Dear Readers,

It is our great pleasure to present this new issue of our peer-reviewed international scientific journal, featuring a diverse collection of scholarly contributions that address some of the most pressing social, educational, technological, and socio-legal challenges of contemporary society. Although varied in their thematic focus, the studies included in this issue are united by a commitment to interdisciplinary inquiry and by a shared effort to understand a rapidly changing world in which traditional social concerns increasingly intersect with the transformative forces of digitalization and artificial intelligence.

The scope of this issue extends from migration and social policy to social philosophy, social work, and the growing influence of artificial intelligence in education and professional practice. The contribution by Lívia Molnárová, Kristína Králiková, and Jozef Králik examines the migration policy of the Slovak Republic, highlighting its significance within the broader context of contemporary social and security challenges. Complementing this perspective, the study by Martin Majda, Gabriel Paľa, and Jozef Krupa explores the development of social work and social philosophy from the pontificate of Leo XIII to that of Benedict XV, providing valuable insights into the historical foundations of Christian social thought and its continuing relevance.

A substantial part of this issue is devoted to the opportunities and challenges associated with artificial intelligence. Jakub Jerzy Czarkowski and Janka Bursová present findings from pilot studies focusing on teachers aged 50 and above, examining their experiences with the adoption and use of AI-based technologies in educational settings. The regulatory dimensions of technological innovation are addressed by Michal Hanák, whose article critically analyses the European Union’s AI Act and its asymmetric impacts on educational content creators within the Czech and Slovak contexts. The practical application of artificial intelligence in social services is further explored by Roman Lebeda and Eva Dirgová, who investigate the adoption of AI tools in regional social work practice and identify both the opportunities and limitations associated with their implementation.

Social work and the support of vulnerable populations remain central concerns of contemporary scholarship and professional practice. In her contribution, Soňa Šrobárová examines the phenomenon of sudden bereavement, crisis intervention, and the particular vulnerability of individuals living alone, emphasizing the crucial role of professional social work in helping individuals navigate profound life crises and emotional distress.

Taken together, the articles presented in this issue provide a platform for scholarly reflection on current social processes, the ethical implications of technological advancement, the evolving landscape of education, and the changing demands placed upon social work professionals. We believe that the contributions published herein will enrich academic discourse, stimulate further research, and serve as a valuable source of inspiration for scholars, practitioners, educators, and policymakers alike.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all authors for their valuable contributions, to the reviewers for their expertise and dedication in ensuring the highest academic standards, and to our readers for their continued interest in and support of scientific research.

We hope that this issue offers both intellectual enrichment and inspiration for future scholarly endeavors.

Editorial Board

The present issue brings together a set of scholarly contributions that address several pressing social, educational, and demographic challenges facing contemporary European societies. The included articles explore topics ranging from labour market dynamics and community development to the well-being of older adults and early childhood education. Together, these studies reflect the interdisciplinary nature of current social research and highlight the importance of evidence-based approaches in addressing societal change.
The issue opens with the article by Lucjan Żołtek, Zbigniew Wilk, and Adam Styczeń, which presents a comparative analysis of unemployment in Poland and Slovakia. By examining labour market trends and structural factors influencing unemployment rates, the authors provide valuable insights into the economic conditions of both countries and identify similarities and differences in their labour market developments.
The following contribution by Lucia Ludvigh Cintulová and Peter Slovák focuses on the phenomenon of loneliness experienced by older adults within the home environment. The authors explore the psychological and social dimensions of loneliness in later life, emphasizing the importance of social support, community engagement, and appropriate care strategies in improving the quality of life of seniors living at home.
Issues related to early childhood education are addressed in the article by Beáta Akimjaková and Božena Švábová, who examine emergent literacy and the development of graphomotor skills in children in pre-primary education. Their research highlights the role of experience-based learning as an effective approach for fostering early literacy competencies and supporting the development of essential motor skills during early childhood.
The topic of ageing and institutional care is further developed in the study by Katarína Bundzelová, Eva Grey, and Lucia Ludvigh Cintulová, which investigates the factors influencing the adaptation of seniors in nursing homes. The authors analyze various social, psychological, and environmental determinants that shape the adjustment process of elderly residents, providing important implications for the improvement of care practices and institutional environments.
The final article in this issue, authored by Zuzana Budayová and Lucjan Żołtek, addresses community work models and the provision of leisure activities. The study examines different approaches to community engagement and highlights the significance of leisure activities as a tool for strengthening social cohesion, participation, and overall community well-being.
Taken together, the contributions presented in this issue illustrate the complexity of social phenomena and underline the need for interdisciplinary perspectives in both research and practice. The editorial team hopes that these studies will inspire further academic discussion and contribute to the development of effective policies and practices in the fields of social sciences, education, and community development.

It is with great pleasure that we present to you this volume, which brings together a collection of scholarly contributions addressing current issues in education, social sciences, and human security. The articles included in this issue are authored by respected researchers such as Róbert Madarász, Silvia Jakabová, Edit Bodonyi, Marta Matulčíková, Daniela Brezníková, Daša Porubčanová, Katarzyna Franczewska-Wójcik, Martyna Szablewska, Roman Gawrych, Lýdia Lesková, Katarína Mičková, Ervin Weiss, Filip Makan, José García-Martín, Anna Kurkiewicz, and Miroslav Andrzej Michalski. Together, their contributions offer both theoretical insights and practical perspectives on contemporary educational and societal challenges.