On the road to independent lives in Poland
ADRA Poland supports refugees from Ukraine in becoming independent with comprehensive support, economic inclusion and social integration activities. In five integration centres, residents can use individual consultations and psychological assistance aimed at helping to alleviate stress and war trauma.
Initially, ADRA Poland focused on providing safe shelter, food and basic necessities. “The next step is extremely important because it has a huge impact on the sense of dignity. Helping to become independent, to build your life in Poland, so that refugees from Ukraine feel like equal members of Polish society – this is now the main goal of our activities,” a representative of ADRA Poland explains.
ADRA Poland has opened five Integration Centers for Foreigners in various regions of Poland. The institutions are a comprehensive form of integration assistance. Their characteristic feature is the concentration of various expert services in one place, addressed to people who, fleeing the war, decided to stay in Poland.
Language knowledge is key to integrating into the host society. That is why ADRA Poland conducts Polish language classes at each centre. This will allow refugees to find a job in the future and become independent. They can also benefit from legal advice and the services of a career counsellor, as well as an integration specialist. Beneficiaries also receive assistance in formal matters related to life in Poland and support in crisis situations.
Around 80 percent of the beneficiaries of the Integration Centers for Foreigners are women. They are often alone with their children. “They have no one to help them to take a job or use the help of organizations such as ours, which is why we also offer daycare for children at ADRA Poland help points” the representative explains.
Considering the influx of war refugees from Ukraine to Poland, there is a great need for their integration into Polish society, so that they can get back on their feet as soon as possible. To help them, ADRA Poland plans to open another six centres in various regions of Poland.
