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Description
The research conducted the following problems:
- disappearance of social ties and the low level of local identity
- low level of adaptation of the city space to the needs of people with special needs
- established negative image of the city both among residents and outside
- high unemployment rate
- insufficient quality of urban space
- air pollution
- decrease in the number of young and educated residents and a low level of entrepreneurship
- lack of standardization of personnel decisions
- deficiencies in the substantive and interpersonal competences of employees
- ineffective human resource management system
- insufficient housing conditions for the organization of service
- limited availability of administrative and social services for people with special needs
The main activities:
- City of cooperation and building social bonds
- Creating a positive image of the city
- Urban space accessible to all
- Higher quality of space
- Socio-professional activation of residents
- Support and promotion of the local economy
- Ecology for Włocławek
- Improving the quality of public services
- Increasing the institutional capacity of the City Hall
- Effective strategic and operational management of the city''s development
The effects of the project: increasing the social integration of city residents and strengthening social bonds, increasing the accessibility of urban space for people with disabilities, improving the quality of the environment, increasing youth entrepreneurship, strengthening relations between the entrepreneur and the city resulting in an increase in mutual trust, strengthening competences and development opportunities of local business, improving the quality of social participation and participation of residents in the process of co-governance.
The national partner is the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Banner of the Polish Scouting Association Scout - the Partner''s resources will be used in the project.
Summary of project results
At the start of the work on the project, research was conducted for the purposes of the Local Development Plan and the Institutional Development Plan (using surveys, analysis of statistical data, internal institutional documents, and World Bank studies, among others). Based on these studies, the city''s problems were identified and categorized into social, economic, and quality-of-life-related issues. It was diagnosed that Włocławek was a city with a high level of air pollution and had few green areas in the city center and residential neighborhoods. The city center''s buildings were degraded, and urban spaces weren´t adapted to the needs of people with specific requirements, including those with disabilities. This contributed to a negative image of the city and its attractiveness as a place to live, particularly for young people. Additionally, social bonds were diminishing, and the level of local identity was declining. Young people didn´t see a future in the city and planned to leave after completing their education. Yet, youth represented a key economic potential for the city.
All these factors contributed to a decline in the population, particularly among those of working age. The ongoing population loss and the increase in people relying on various forms of social assistance not only reduced tax revenues but also drove up the costs of public services such as transportation, urban infrastructure maintenance, and adapting social infrastructure and services. These factors negatively impacted the city’s budget, and thus its ability to implement development policies. Depopulation and an aging population led to a lack of workforce replacement in the labor market. Projections indicated a systematic increase in the number of residents retiring compared to those entering the workforce. The driving force of Włocławek''s economy consisted of mature and senior individuals who ran most local businesses and generated the highest tax revenues. This situation was exacerbated by low levels of professional activity and entrepreneurship, especially among young people.
The city’s multifaceted problems, revealed in the diagnosis, were further aggravated by the limited institutional capacity of the local administration to address the situation (the institutional state diagnosis was discussed in the Institutional Development Plan). Włocławek''s local government wasn´t adequately prepared to carry out effective development policies, both in organizational and competency terms. This negatively affected the quality of public services provided, thus impacting residents’ quality of life. It also led to low levels of trust in the local government from both residents (resulting in low civic engagement) and entrepreneurs (leading to limited involvement in the city''s affairs).
Unfavorable data on expenditure levels and structures, as well as the structure of development funding, highlighted the need for an in-depth analysis of expenses and financing opportunities for development activities, along with an assessment of options to increase revenues. Without addressing institutional issues, improving the quality of local administration, and optimizing budget management, it won´t be possible to implement an effective city development policy or solve the issues that weaken the city’s socio-economic potential.
The project "Włocławek – a city of new opportunities. I live, work, invest, and rest here" involved the Włocławek community – employees of the Włocławek City Hall, representatives of various institutions, and, importantly, the residents of Włocławek, with support from experts from the Association of Polish Cities. It was possible to obtain funding under Local Development Program from the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism 2014–2021, the Norwegian Financial Mechanism 2014–2021 and the state budget. The main objectives of the project were defined based on diagnostic findings and social expectations, resulting from the active participation of residents in the project planning process. The funds raised were used for investments needed by residents, creating urban space accessible to everyone. The positive image of the city was created by supporting the local economy and improving the quality of public services, and numerous cultural and entertainment activities promoted cooperation and building social bonds.
The following activities were carried out as part of the project:
- Wloclawek, as a city of cooperation and building social bonds
The project partner, the Kujawsko-Pomorska Headquarters of the Polish Scouting Association, Wloclawek Troop, successively organized stationary and outdoor classes integrating and activating the local community. The Wloclawek Tourist Rally, a multi-day educational program, urban and field games, a singing amphitheater and the organization of social activities have always attracted large numbers of residents. Office furniture, bunk beds and computer equipment were also purchased and were used to organize events organized by the Polish Scouting Assosiation (ZHP), because ZHP continues its activities in the field of social integration. Project and cost documentation was also prepared for the creation of a park on the site of the former Grzywno estate, aimed at establishing a new space for community integration and social activation.
