Project
Youth association “Wyspa” (island) wants to help Polish children and young adults from (underprivileged) poor families. They offer fun and educational leisure activities. In their programs they teach democracy, (children's) rights and solidarity in a playful way.
Wyspa is very open to exchanges with young people from abroad, to make its own young people and visitors aware of other ways of living and thinking - and to be actively involved in this.
The organization is located in the middle of Chorzów, on a large site with several buildings and an outdoor area. Chorzów is an old industrial city, where the industry has largely left - many jobs have been lost. This continues to continues to be a problem today.
Exchange and volunteering
All kinds of exchange activities are possible. It depends on the group visiting: what skills they bring, what they want to do and what they can contribute.
Some ideas based on previous experiences:
- Build a bird house workshop
- Write a play and perform
- Arts and craft workshops
- Sports and games day
- Cooking for each other
- Create a flower garden
- Make a presentation about your life
The Polish young people are (of course) not at the youth association all day - they go to school during the day. During that time you will do volunteer work for the association as a group. Think of tidying up, cleaning, carrying out minor repairs, garden maintenance, refurbishing outdoor furniture, etc. A day off to take a trip with your own group is of course no problem either.
Residence
There are some dormitories available for visitors - and for adult companions there is a 4-person room with private bathroom.
Lunch (main meal of the day) is fully provided. Ingredients will be purchased for breakfast and dinner - you prepare these meals with your group.
Leisure
Chorzów is located in the south of Poland, near Katowice. Together, these cities form Poland's largest urban area. For a city trip outside this area, Krakow is a must. Some (school) groups opt for an impressive day trip to the former concentration camp at Auschwitz Birkenau/Oświęcim. For a walk in nature and a visit to castle ruins, you can go to Park Krajobrazowy Orlich Gniazd.
Trip
You arrange the trip to Chorzów yourself (with your group). That way you can choose which way you want to travel and via which route. IBO naturally thinks along and discusses the arrival and reception.
IBO asks all its volunteers to travel as sustainably as possible, preferably by train or bus. Traveling by plane is very damaging to the environment. You might decide to fly to this project. In this case you can compensate your CO2 emissions through a recognized organization. For more information, visit the website of Milieu Centraal.
Cost and registration
This is how it works for schools and groups.