ADRA Slovenia has been awarded a Civil Protection National Bronze Medallion by the government for its outstanding and ongoing work during the current European refugee crisis. The award was presented by the Ministry of Defence/Civil Protection during a ceremony on World Civil Defence day, Tuesday, 1 March 2016.
A few days later a further four ADRA Slovenia volunteers received plaques for their dedication and success in working with refugees. The plaques were presented at a regional Civil Protection awards ceremony in Sevnica, a town in the south-east of the country.
"We are very grateful for this award for the dedication and success in working with refugees," stated Maja Ahac, ADRA Slovenia country director. "We are proud and we thank all those who are a part of this great humanitarian story."
Between October 2015 and mid-March 2016, 477,791 refugees entered Slovenia. That equals almost a quarter of the 2.1 million population of this small southern central European country.
The vast majority passed through Brežice – Dobova, the area where the Adventist Development and Relief Agency in Slovenia is concentrating its efforts. Here they collect and sort 'in-kind' donations, with hygiene and baby products being a high priority. ADRA Slovenia takes primary responsibility for care of refugees at the train station in Dobova, where most refugees enter Slovenia and are registered, and at a nearby registration camp.
With only 14 churches and a membership of just over 500, ADRA relies on volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds. "The prize belongs to all ADRA Slovenia volunteers who have been selflessly helping refugees and migrants in need, every day from last summer onwards," Ahac states.
ADRA Slovenia's work does not stop there, it is also a donor office, providing support to Greece, Serbia and Macedonia. Those donor activities will increase in light of changes in European migration policies and the closing of the Balkan migration route, leaving refugees at the borders of Macedonia, Greece and Turkey.
World Civil Defence Day occurs annually to highlight the importance of Civil Defence and protection for all citizens at work, schools, home or elsewhere. Organised by the International Civil Defence Organization (ICDO), it provides a platform to raise awareness of the need to prepare for and prevent disasters.
