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Description
The project is the reaction to the problem of the lack of regional system of support for Country Housewives’ Clubs. While working in the country, we noticed that in the governmental “systemic support” implemented in 2018 there were gaps to which our attention was called by the Clubs. The key problems are: lack of register of all Clubs regardless of their legal form which prevents from determination of their actual number, no institution providing comprehensive support to the Clubs regardless of their legal form and lack of comprehensive source with information that is important from the Club’s perspective.Planned activities:• construction and the activity of a network of Clubs;• trainings for young Clubs;• opened thematic trainings,• analysing the condition of the Clubs.• craftroom at Warmia and Mazuria - the place where products, services and the brand for the entire network are going to be developed, ethnographic workshops for network members and craft workshops.The project deliverables comprise: creating an umbrella-like organisation forming a network and supporting at least 30 Clubs in the Warmińsko-Mazurskie voivodeship, creating a regional network of cooperation associating the Clubs from this voivodeship and building a strong regional brand of the Clubs. The most important project benefit is building a comprehensive system of support for the Clubs by virtue of a recognisable, umbrella-like organisation and, as a result, enhancing the potential and resources of the Clubs associated within the network.The project partners are as follows: Warmińsko-Mazurskie Divisions of the Regional Agency for Restructuring and Modernisation of Agriculture, Ostróda commune, Domestic Centre for Supporting Agriculture in Olsztyn. The participation of project partners will ensure more efficient engagement of rural community at a larger scale, more extensive possibilities of impacting local policy and more efficient support for the Clubs.
Summary of project results
The main goal of the project was to establish a provincial network of Country Housewives’ Clubs (Koła Gospodyń Wiejskich - KGW) as a forum for cooperation and a strong brand for KGWs in the Warmian-Masurian region. The "STRONG NETWORK" project was an initiative of the Teraz MY Association, in collaboration with the Municipality of Ostróda, the Warmian-Masurian Agency for Restructuring and Modernization of Agriculture, and the National Agricultural Support Center’s Regional Branch in Olsztyn. The project responded to the lack of systemic support for KGWs in the region. After receiving grants from ARiMR, KGWs were often left without substantive or training support, unsure of where to turn for assistance. We addressed this gap, offering support at every stage of development—from the formation of a circle to its further growth. Another pressing need was the integration and exchange of experiences among members. Given the vast area of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship, support was scattered, and KGWs rarely had opportunities to meet. It was crucial to offer a form of support that effectively reached the target audience.
KGWs participated in an educational cycle, open training sessions, meetings, and workshops.
Project Participants: Representatives of KGWs from the Warmian-Masurian region.
Actions Undertaken:
1 KGW network – an agreement on the establishment and development of the network was signed during the final plenary meeting on February 27, 2024, with 32 circles signing (100% of those present).
62 KGWs in the network (initial goal: 30).
15 KGWs completed the Knowledge Academy – attendance lists, pre-tests, and post-tests documented.
80 hours of training as part of the Academy – attendance lists, pre-tests, and post-tests documented.
48 hours of OPEN training on various topics – attendance lists, pre-tests, and post-tests documented.
1 KGW survey – report available at Survey Report.
1 platform – www.mocnasiec.teramy.org.
16 hours of training for KGW Representatives – attendance lists, program.
1 network strategy – document developed by network members and the secretariat, presented and approved during the final plenary meeting on February 27, 2024.
10 KGW specializations.
100 hours of craft workshops preparing for KGW specialization.
16 hours of ethnographic workshops.
24 hours of OPEN craft workshops (9 more hours than planned).
3 project applications submitted for network activities, with 2 receiving funding (1 pending evaluation).
200 hours of advisory support for KGW members in the province.
Social media profile: Facebook Page.
Website: www.mocnasiec.terazmy.org.
Key Outcomes
The most significant result of the project was the creation of the Provincial Network of Country Housewives’ Clubs, comprising 62 KGWs (initial goal: 30). A network brand was developed based on the region’s heritage. The project also fostered strong partnerships, contributing to the increased capacity and professionalization of KGW activities.
Although the project formally ended in February 2024, its activities continue due to ongoing demand. KGWs have integrated, exchanged contacts, and maintain active collaboration. The Teraz MY Association continues to provide advisory and substantive support. The network’s presidium has preliminarily planned further meetings and actions for the future.