The Embraced

About this project

<p>The problem we address in the project is the risk of social exclusion (in the context of labour market, visibility, and social integration) of refugee and migrant women and women from rural areas, as well as the risk of educational exclusion of refugee children. We are the only organisation dealing with this subject and operating in Łuków and the Opolskie County. In order to respond to this problem, we will build two models of cooperation aimed at strengthening social inclusion (with the participation of refugees, migrants, universities, institutions, and social organisations), fostering diversity, and counteracting exclusion. We will strengthen the voice of people from the above mentioned groups through activities related to culture, art, as well as through professional training and engaging allied organisations and institutions, for example the Pedagogical University of Cracow. We will create new integration models within intersectoral cooperation (between universities, NGOs, partner institutions). Thanks to these alliances and the models, that will be ready to be replicated throughout Poland, we will ensure the sustainability of the project after its completion. By including in direct activities a large group of people (342 persons), we will reduce social fears, break harmful stereotypes and eradicate prejudices. We will train 12 female leaders of change (the Polish-Foreign Women's Collective), who will have the power to influence many local communities. We will reduce digital exclusion of refugee children, show how to unite communities around education, which is the common good. Partnerships with the Vintage Baby social cooperative from Norway, the Municipal Library and Cultural Centre in Laziska, as well as alliances with other entities, will allow us to improve our methods of working with disadvantaged groups, and a social campaign and communication activities will enable us to share ‘good practices’ with many other institutions and organisations.</p>

Bilateral cooperation results

As part of our cooperation, we carried out a study trip to Norway. From March 14 to 16, 2022, we had the opportunity to observe the partners' work. The visit was attended by 3 refugee women, 3 representatives of the Polish partner, 3 people from the association and one from the GOK in Łaziska. As part of the visit, we carried out a program of workshops, training and meetings. One of the basic elements of the training was learning the tools and methods used by Vintage Baby. Participating in the activities of the following organizations: Cafe Vintage, Cultural Compass and Global Entertainment was an interesting experience. During the trip, we met the New Use Cooperative, which works mainly with men, and we also learned about the structure of Norwegian Asylum Reception Centers. Vintage Baby's working methodology is presented as an example of best practice in Norway. The cooperative cooperates closely with NAV (Norwegian Administration of Labor and Welfare), implementing jointly innovative projects. From August 29 to September 2, 2023, there was a study visit of our Norwegian partners - the Vintage Baby Social Enterprise from Sandefjord. Our guests got to know Lublin, the place of BAOBAB integration, visited the Grodzka Gate Center - NN Theater, and participated in Assef Salloom's concert in our Place on Rybna Street. The most important point of the program was the project summary meeting with the participation of all project partners in Sadyba Rozalin. Our Norwegian partners were most moved by the debate with the project participants - women from the Polish-refugee Collective Incorporated, but they also really liked the performance of the Girls' Drumming Group, Lydie Kotliński's integration workshops and the performance of the "Powiśle" folk band.

Project partners

• Vintage Baby Donor project partner· Norway