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Interculturalism is in my blood

Project Promoter: Fundacja Centrum Aktywności Twórczej
Proposal: 1st thematic call
Co-financed from the program: 22992,90 EUR
Partners: None
Duration time: 30.12.2021-28.02.2023

In today’s world, different cultures, religions and nationalities are increasingly mixing. The dynamic progress of globalisation causes more and more foreigners to appear in Poland every year. According to data published by the Office for Foreigners, at the beginning of 2020 nearly 423,000 foreigners had valid residence permits in Poland. This number has increased by more than 50,000 people since the previous year. The effects of globalisation are also visible in the Leszno Subregion. More and more foreigners settle here every year, especially from Ukraine, Spain, Georgia, Turkey or Kazakhstan. Unfortunately, intolerance towards immigrants is also developing, especially in villages and small towns that until recently were monocultural. Young people volunteering in our Foundation have noticed that many of their peers perceive foreigners, especially of a different religion or skin colour, as less valuable. They bring our attention to videos and posts in social media containing hate speech, reinforcing xenophobia and provoking aggressive behaviour. The aim of our project is to break cultural stereotypes and prevent various forms of violence against foreigners in the Leszno Municipality and the Leszno Subregion. We want to strengthen social integration, as well as to promote anti-discrimination values and at the same time to remind residents of the intercultural past of the Leszno Subregion. We activate the local community and promote cooperation between foreigners and Poles.