New initiatives and intercultural projects in Lublin

 

In the spring of 2009, Lublin City Council collaborated with the Homo Faber Association to launch a pilot project "Lublin is Friendly". This joint project is part of the Intercultural City programme of the Council of Europe and the European Commission. The objective of this project was three-pronged. Firstly, it served to evaluate the quality of life of foreign students in Lublin. The second objective was to asses their needs. Lastly, the project tried to gain an appreciation of the students’ level of interaction with the city and participation in the city’s cultural events. The survey covered over 270 participants. The method also involved open meetings held with representatives from NGOs and cultural institutions. These parties provided students with facts and figures on local cultural life, institutions, as well practical information on enrolment as volunteers and participation. All students were provided with information as well as promotional material.

 

Another important project carried out in 2009 was a sociological research on participation in cultural life and knowledge of culture carried out among Lubliners. One part of the research focused on how the citizens of Lublin see immigrants and cultural diversity. The research was conducted by a local university on a sample of 1397 people.

 

The research will help to shape development strategy of local culture especially in relation to Lublin’s participation in the European Capital of Culture 2016 competition. It will also influence the development of intercultural events in Lublin, such as Multicultural Lublin.

 

Integration projects

The report issued as part of the "Lublin is Friendly" project served as a basis for the initiative "Welcome to Lublin", addressed to foreigners who live or study in Lublin. It includes:

  • The launch of an inquiry desk accessible to everyone and promoting its services in public places, regularly frequented by visitors. The aim of this service is to help foreigners find solutions to their problems.

  • City walks for newcomers that aim at presenting important institutions in Lublin, its culture, sports offer and recreational facilities

  • Specific training targeted at both public and private sector employees who deal directly with foreigners. This covers such practical areas as legal issues, as well as integration and antidiscrimination matters. Employees also gain a grounding in the most common foreign languages and cultures.

  • Providing newcomers with Polish language training and an appreciation of the country’s culture and history

  • Offer new comers the opportunity to greet and meet the city’s decision makers

  • Launching and updating a website for foreigners in English, Ukrainian and Belarusian

  • Publication of a calendar containing the most important information about the city, holidays, events and contact information to the most important institutions that organize multilingual cultural and social events

  • A dedicated broadcast in English on a local student radio

Campaign

In 2009 the Volunteer Center launched a social campaign called "I was a stranger". The project was implemented in three regions in Eastern Poland. It was targeted at third-country nationals. The campaign comprises:

  • Billboards with photos of minority groups living in Lublin

  • Four television broadcasts available on local channels about immigrants living in Lublin

  • Programs on the local radio stations

  • Training on intercultural education

Networking

The Rule of Law Institute Foundation has launched the Lublin Regional Network of Immigrants support project. The objective of this project is threefold. Firstly it aims at supporting both organisations and people that deal with local minority populations. Secondly, it tries to strengthen cooperation between organisations and their members. Lastly, it seeks to coordinate activities carried out by various institutions. The strategic vision of this project is to promote and improve the situation of minority groups in the region. The network comprises representatives from NGOs, a Migrant Help Center, academics, City, Province and Labour office representatives. They organize regular meetings which enable a regular exchange of information, as well asconferences and training which deal with the acceptance and integration of immigrants in the Lublin region.

 

More information on intercultural projects and activities in Lublin