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Description
- Among Jarocin''s main problems, diagnosed after analysis, are:disturbance of environmental balance, unused social potential and a system of support for economy. The diversity of tasks will make it possible to eliminate the negative impact of problems in the local development.The project is comprehensive: it includes both investment activities and "soft" projects,with institutional and development dimensions. The project assumes the implementation of one of the activities with the partner– the Guild of Various Crafts
- The Norwegian Grants operates under the leitmotif of working together for a green, competitive and inclusive Europe. In Jarocin, these aspirations are reflected in obj. of the New Development Pathway, comprising goals: Well-integrated Team,Efficient Administration,Friendly Administration(improving competences of officials,bringing the office closer to residents), EcoRockCity:increasing the ecological awareness; Local Avant-Garde Activities Community: increasing citizens''involvement; Economic Development: increase in the ability to create innovations of youth.
- The implementation of the project "Jarocin-The City of Tomorrow" will contribute to the achievement of the N.Grants obj.: Improvement of the quality of life in small and medium-sized Polish municipalities and better adj. of local administration to the needs of citizens. The effect of the project will be the creation of a friendly and accessible space, adjustment of the city''s offer to the cycle of functioning of the residents, as well as increasing the attractiveness of living in the city.
- We would like get an innovative approach, and a process to develop a network of regular co-operation with environmental protection and non-governmental organisation experts, to gain international experience and cultural competencies. Exchanging good practices in the field of environmentally friendly technologies may be conducive to enhanced delivery of the 4R principle, and thus to improved quality of life.
Summary of project results
The “Jarocin – Miastem Jutra” project aimed to tackle numerous challenges that hindered the municipality’s development and its ability to manage operations effectively while providing high-quality services to its residents. One of the primary issues was the lack of a cohesive development strategy, which stemmed from outdated strategic documents and insufficient integration between strategic planning and financial management. These processes were fragmented and inefficient, with inadequate tools and resources for risk analysis and decision-making. Responsibilities within the local administration were not clearly delegated, and project management practices were underdeveloped and lacked formalization. Human resources and competency gaps further complicated the situation. The existing training systems were inadequate, providing limited opportunities for professional development. As a result, employees felt dissatisfied, and the municipality faced challenges in retaining key personnel. Additionally, there was insufficient focus on fostering interpersonal skills and soft competencies, which are critical for efficient service delivery and effective communication. This situation undermined the ability of the administration to adapt to modern challenges and innovate in its operations.
Operational inefficiencies and challenges in service delivery also posed significant obstacles. Internal coordination within municipal departments was poor, and communication with external stakeholders, such as NGOs, was inconsistent. The municipality relied on fragmented IT systems, which created inefficiencies in managing data and hindered the integration of services. Public services often required excessive time and resources, and there was limited accessibility for individuals with physical disabilities. Additionally, digital platforms were not user-friendly, making it difficult for residents to access services efficiently.
Environmental and technical shortcomings presented additional barriers. The municipality struggled with gaps in waste management infrastructure and faced difficulties implementing sustainable urban planning initiatives. There was a pressing need for innovative solutions to address environmental concerns, particularly in areas such as resource management and reducing ecological footprints.
Community engagement and social participation were also insufficiently developed. Mechanisms for involving residents in decision-making processes were limited, and there was a lack of transparency in governance. Collaboration with local organizations and businesses was weak, restricting the municipality’s ability to harness local knowledge and resources for development purposes. Moreover, many residents, particularly older generations, lacked awareness of available e-services and digital governance tools, further complicating efforts to modernize municipal services.
These challenges collectively constrained Jarocin''s growth potential and its ability to serve its community effectively. The project addressed these issues by adopting a comprehensive approach that combined strategic updates, capacity building, technological advancements, and community engagement initiatives to create a modern, inclusive, and efficient local administration.
The "Jarocin – The Town of Tomorrow" project was a multifaceted initiative designed to address the key challenges facing the municipality of Jarocin. This project focused on improving various aspects of local governance, enhancing the quality of life for residents, fostering economic development, and preserving local cultural heritage. The activities carried out under this project were extensive, covering areas such as institutional development, urban infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and social engagement. The project was developed in collaboration with several partners, including the Various Crafts Guild, the Jarocin Public Library, and the Jarocin Regional Museum, among others.
One of the primary objectives of the project was to enhance the administrative capacities of Jarocin’s municipal government. This involved both upgrading the infrastructure and improving the skills of the local government employees. During the project implementation, an analysis of the municipal office’s documents was carried out to define the necessary competencies of the employees. A survey was conducted among the staff to assess their development needs. Postgraduate study referrals were issued for the employees of the Jarocin Municipal Office, who eagerly took advantage of the opportunity to receive funding for professional development. The employees also participated in language courses, enhancing their linguistic abilities. This allowed them to broaden their horizons, perspectives, and establish connections with people from different cultural backgrounds, leading to better mutual understanding. In the era of globalization and internationalization of the office’s clientele, the skills acquired by the employees significantly improve the comfort and quality of their work.