- Creating a positive image of the city
The activity included the organization of cultural events as well as events promoting the city''s branded products. Two editions of the "Vistula Festival" were organized on the boulevards of Wloclawek, including a rally of traditional boats and ships, the Vistula Flavours Fair, the Fair of Regional Vistula Products, boat cruises for the public and a spectacular evening boat parade as well as numerous concerts. The Youth Weekend is an annual series of sports, dance and music events for young people. Those included United Session - a celebration of music and dance, where dancers from all over the world competed in the following categories: hip-hop, popping, all styles and breaking, and were judged by an international jury. In addition to spectacular dance duels, participants also had the opportunity to develop their skills during workshops conducted by experienced instructors. The New Music Festival is a presentation of young, but already popular R&B, hip-hop and pop music performers. The YouTubers'' Rally is a meeting with the most popular artists of the Polish YouTube and TikTok scene. Skate Championships are acrobatic demonstrations of skateboarding and bicycle riding skills. The e-sports championship has made Wloclawek a center of electronic entertainment and e-sports competition in computer game competitions as part of a professional gaming tournament. Each event enjoyed great interest among young people.
- Urban space accessible to everyone
The aim of the projects was to increase the accessibility of urban space for people with special needs. Two public, sensory playgrounds for children with disabilities were designed and arranged at Public Kindergartens No. 8 in Targowa street and no. 22 in Torunska street. These are playgrounds which develop senses and psychomotor coordination, stimulate cognitive curiosity and imagination, and all elements are adapted to the needs of people with disabilities. The equipment Installed includes: a painting wall, a magnetic board with a bullet track, a musical sensory panel, an eco memory, and tubular bells.
- Higher quality of space, including the degraded part of the city
The action responds to problems with the quality of urban space, including the small amount of greenery in the center and housing estates. Two pocket parks were created: at the Chemical School Complex and in Zapiecek street. Connection of two pedestrian and bicycle routes, i.e. the Vistula boulevards with H. Sienkiewicz park, and then with the park in Slodowo, allowed the integration of two walking and communication trails, as well as relaxation and recreation areas, eagerly used by the inhabitants of Wloclawek. The Vistula boulevards, the park named after H. Sienkiewicz and the park in Slodowo are green areas frequently visited by residents, but also by people from outside the city. They are visited by families with children, people practicing sports, young people and the elderly. When they were connected, the length of the collision-free section among recreational areas has significantly extended, which favor increased activity, also among people with disabilities and limited mobility.
- Socio-professional activation of residents, including youth
The activity was related to the problem of too low professional and economic activity of young people. The scope included postgraduate studies for teachers of entrepreneurship, training for students. The training consisted of four modules: fundamentals of economics, law and taxes, management and marketing, and ABCs of entrepreneurship. Students also had the opportunity to participate in study visits to Wloclawek businesses to familiarize themselves with their operations.
- Support and promotion of the local economy
As part of the project, 10 two-day public events were held and the necessary equipment was purchased (exhibition tents, sound equipment, barriers, stage, chairs, and tables). Local producers had the opportunity to showcase their products, promote their businesses, and expand their local network of contacts. Włocławek’s boulevards hosted trade and food stalls, along with attractions for children.
- Ecology for Włocławek
The action aimed to raise the ecological awareness of the city''s community. Work was carried out to make the Old Market Square green so that it would be the Green Heart of the City. Ecology and nature workshops were also conducted, covering topics such as waste segregation, care for the natural environment, awareness of climate pollution, and the role of humans in these areas. The results of the workshops include insect hotels installed throughout the city, hand-decorated shopping bags, pictures made of plants, as well as wooden boxes for treasures or jewelry.
- Improving the quality of public services
The "Wloclawek standard of social services" was developed and implemented, which will allow for the harmonization of activities carried out simultaneously towards people covered by various forms of support and will facilitate supervision over their implementation and assessment of the quality of work of service providers. Laptops and software were purchased to provide social services. The office has created and equipped (portable hearing aid system - induction loop, electronic magnifying glass with OCR function) three stations to serve people with special needs.
- Increasing the institutinal capacity of the city hall and organizational units
The action refers to changes in the human resources management system of the City Hall and strengthening (through a training system) the competence and ability to maintain highly qualified staff. Employees were provided with training to improve interpersonal skills, training in customer service with special needs, team management training and an English language course. A study of the office''s organizational culture was also carried out.
- Effective strategic and operational managment of city development
The activity involves the development and implementation of a municipal debt management strategy, expanding the range of IT tools for financial management with tools for budget planning and the Multiannual Financial Forecast (MFF), training in financial and MFF management, postgraduate studies in public finance and budget accounting. Also opportunities to use the support of financial and tax advisors were created.
