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Description
In today''s world, different cultures, religions and nationalities are increasingly mixing. The dynamic progress of globalisation causes more and more foreigners to appear in Poland every year. According to data published by the Office for Foreigners, at the beginning of 2020 nearly 423,000 foreigners had valid residence permits in Poland. This number has increased by more than 50,000 people since the previous year. The effects of globalisation are also visible in the Leszno Subregion. More and more foreigners settle here every year, especially from Ukraine, Spain, Georgia, Turkey or Kazakhstan. Unfortunately, intolerance towards immigrants is also developing, especially in villages and small towns that until recently were monocultural. Young people volunteering in our Foundation have noticed that many of their peers perceive foreigners, especially of a different religion or skin colour, as less valuable. They bring our attention to videos and posts in social media containing hate speech, reinforcing xenophobia and provoking aggressive behaviour. The aim of our project is to break cultural stereotypes and prevent various forms of violence against foreigners in the Leszno Municipality and the Leszno Subregion. We want to strengthen social integration, as well as to promote anti-discrimination values and at the same time to remind residents of the intercultural past of the Leszno Subregion. We will activate the local community and promote cooperation between foreigners and Poles.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to solve a number of problems and respond to various challenges related to cultural stereotypes, violence and social integration. Its main goal was to break down cultural stereotypes by promoting anti-discrimination values and intercultural tolerance. The project also tried to counteract various forms of violence related to these stereotypes and integrate the local community.
The project attempted to focus attention on the intercultural past of the region, with the aim of increasing public awareness of the diversity of cultural and historical heritage. Through educational and cultural activities, the project aimed to promote the values of tolerance and cooperation between foreigners living in Leszno and Poles.
The project aimed to engage and activate the local community in implementing the idea of tolerance and intercultural cooperation. By organizing social events, workshops, meetings and other participatory activities, the project aimed to build social bonds and support mutual understanding and acceptance between different groups of residents.
One of the key challenges of the project was counteracting prejudice and cultural stereotypes that often lead to discrimination and violence. The project therefore tried to change social thinking and attitudes through education, dialogue and promoting mutual respect and empathy.
Overall, the project aimed to build a more tolerant and integrated society by breaking down cultural stereotypes, counteracting violence and promoting anti-discrimination values and intercultural cooperation. Its success depended mainly on the involvement of the local community and the effectiveness of activities undertaken as part of the project.
Cultural presentations with music and local culture "We are here, we are with you" were carried out at the Town Hall Library in Leszno. These presentations were aimed at introducing residents to the culture of other nations and accepting diversity. The song "We are the World" was recorded and a music video was produced to promote the idea of unity and cooperation between different cultures through music. A City Game was held in the city of Leszno to promote intercultural dialogue and integration of the local community through fun and joint activity. An Intercultural Picnic was held on the occasion of Tolerance Day in the Park. J. Hermann in Leszno. It promoted the values of tolerance and social integration by organizing cultural and educational attractions for the city''s residents. Anti-discrimination workshops were carried out in secondary schools, which were aimed at educating young people about counteracting discrimination and promoting the values of tolerance and respect for differences. Meetings were held during which anti-discrimination books were read in kindergartens and schools, which was aimed at shaping attitudes of tolerance and acceptance from an early age. Interviews were recorded and broadcast on Radio Elka as part of a social campaign showing citizens of other cultures and their attachment to the region. This activity was aimed at presenting the cultural diversity of the region and people of different nationalities as an integral part of the local community. A photography competition was organized as part of the "PHOTO VOICE" campaign, the aim of which was to encourage residents to express their observations about tolerance and cultural diversity through photography. An integration bonfire was organized for Polish and foreign families in the Karczma Borowa Forest District, which aimed to promote spending time together and intercultural integration through a traditional form. A script was created and a reportage film "What life is like for foreigners in the Leszno subregion" was recorded.
The "Interculturalism is in my blood" project brought significant results for the local community. A social campaign on Radio Elka increased awareness of the lives of foreigners, and the "Photo Voice" photography competition evoked empathy by selecting and rewarding photos showing cultural diversity. Reading anti-discrimination fairy tales stimulated tolerance in children, and workshops at schools raised students'' awareness of counteracting discrimination. A reportage video on YouTube increased understanding of foreigners'' experiences. City games promoted intercultural dialogue, and cultural and integration events integrated the community. These activities supported social integration, developing intercultural competences and increasing awareness of discrimination problems. Continuation of these activities may contribute to building positive social relations and openness to cultural diversity in Leszno.