular economy, sustainable textile production, and the employment of vulnerable groups.
We emphasized our integrative work model that connects ecological and social goals, while empowering employees through workplace mentoring and professional support.
Tour of the facility and the circular economy in practice
Guests from Slovenia toured our 1,200-square-meter production facility, learning about the entire process – from textile sorting and production to recycling and our second-hand store. This gave them a concrete look at the practical application of circular economy principles.
A particularly valuable part of the visit was a conversation with a Humana Nova employee, who shared his personal experience of work integration as a person with a disability.
Professional dialogue and experience exchange
The central part of the visit was a professional exchange between the ZRSZ delegation and the Humana Nova team. Key topics discussed included:
- Methods for including vulnerable groups in the labor market.
- The role of mentors and managers in the integration process.
- Challenges in the work integration of target groups.
This opened up space for potential future cooperations and improvement of existing practices.
A creative ending, a step forward in international cooperation
The visit concluded with a creative workshop on textile recycling, in which the guests from Slovenia participated themselves. This meeting marks another important step in the international exchange of knowledge and experiences within the social economy. We are proud that our work is being recognized at a European level and believe that such meetings will contribute to spark new initiatives and partnerships.
