FROM IMMIGRANT TO CITIZEN

About this project

<p>According to Office for Foreigners figures, in 2021 there were a total of 11679 foreigners in the Podlaskie voivodship, and this number is constantly increasing. These are mainly Belorussian, Ukrainian, and Russian nationals. Autonomous organizations and institutions are active in the voivodship, and take care primarily of refugees and asylum seekers. There is no support for other immigrants when they first arrive in Poland, We wish to fill this gap and take all-embracing measures to support the adaptation and integration process of immigrants from the east into the local community. We will open an information and counselling center to provide support of a foreigner assistant (for example explaining the rules and standards in effect in Poland; assistance in finding work and somewhere to live, and dealing with administrative matters) and legal advice. We will provide assistance for immigrant children in schools (intercultural assistant, help from a teacher). We will organize a Polish language course for four groups at various levels, and consultations with specialists (for example in accounting, insurance, financial advice, physician), integration workshops (intercultural workshops for children in camp form, and intercultural workshops for young people and adults, on cuisine and thematic), and a one-day excursion and integration family picnic. The project will improve the social situation of immigrants and their level of integration with the local community. 100 people with immigration experience and 30 Białystok residents will participate in the measures.</p>