Poland for beginners and advanced – pass it on

Creating conditions for refugees to feel as comfortable and safe as possible in our country.

Objectives

To integrate refugees and migrants into the local community by learning the Polish language. To organize conversations in Polish in pairs of migrants and refugees with volunteers acting as teachers. Build relationships among participants and prepare the local community to welcome refugees and migrants. In 2019-2022, Towarzystwo Inicjatyw Twórczych “ę” together with the Polish Migration Forum Foundation tested in practice the idea of conversations between seniors and migrants, which worked well.

Activities

Of the simplest and most effective ways to learn the language for adults are conversations, to which we will involve people 60+. Learning Polish in one-on-one conversations allows us to tailor meeting topics to individual needs and abilities, to the specific realities of the local environment, and – just as importantly – builds relationships between participants. This form of contact prepares the local community to welcome refugees and migrants.

The project is being implemented in 10 locations in Poland. Among the planned activities are the creation of educational materials, workshops, trainings and consultations for project participants.

Results

90 migrants and refugees will develop Polish language skills, establish meaningful relationships with local community representatives – seniors. 90 senior volunteers will acquire necessary intercultural and language competencies, establish meaningful relationships with migrants and refugees.  24 leaders and organizations will acquire the necessary competencies to conduct integration activities – 10 local institutions and organizations will establish local partnerships for integration of seniors and migrants and refugees. 10 communities will experience the process of integration and building social solidarity. 300 animators, educators will receive a set of educational materials.

Program partners

Towarzystwo Inicjatyw Twórczych “ę”. The project is financed by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway from the EEA and Norwegian Funds under the Active Citizens – Regional Fund Program.