Neighborhood Heroes: Young Voices Sparking Change

by The Federation of Community Foundations in Poland

Summary

The project supports youth from 26 small Polish communities. By strengthening leadership skills and offering mentor support, they'll learn how to implement projects that solve social problems. This will give them a sense of agency and the courage to aspire more boldly in the future as changemakers, councilors and businessmen. With greater influence, they will contribute to the economic and social recovery of their regions. In 2 years, we plan to train 500 children who will carry out 20 projects.

$5,000
total goal

$4,423
remaining

18
donors

0
monthly donors

6
months

Challenge

Young people from cities and villages do not feel as much agency and influence over their surroundings. In Poland's small local communities, young people struggle with limited educational and developmental opportunities, leading to marginalization. Lack of access to modern resources and tools hinders the acquisition of skills important to personal development. Through lack of adequate support, their opportunities are not realized, leading to a loss of talent and a slowdown in local development.

Solution

We operate in 25 regions of Poland supporting young people from small local communities. Participation in the Youth Program allows them to develop practical skills like entrepreneurship and leadership. Through learning how to participate in projects, support in the form of minigrants, young people realize ideas for initiatives and make a real impact on the quality of life in their communities. They get mentoring support, access to educational materials and tools to develop necessary competencies

Long-Term Impact

The program aims to forge a new generation of leaders and innovators making a real impact on the development of their communities. By strengthening the competencies of youth, we increase their sense of self-worth, independence and readiness for action. They will be able to aspire to be changemakers, councilors or businessmen, contributing to the economic and social revival in their regions. The program will integrate self-reliant communities that are better prepared to face future challenges.