„Learning Managers Learning Organizations for Managing Social Exclusions and Poverty”

LEMOR GRUNDTVIG LEARNING PARTNERSHIP PROJECT

 THE MINUTES

 Partners meeting in Poland took place on 5th -6th of November, all partners were in Ruda Ślaska.
Polish partner planned different meetings with institution and organizations that are trying to manage with social exclusion and poverty, so as:

-District Labour Office in Ruda Śląska
-Vocational Training Centre (ZAZ) in Ruda Śląska
-Social Integration Club (KIS)
-Occupational Therapy Workshop UNIKAT
-Association of Regional Cooperation in Katowice 

The Guest had also opportunity to visit Nikiszowiec/ Giszowiec estates.

 During the work meeting the following points were discussed: 

 1. The dates of next meetings:
- Malta – 15th- 16th of January
- Turkey-  different dates are considered

 2. Results of the project:

- film- all partners  agreed that every country is making 3 min movie and sending it to Malta at the end of November
– beginning of December. Then Malta will put all parts of the movie together.
- a dictionary- Turkey shows how it will look like and how other partners will be engaged in making that  result
- a  booklet- Germany shows how it will look like
- Europass- Poland mentioned that all products should be reached and Poland decided to get his certificate.

3. Good practise in Poland:

All partners chose two organization as the best example of managing with social exclusion and poverty:

A) Occupational Therapy Workshop UNIKAT

Occupational Therapy Workshop UNIKAT is a centre which provides therapy and rehabilitation for the intellectual disabled. The therapy is run in 6 workrooms, there are psychologists, pedagogues and rehabilitation therapists working with participants. In one period of time there are  30 participants – according to decree about occupational therapy workshops one therapist can work with only up to 5 disabled.  The centre has 2 floors – ground floor and 1st floor and is not adapted to the physically disabled. Nevertheless, there are other  5 centres in Katowice of which 2 are for the intellectually disabled, other 2 for the physically disabled and 1 for the mentally disturbed.
In that place there is a computer lab and a laboratory of graphics and art. There is  a graphic (moulding) press for linocut making, it is a really laborious work.  Participants paint, draw with pastels – dry and wet. They prepare greeting cards. Work forms are adjusted to particular participants. The therapists select the best form for each  participant, thus everyone here can work in a different technique.
The most popular laboratory is a pottery laboratory that is located on the 1st floor. The participants  make both big sculptures for exhibitions or contests and small utility forms for fete, trade fairs.
The next one is a laboratory of handicraft, everything connected to fabric, needles and thread.They  observe market trends and adjust work to what is fashionable.
There is also a laboratory of artistic glass.
The last one is a workroom of development supporting. It is destined for little bit weaker people, who need calm and silence. They work in various techniques selected by therapists/ preceptors. There is a specialist of qulling and embossing, great greeting cards are made here. 

 B) Vocational Training Centre in Ruda Śląska – productive and service activities

Ther main goal  of this institution is rehabilitation by work.

Vocational Training Centre in Ruda Śląska, which  legal authority is the City of Ruda Śląska, has been established in March, 2011 by fusion of 2 separate Centres – Laundry and Clothing Factory. Its headquarter is located in the area of hospital in Bielszowice, it occupies 2 abutting buildings.
Currently its personnel counts 1 hundred and twenty three people, of which  ninety one are workers with significant or moderate degree of disability.
The laundry has been launched in the end of 2004. Laundry’s Department  provides services on the highest level, including full disinfection and hygienic barrier with usage of agents of high quality.   Washed and mangled  or ironed  laundry is packed in foil.
The laundry is divided into 2 separate parts: dirty one and clean one. All rooms, both parts, changing rooms, bathrooms and kitchen are spacious and deprived of architectural barriers.
All disabled workers are supported by well trained caretakers during their work.   
Cooperation of the staff, bridging potential interpersonal barriers give results in both material and social scope.  While doing a job, which is adjusted to their skills and possibilities, people feel appreciated and needed.
The Clothing factory is arranged in a similar way. It has been working since 2009.  The disabled workers are supported here by caretakers any time they need.
Its special assets are 3 electronic embroidery machines, thanks to which everyone can order unlimited pattern.
The disabled employed in this department can learn tailor’s job, including machines operation, techniques and methods used in dressmaking and embroidery.
Vocational Training Centre in Ruda Śląska is a place where economic rules are mixed with social mission, where acquisition of new clients is as important as care about employees. In such a special place the disabled are not perceived for their limits, but their possibilities.
Everyone who uses services of Vocational Training Centre in Ruda Śląska helps increase chances for employment  of new people.
Employees of thiscentre take part in rehabilitation treatment. Each takes 60 minutes and is  led by qualified staff.  Each employee has got their own rehabilitation programme.  The treatment is based on specialist doctors’ recommendations, individually prepared to each patient.The centre is equipped with rehabilitation rooms with equipment of high quality: relax room, gymnastic room, massage and physical therapy room.
 4. Problem with Internet account- Poland told about problems with account, but during the meeting it was possible to got there and it worked.