The beneficiary notes that this task greatly contributed to achieving the goal of a friendly and competent administration and also highlights the innovative aspect of this component in the Local Development Program and the low number of other funding opportunities for employee training.
As part of institutional development, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was purchased for the Municipal Office. The model provided is the DJI Matrice 350RTK, equipped with a LIDAR camera. This equipment allows employees to perform their daily tasks more effectively. As part of the project, 12 people were trained to obtain drone piloting licenses in special categories (10 in the VLOS category – Visual Line of Sight, and 2 in the BVLOS category – Beyond Visual Line of Sight).
The beneficiary plans to purchase additional cameras for the drone, enabling broader analyses, and to continue training employees in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles. The beneficiary encourages other municipalities to purchase drones and train employees. The work is done faster, more accurately, and professionally, and most importantly, with internal resources. This also demonstrates that the office cares about using new technologies. The drone is also popular during youth visits to the office or study visits at schools, showing that the office is not rigid and siloed.
In summary, this task brought the following effects:
- Expansion of knowledge and skills within their field or related areas; increased professional competencies and the ability to perform duties effectively.
- Greater engagement in performing duties and increased motivation to work.
- Increased sense of loyalty to the office.
- Increased efficiency of office employees.
- More space for introducing new solutions and improvements within the office.
- Greater competitiveness of the office in the labor market.
- Increased employee retention – it contributed to keeping the best employees in the office by providing opportunities for professional development.
- Increased knowledge level in the office – employees who improved their knowledge through training and studies share it with others.
- Increased effectiveness in project implementation.
- Better planning, coordination, and control of projects.
- Better utilization of human resources in the office.
A key social outcome of the project was the increased community engagement and participation, especially in initiatives designed to foster a sense of belonging and connection among different groups. Through various social campaigns, outreach programs, and public events, the project succeeded in bringing people together, strengthening social ties, and fostering a collective responsibility toward the environment and society.
One significant initiative was the NGO Support Centre, which played a crucial role in strengthening the social fabric of the town. The centre provided a platform for local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to connect with residents, share their experiences, and collaborate on social causes. By offering training, advisory services,and helping NGOs with fundraising and organizational management, the project empowered these organizations to play a more active role in the community. Through events like the NGO Fairs, local organizations were able to showcase their activities, meet new people, and engage with the broader community. These fairs attracted hundreds of residents, fostering a spirit of cooperation and solidarity.
Additionally, the training programs for community leaders and local activists focused on crucial skills such as communication, project management, and team leadership. This helped not only to develop individual capacities but also encouraged social responsibility and active civic participation among the leaders of various community groups.
A particularly noteworthy aspect of the project was its focus on youth engagement. By offering opportunities for young people to get involved in social and environmental activities, the project encouraged a generation of youth that is more aware of social issues and prepared to take action. Initiatives like the Bovver Boot Craze, a campaign aimed at promoting youth engagement through creative workshops, provided young people with a platform to express themselves, develop new skills, and become involved in local issues.
Moreover, through outdoor educational activities such as environmental workshops, sports events, and community festivals, the project ensured that young residents not only engaged with their peers but also contributed to the broader community. These events created a sense of belonging and solidarity among participants, allowing youth to play an active role in shaping the future of their town.
The project also made a significant impact on the social integration of senior citizens, which is an often overlooked aspect of community development. Several initiatives were designed specifically to improve the quality of life for older residents. For instance, health and wellness programs, including swimming lessons and aqua aerobics, were organized for seniors, providing them with both physical and social benefits. These activities allowed older people to maintain their health while also meeting other members of the community, thus helping to combat social isolation.
The transformation of the Town Hall into an accessible City Service Centre also benefited seniors, making public services more accessible and ensuring that older residents could easily access the resources and support they need. The project demonstrated a commitment to inclusive services by improving infrastructure and creating spaces where seniors, as well as other vulnerable groups, could feel comfortable and supported.
The project supported the future development of the Jarocin Festival, a major cultural event in the town. By organizing workshops and consultations, the project helped gather ideas and feedback for the festival’s growth and evolution. The goal was to adapt the festival to meet the changing expectations of the community, ensuring its sustainability and relevance for future generations.
Jarocin Education and Career Centre (JaCEK) was one of the cornerstone initiatives of the project, aimed at addressing the local community''s educational and vocational needs. Its main goal was to provide opportunities for residents to improve their skills, gain new qualifications, and enhance their employability, contributing to the town''s social and economic development.
