Slovenia boasts the lowest child poverty rates in Europe (10.3% at risk of deprivation, compared to EU average 24.4%), attributed to its post-communist heritage of a strong social state, economic equality, and a deep commitment to eradicating child poverty. Policies include affordable early years care, educational inclusivity, mental health protection, housing access, and robust social protection for families (e.g., 100% paid parental leave, child allowances). Despite its success, Slovenian experts and charities remain unsatisfied, aiming for zero child poverty.
‘These are not numbers – they are people’: what ex-communist Slovenia can teach the world about child poverty
SocietyPovertySloveniaEuropeSocial care
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Slovenia boasts the lowest child poverty rates in Europe (10.3% at risk of deprivation, compared to EU average 24.4%), attributed to its post-communist heritage of a strong social state, economic equality, and a deep commitment to eradicating child poverty. Policies include affordable early years care, educational inclusivity, mental health protection, housing access, and robust social protection for families (e.g., 100% paid parental leave, child allowances). Despite its success, Slovenian experts and charities remain unsatisfied, aiming for zero child poverty.
Trending- 1 1991: Slovenia declared independence, 25,000 people removed from registry
- 2 2021: New child welfare advisory group formed
- 3 2021: Unicef study found UK third from bottom in OECD for child poverty
- 4 2024: 13,000 most deprived children guaranteed computer access
- Slovenia has the lowest child poverty rates in Europe
- Children less likely to know deprivation
- Strong social safety net
- High female workforce participation
- Continued efforts to address remaining pockets of poverty among marginalized groups
What: Slovenia has the lowest child poverty rates in Europe and offers lessons to other countries on how to tackle the issue.
When: Ongoing situation, with historical context from communist times and recent developments (2021 child welfare advisory group, 2024 computer access guarantee).
Where: Slovenia, specifically Ljubljana (east, Proletarian Road).
Why: Due to a heritage of a strong social state from communist times, economic equality, a deep commitment to eradicating child poverty, comprehensive national action plans for children, strong humanitarian and civil organizations, and robust social protection policies for families.
How: Implementing policies like affordable early years care, educational inclusivity (especially for Roma children), protective mental health measures, transparent and prioritized housing access, 100% paid maternity/paternity leave, reduced working hours, childbirth grants, breastfeeding breaks, allowances for large families, allowances for children with disabilities, and significant child allowances. Charities like Zveza Anita Ogulin & ZPM provide services like tuition, financial support, therapy, and food parcels.