Impact

Better Together: Bringing AI and Automation Closer to NGOs in Eastern Slovakia – a Community-Led Event by OZ Barlička

In a three-part series, our NGO Academy Member Organisations OZ Barlička, Relevant n.o., and ETP Slovakia hosted a Community-Led Event dedicated to making AI and automation accessible to NGOs in Eastern Slovakia. Now, they continue their work with a regional AI peer-learning circle. Read their full event report here to get further insights.

“Better Together: AI and Automation for NGOs” was a three-part learning series created by OZ Barlička, Relevant n.o., and ETP Slovakia with the support of NGO Academy Community-Led Events. The goal was simple: help NGOs in Eastern Slovakia understand how artificial intelligence and automation can support their everyday work without unnecessary complexity.

Across three sessions held in Prešov in March and April 2026, participants explored:

  • AI basics and prompt engineering,

  • practical AI tools already used in nonprofit work,

  • AI safety and responsible use,

  • and automation solutions such as Microsoft Power Automate, Google Apps Script, and Claude-based workflows.

For many participants, this was their very first structured encounter with AI. Instead of abstract theory, the workshops focused on real nonprofit situations: communication, fundraising, administration, project work, and service delivery. Local NGO practitioners shared their own experiences openly, including mistakes, concerns, and lessons learned. Through that, a valuable exchange of perspectives and practical examples was achieved.

The series connected 26 participants, including representatives from five NGO Academy member organisations. But perhaps the most important outcome appeared after the workshops ended:

A new regional AI peer-learning circle called “AI Exit” started to emerge in Eastern Slovakia. Local trainers and organisers, namely Lukáš Kvokačka, Marek Ilenin, and Veronika Poklembová, began building a space where NGOs can continue sharing tools, experiences, and responsible approaches to AI adoption.

The workshops showed that NGOs do not need to become tech companies to benefit from AI. Sometimes, small practical improvements, like saving time on administration, improving communication, or automating repetitive tasks, can already make a big difference.

And maybe even more importantly: organisations realised they do not have to figure it out alone.