The project "Włocławek – a city of new opportunities. I live, work, invest, and rest here" aimed to develop Włocławek in three main areas: social, economic, and environmental. The effects of the project are primarily: increasing the social integration of city residents and strengthening social bonds, increasing the accessibility of urban space for people with disabilities, improving the quality of the environment, including air, increasing youth entrepreneurship, strengthening relations between the entrepreneur and the city resulting in an increase in mutual trust, strengthening competences and development opportunities of local business, improving the quality of social participation and participation of residents in the process of co-governance. In addition, as a result of the activities carried out, the institutional capacity of the city to conduct development policy will be increased and the quality of social services provided will increase. These benefits will accrue residents and users of the city, entrepreneurs. We wanted primarily to increase socio-economic activity, increase the sense of identity and bond with the city among the inhabitants of Wloclawek, especially young people, because their lack results in the loss of residents with creative potential.
The following activities were carried out as part of the project:
- Wloclawek, as a city of cooperation and building social bonds
To encourage activation and integration of the local community, a series of events was proposed to meet the needs and interests of residents of all ages, from children to seniors. The project partner, the Kujawsko-Pomorska Headquarters of the Polish Scouting Association, Wloclawek Troop, worked to foster intergenerational solidarity, enhance quality of life, and create conditions conducive to promoting civic engagement. This initiative served to activate the Włocławek community, enriched the cultural and recreational offerings, and strengthened social bonds. It provided the conditions and opportunities to build interpersonal and intergenerational relationships, as well as a sense of community.
- Creating a positive image of the city
The image recognition of the city thanks to flagship events which use the city''s potential and are the result of an active dialogue between the city authorities and the young allowed for a change in the way Wloclawek is perceived. Youth Wekend influenced the building of social bonds by creating common experiences and emotions which united the participants. Participation in the events provided an opportunity to make new friends and build relationships with other participants, leading to the creation of a stronger local community. In addition, a high quality event can inspire further cooperation and social activity, strengthening interpersonal ties and mutual trust in the community. Ultimately, a cultural event can serve as a platform for the exchange of ideas, values and perspectives, which helps build an open and tolerant community Youth Weekend was created for young people, but primarily with young people who decided who they wanted to listen to, who they wanted to meet, who they wanted to get to know. Young people took a very active role in organizing the events, using their potential, enthusiasm and youthful energy, and above all a different, new, fresh perspective.
- Urban space accessible to everyone
Two public, sensory playgrounds for children with disabilities were designed and arranged. These are squares which develop the senses and psychomotor coordination, stimulate cognitive curiosity and imagination. All elements are adapted to the needs of people with disabilities, thanks to which no child will be excluded from playing outdoors.
- Higher quality of space, including the degraded part of the city
The main goal was to improve the quality of the urban space by eliminating the architectural barrier created by the elevation between Henryk Sienkiewicz Park and the Boulevards, thus creating favorable architectural conditions for people with limited mobility to enjoy walks in this part of the city without having to navigate the slope via stairs. Two pocket parks were created – green relaxation areas for local residents to rest and catch their breath.
- Socio-professional activation of residents, including youth
The implementation of the initiative aimed to encourage young people to overcome their fears and start their own businesses, which will lead to an increase in creative potential and economic entities operating within the city in the future. The training prepared participants to run their own businesses and provided knowledge about forms of employment along with the associated consequences and responsibilities. The classes also addressed issues related to employment equality policies. Teachers who completed postgraduate studies in entrepreneurship acquired specific skills in using modern tools that they can employ while preparing and conducting classes with students. They gained the latest knowledge in teaching methods for entrepreneurship and in fostering entrepreneurial foundations among youth.
- Support and promotion of the local economy
The organization of outdoor events under the name "Green Festival" aimed to strengthen the integration of entrepreneurs both with each other and with the local community, as well as to increase the level of trust entrepreneurs have in the city, addressing identified deficits in this area.
- Ecology for Włocławek
The participation in the workshops aimed to engage the community and serve as an incentive for undertaking pro-environmental actions. The implementation of this project addressed the needs of the local community by providing access to nature and ecological education, as well as fostering local community integration. A key aspect of the initiative was the inclusion of the elderly, as children and young people often have more opportunities to participate in such activities at educational institutions. Involving adults, therefore, contributed to more conscious consumer choices. Adults who are more aware of environmental issues tend to engage more frequently in environmental protection efforts, such as participating in local initiatives.
- Improving the quality of public services
Effective channels of communication and information exchange were established among all entities whose cooperation is necessary to ensure high-quality social services. The standards enable the establishment of clear rules and competencies for service recipients and their families, as well as for the organizer and the service providers. They will allow for the harmonization of actions taken simultaneously for individuals receiving different forms of support. Additionally, they will facilitate oversight of the execution and quality assessment of the service providers’ work.
- Increasing the institutinal capacity of the city hall and organizational units
The implemented actions – a training system – improved the motivation of the City Hall employees, ensuring job satisfaction and a sense of identity with the mission and goals of the City Hall. As a result, employees'' competencies and skills were enhanced, thereby increasing the institution''s overall capabilities.
The total sum of experiences gained during the implementation of project activities is a valuable asset for all, and the actions carried out have had a positive impact on the image of our city and its recognition. The initiatives implemented as part of the project have contributed to an increase in the quality of life and the sense of local identity among Włocławek''s residents, boosted their involvement in social life and the creation of the city''s policies, as well as enhanced the city''s attractiveness and the quality of services provided by the local administration.