Description
During this project, we plan to build a peer support network to initiate social integration and support activities for children from destitute families. Participation is ensured for 72 individuals aged14-18 in the community of Słomniki, of whom 24 beneficiaries will learn basic coaching tools they are going to apply during interactions with children from destitute families. Each coach will take care of two children for 6 months. Beneficiaries will apply their coaching experience to develop an online peer coaching course and set up a Young Coach Club. Peer coaching will lead to stronger motivation, greater willingness to accomplish goals and objectives, improved self-esteem and socialisation. By the same token, it will fend off exclusion and marginalisation of children and young people, including those from poor families. For the young coaches it will be an opportunity to support their peers. The online peer coaching training course will create opportunities for other children outside the project to benefit from its outcomes.
Summary of project results
"The number of poor families has been steadily growing in the Słomniki community (682 families received regular welfare support in 2013). Children in these families often suffer social exclusion. The project aimed at building a local peer support network to ensure social inclusion and support for children in poor families. The project resulted in an improved sense of hope for success among its participants (as measured by the Snyder Success Scale Score) and increased willingness to help others, improved knowledge of coaching and social skills (as measured by questionnaires and Matczak Social Competence Survey). Project beneficiaries included two groups of young people: people willing to develop their skills of supporting others and people from poor families who were in need of social inclusion and motivational support for improved sense of agency. The project trained 24 in the field of coaching tools and organised peer coaching sessions for 48 young people, established a Youth Coach Club, launched a website offering information on peer coaching and coaching tools (7 e-learning videos) and organised a conference for 50 participants to promote the project outcomes. Project beneficiaries included young people aged 13-18 in Słomniki."
Summary of bilateral results