“Malbork na + – Social Initiatives”

Project Description

This enterprise combined a re-vamp and upgrade of buildings with assistance for the residents. The inhabitants of the area of Malbork under re-vitalization received specialist support, counselling and backyard social work [praca podwórkowa]. Activities fostering development of the so-called ‘key competencies’, which aim to strengthen family ties, were also introduced. What took priority was the preparation of interiors and of suitable conditions for the implementation of the social work initiatives. The activities take place in two, more than 100-years old buildings. The first of them (a former Protestant chapel) was adapted to the new role of performing the tasks of a day-support centre, following the formula of care-work and specialist counselling, for children in the 7-12 years age group. It houses a family counselling centre. – I participate in the project, together with my two daughters, Kornelia and Amanda. The children can do their homework here, play with their friends, eat a hot meal, talk and just spend time together. This facility also offers the support of a learning specialist and a psychologist. The two youth workers, Ms Irena and Mr Jerzy, make sure that the children are safe, they accompany them during outings to the cinema, theatre, as well as on a variety of summer and winter camps – says Mrs Karolina Sarnowska, the mother of the girls. Another building, constructed in 1905, is a water tower. The four-storey building was also adapted to the new role of a day-support centre, with a place for ‘streetworkers’ and ‘partyworkers’ and a youth club aimed at the 13-19 year olds. The highest level houses a viewing platform with a view of the Żuławy. Both facilities are accessible to people with disabilities. The project’s partner is the Polish Scouting and Guiding Association Gdańsk ZHP Region.