JaCEK was created to bridge the gap between the local labor market and the available skills of the workforce in Jarocin. With an emphasis on vocational education, it was designed to cater to both young people entering the workforce and adults looking to improve or change their professional qualifications. The center was equipped to offer both practical training and theoretical education in areas that directly supported local industries and the broader regional economy.
The center provided a wide range of vocational training courses, designed to equip participants with relevant, job-ready skills. These included courses in sectors like construction, technical professions (such as welding and machinery operation), IT, business management, and entrepreneurship. By offering practical training in high-demand fields, JaCEK helped improve participants'' chances of securing employment and supported local businesses by addressing skill gaps in the workforce.
The courses offered by JaCEK were tailored to the needs of the local labor market, ensuring that the center’s offerings were aligned with the demands of local employers. This focus on market relevance made the center a crucial asset for both individuals and businesses, fostering a more competitive local economy. Additionally, JaCEK facilitated the professional development of business owners, offering training on entrepreneurship, business management, and innovation, thus encouraging local economic growth and supporting the sustainability of small and medium-sized enterprises.
The "Jarocin – The Town of Tomorrow" project achieved remarkable results across a wide range of activities, leading to significant positive impacts on the municipality and its residents. The project was designed to address key local development challenges, including improving public services, fostering community engagement, promoting environmental sustainability, and enhancing local skills and competencies. The following provides a comprehensive overview of the results and their impact on various beneficiaries.
One of the most notable results of the project was the transformation of the Jarocin Town Hall into a modern City Service Centre. The renovation of the Town Hall, which included the installation of a lift, the adaptation of spaces for individuals with mobility challenges, and the creation of dedicated service areas, greatly improved accessibility. The newly refurbished building not only enhanced customer service but also made the municipal office a more welcoming and functional space for all residents.
This transformation was part of the project’s broader goal of creating a friendly and competent administration. The project modernized the office’s infrastructure and introduced new technologies, which helped streamline processes and improve efficiency. For example, the installation of energy-efficient lighting, the creation of a more intuitive layout, and the introduction of digital solutions made the office more accessible and efficient for both residents and municipal employees.
Moreover, the project focused on improving the qualifications of the municipal staff. Various training programs, including postgraduate studies and language courses, were implemented to ensure that employees had the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the evolving needs of the community. This investment in human capital significantly boosted the overall performance of the municipal office and contributed to greater citizen satisfaction.
The Jarocin Education and Career Centre (JaCEK) was another critical outcome of the project. Over 800 local residents benefited from various educational programs aimed at improving their vocational and technical skills. The centre offered a wide range of courses, from practical skills such as welding and driving to business-related subjects like entrepreneurship. By providing targeted, high-quality training, JaCEK helped enhance the employability of Jarocin’s workforce, allowing both young people and adults to gain skills that aligned with the needs of local businesses.
One of the center’s key features was its commitment to inclusivity. JaCEK’s educational programs were accessible to a wide range of residents, regardless of age or background. The center’s open-door policy ensured that both young people and adults could access training programs that would benefit them in their personal and professional lives. Special attention was given to reaching out to groups that may have faced barriers to education, such as those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds or those seeking to change careers later in life.
JaCEK’s role in improving employability was particularly significant, as it directly contributed to reducing unemployment and helping individuals find sustainable work. Many participants from JaCEK''s courses were able to secure employment with local businesses that were in need of skilled workers. In addition to offering courses, JaCEK also facilitated connections between students and employers, helping individuals find job opportunities through career counseling and job fairs organized by the center. By providing business owners with tools to grow and improve their businesses, JaCEK helped stimulate the local entrepreneurial spirit and encouraged the creation of new businesses.
A crucial part of JaCEK’s success was its collaboration with local businesses and institutions. By working together with industry leaders and other educational institutions, JaCEK ensured that its training programs were relevant and met the demands of the local job market. This collaboration created a mutually beneficial relationship between businesses in Jarocin and the center, where businesses could provide input on the skills they needed, while JaCEK could provide workers who were trained to meet those needs. Additionally, JaCEK developed partnerships with local schools, vocational training centers, and universities, creating a learning ecosystem that bridged the gap between academic knowledge and practical skills. This approach not only strengthened JaCEK''s educational offerings but also ensured that its graduates were well-equipped to enter the job market or pursue further education.
JaCEK’s impact on the local community is expected to be long-lasting. By focusing on education and vocational training, it has created a foundation for sustained economic growth and social mobility in Jarocin. The skills imparted through JaCEK will continue to benefit the town by providing a skilled, adaptable workforce that can meet the challenges of the modern labor market.
