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Description
The project aims at solving problems arising from the fact that people establishing the Country Housewives'' Clubs (Pol: Koło Gospodyń Wiejskich) - despite their intention to act in favour of their local community - have poor knowledge in managing organisations, little experience and miss the necessary support. Female and male members of the Clubs in the Podlaskie voivodeship wish to grow, therefore the project is the reaction to the need to integrate, inspire and content-related support. This project aims at institutional enhancement of the Country Housewives'' Clubs from the Podlaskie voivodeship by implementing a series of thematic trainings, maintaining an informational and educational portal: www.kgwpodlaskie.pl, creating tailor-made strategies for the organisation development that would let them become independent of public monies and prepare the Clubs to establish the Podlaskie Federation of Country Housewives'' Clubs. Female and male members of the Clubs from at least 20 Clubs from the Podlaskie voivodeship are going to participate in the activities. Ultimately, the project deliverables will be enjoyed by female and male representatives of the Clubs from the Podlaskie voivodeship and their local communities. The implementation of the scheduled activities will contribute to popularisation of the concept of active functioning of the Clubs in the Podlaskie voivodeship. As a result, the quality and number of activities performed for the benefit of local communities on rural areas by those organisations will grow. In order to increase the efficiency of activities, efficient promotion and stimulate more trust among the representatives of the Clubs, the project is going to be held in cooperation with “Łapy''s Female Citizen in High Heel Shoes" Country Housewives'' Club in Łapy Dębowina.
Summary of project results
The project aimed at institutional strengthening of individual Country Housewives’ Clubs (Koła Gospodyń Wiejskich - KGW) in the Podlaskie Voivodeship as well as the entire community.
People establishing KGWs, despite their willingness to act for their local communities, often have a low level of knowledge about organizational management, limited experience, and lack the necessary support.
As part of the project, a series of thematic training sessions and networking events were implemented. Additionally, an informational and educational portal dedicated to KGWs in the Podlaskie Voivodeship was launched (www.kgwpodlaskie.pl). Twenty individual strategies were developed to help KGWs achieve financial independence from public funding, and actions were taken to create a network among the participants. These activities directly addressed problems identified by the stakeholders themselves before and during the project implementation.
In total, nearly 400 people representing approximately 120 Country Housewives’ Clubs from the Podlaskie Voivodeship participated in the project’s activities, constituting over 25% of all registered KGWs in the region.
From the perspective of the grantee, the project was a success, as evidenced by continued collaboration with the participants. After the project’s completion, the activities will be sustained through other funding obtained by the grantee. Efforts will continue to raise awareness among KGWs about their role as non-governmental organizations, emphasizing the importance of addressing legal and financial issues.
As a result of the project’s activities:
The idea of participation in KGWs in the Podlaskie Voivodeship was popularized.
The quality and quantity of activities benefiting local rural communities increased.
Efforts were made to counter the stereotype that KGWs are composed solely of "elderly women who cook."
The project promoted diversity among KGW members, showcased the range of initiatives they undertake, and highlighted best practices to inspire other KGWs.
In the opinion of both the grantee and the participants, a noticeable change has been observed in how KGWs are perceived. They are increasingly seen as "partners" in relationships with local governments rather than organizations to be taken advantage of. There is a visible rise in awareness regarding the activities carried out by KGWs, the development of long-term strategies, and specialization in specific areas.