Office for Foreigners statistics show that over recent years, several to more than ten thousand foreigners have been applying for refugee status per annum. In the Lublin voivodship, applicants find accommodation at dedicated centres and in private flats. Despite their local presence, refugee-related knowledge is fragmentary, frequently based on false information. This gives rise to misunderstandings and dislike of refugees, as proven i.a. in the Poles vs. the Refugee Issue report by CBOS (Public Opinion Research Centre).
The intention of the project was to overcome barriers precluding refugee integration with local communities in the Lublin voivodship, and to promote a female refugee group.
The project involved the sensitisation of approximately 350 adults and 263 children to refugee needs. The position of 26 female refugees engaged in project activities was strengthened.
Three hundred and twenty-two sensitisation classes were delivered; children designed three peace village models and three theatre performances. Teachers attended 32 anti-discrimination workshops. Ten meetings were held at local Women’s Clubs, refugees attending. Refugee circumstances were discussed at a conference attended by 58 persons, followed up by a Women Can Do It workshop for female teachers and refugees, delivered by representatives of a Norwegian partner organisation. An I am a Woman. I Live in Poland campaign was realised (comprising a music piece with clip, a TV reportage shown by the public TVP Lublin station, a viral movie, a Facebook profile, and three brief recordings telling individual stories.
Project beneficiaries included 263 children and 160 teachers-workshop attendees, 140 integration meeting participants, and 58 conference attendees.
The partner organisation contributed by presenting and applying the Women Can Do It method, and by sharing their knowledge and experience of integration activities (study visit to Norway, visits by partner organisation representatives to Poland).