Description
The project aims at developing and improving the integration offer for people seeking refugee status (living in the Centre for Refugees in Grotniki in Łódzkie voivodeship, where no other projects are offered), people covered by international protection, and people having the status of refugees living in Łód and surrounding areas (150 persons including children), as well as for the receiving communities - support for integration with local communities and enhancing cultural competencies of the majority society. The project should counteract intolerance and discrimination in the majority society, support people vulnerable to exclusion and social marginalisation in their successful integration. As a result of the project and TV and radio programs, the level of understanding and acceptance for cultural differences should be fostered among a group of 100 000 members of the majority society, and the group of 150 refugees should improve their level of integration.
Summary of project results
"Refugees living in the Grotniki centre are isolated from the local community and are deprived of permanent integration and education offer (an in particular of educational support for children). The lack of psychological assistance is also an important problem, in particular for victims of violence. The inhabitants of the Łódzkie voivodeship are not prepared to receive refugees. As shown by the report ""Opinions of local inhabitants and institutions on the initiative to open a centre for refugees"", inhabitants lack basic knowledge on the causes of migration, the situation in refugee countries of origin, as well as on cultural differences. The aim of the project was to develop and enhance integration offer for persons applying for refugee status, persons covered by international protection, and persons having the refugee status, and to improve acceptance for cultural differences among representatives of the majority community. As a result of the project, 155 refugees received support that helped them to integrate with local community. The level of acceptance for cultural differences among representatives of the majority community was also enhanced. The integration offer included: legal and psychological advice (240 hours), Polish language lessons (60 hours), classes supporting education of children, music, artistic, theatrical and sport classes (2880 hours). For women sport classes (aerobic) and health promotion workshops (360 hours) were organised. The activities also included integration trips and integration events for refugees and local community. Under activities to educate the majority community, 4 TV programs and 12 radio programs were prepared and broadcast, and in secondary schools in Łódź 30 workshops were led for 1800 students. Beneficiaries were 155 refugees (70 adults and 85 children aged from 5 to 18) and 150 000 persons from the majority community (including 1800 students from secondary schools in Łódź)."
Summary of bilateral results