In conclusion, the JaCEK played a pivotal role in the town''s development, not only by providing essential vocational skills but also by fostering stronger links between education, employment, and business growth. Its impact is felt across the community, from individual participants who have enhanced their career prospects to local businesses that have benefited from a skilled workforce. JaCEK has contributed significantly to creating a resilient, forward-thinking community in Jarocin, one that is prepared for the challenges of the future.
Environmental sustainability was one of the core focuses of the project, and it yielded long-lasting impacts. One of the key achievements was the creation of educational manuals on water retention and the promotion of flower meadows, which aimed to raise awareness about sustainable practices in local communities, particularly among children. The manuals, which were printed and distributed to over 3,000 residents, provided guidance on how to implement small-scale water retention solutions and how to create and maintain flower meadows. By teaching children and adults alike about the importance of water conservation and biodiversity, the project helped foster a generation of environmentally conscious citizens.
Furthermore, the project included the development of virtual educational trails that allowed residents and visitors to explore Jarocin’s natural heritage. The trails featured information on local nature reserves, natural monuments, and the importance of preserving local ecosystems. Through interactive maps, panoramic photos, and videos, these virtual trails provided an ennjoy outdoor activities while also learning about the local environment. The educational trail featured information boards on the history and nature of the region, helping raise awareness about the importance of preserving the local ecosystem.
As part of the project’s environmental education component, a series of textbooks and virtual educational trails were developed. These resources were designed to teach students about the importance of nature conservation and to foster a sense of responsibility for the environment. The textbooks were distributed to local schools, while the virtual trails provided an interactive way for people of all ages to explore the natural beauty of the region.
The preservation of Jarocin’s rich cultural heritage was another central theme of the project. The project aimed to celebrate and promote the town’s local traditions, while also encouraging new forms of cultural expression. A number of events were organized to bring together people from different generations, fostering a sense of community and shared identity. These included music workshops, folk performances, and the creation of a summer folk and rock academy. These cultural activities helped preserve local traditions and promote the arts, while also providing a space for younger generations to engage with their cultural heritage.
The Jarocin Festival, one of the most famous cultural events in the region, also benefited from the project. The festival was reimagined with the input of local stakeholders, including business owners, young people, and residents. The project organized workshops and discussions, gathering feedback and ideas for the future development of the festival. This collaboration helped rejuvenate the festival, ensuring it remains a key part of Jarocin’s cultural identity while adapting to new trends and challenges.
A significant component of the project focused on social inclusion and outreach activities, particularly targeting marginalized groups such as senior citizens, youth, and immigrants. The Jarocin Health Academy was established as part of the project to improve the health and well-being of seniors. The academy offered a variety of activities, including swimming lessons, aqua aerobics, and consultations with doctors and specialists.
The outreach activities extended to the youth included street work, social campaigns, and cultural events that allowed young people to express themselves creatively and gain valuable skills. One of the most popular activities was the Bovver Boot Craze, a community event that brought together different generations through joint creative workshops.
The project was an ambitious and comprehensive initiative that brought significant improvements to the municipality. Through a combination of infrastructure development, social programs, cultural initiatives, and environmental projects, the town was transformed into a more modern, inclusive, and sustainable community. The project not only addressed immediate needs but also laid the groundwork for future growth, ensuring that Jarocin will continue to evolve as a vibrant and dynamic place for its residents. The success of this project has already begun to generate new opportunities for further development and collaboration, both within Jarocin and beyond.
Summary of bilateral results
Our Norwegian partner in the implementation of our project ’Jarocin – The City of Tomorrow’ was Ås municipality, located 35 kilometres to the south of Oslo. What brought us together were for example festivals. A jazz event takes place in Norway and a historic rock festival is organised in Jarocin. The subject areas of our cooperation included: administration, culture, society, non-governmental organisations, climate and environmental protection. Apart from online meetings, which were held regularly, we organised four study visits, two to Norway and two to Poland, as well as one online seminar. From the very start, international cooperation has been going smoothly, focusing on the best possible implementation of the project so that residents can benefit from it. We concentrated on an exchange of experience, good practices and solutions. What helped us were regular contacts, the ability to work under pressure and, most importantly, smiles on our faces. The project has shown that there are no better or worse people, we can learn from one another to work even better for our towns. The project further strengthened local NGOs and helped establish new frameworks for cooperation, bringing people together for the common good. The partnership also enhanced social services, notably through a focus on senior citizens and outreach activities aimed at integrating marginalized groups. The Norwegian influence led to the implementation of more inclusive social policies, with a focus on accessibility and diversity. As a result of this collaboration, both towns gained new perspectives on governance and development, strengthening their sense of identity and creating a lasting impact. Plans for further cooperation were sparked, ensuring that the benefits of this partnership would continue to unfold in the years to come. The project’s success demonstrated the value of international collaboration in addressing local challenges and promoting long-term growth.