Bratislava, Slovakia - On the occasion of the UN International Day of Families, the Slovak chapters of the Universal Peace Federation and the Women's Federation for World Peace organized an event in the Zichy Palace located in the old town of Bratislava.

At the beginning, Mr. Milos Klas, UPF-Slovakia Secretary General explained the history of UN International Day of Families. He spoke about issues that threaten family life in modern society and read the official statement of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Afterwards, four speakers from various fields gave presentations about their projects and experiences.

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The first speaker was Dr. Marcela Veresova, who works at the university in Nitra. She explained about various kinds of poverty. Besides material poverty there are types of poverty which cause even bigger problems - like social poverty, emotional poverty, cognitive and moral poverty, motivational poverty, and spiritual poverty. The most threatened and vulnerable family members who are exposed to those are the children. Still, the family is the best institution and place where a natural mechanism protects its members from poverty.

The next two speakers presented their activities of helping needy families and children. Mrs. Elena Kacerikova from the project Nourish the Children helps to raise money for the VitaMeal packages, which are distributed to hungry children in Africa and other places. The project is outstanding because it distributes meals based on the condition that the children also attend school. The third presentation focused on the work of the Slovak Catholic Diaconate of the Old Catholic Church. Mrs. Maria Paukova, the director of Diaconate, explained what they do to help elderly people, orphans, and others.

Finally, Mr. Igor Koromhaz, president of Family Federation in Slovakia, explained their vision and projects to uphold the sacred institution of the family. He challenged the audience to get involved and contribute positively to their home life as well as in public life, in politics, and their churches.

People expressed appreciation for the presentations, and many stayed afterwards to continue discussion over refreshments.

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