The main theme of our project was multiculturalism, openness to other cultures and
nationalities, involving young people, and mobilizing for active citizenship. Our goal was to
increase the sensitivity of young people on cultural differences, and we wanted to achieve
this by presenting the culture of different European countries and learn from them from
their peers, to overcome stereotypes and prejudices about cultural differences. An important
element of our work was to broaden awareness of the youth belonging to the European
community and practice in their daily lives.

These values in our minds, we tried to shape the culture by participating and developing
positive social behavior and culture.

These objectives were realized through several measures:

Workshops

WORKSHOPS

The cycle of fifteen workshops in secondary schools in Lodz. All methods were carried out
and activating the participation of guests from abroad (a European volunteer from FERSO
Foundation ).

Their main goal was to get to know the cultures of other countries and to reflect the problem
of intolerance and a source of stereotypes. Each participant was able to experience from first
hand what stereotypes are and to be directly confronted with the source. The share of peers
from other countries helped to broaden the issue beyond the Polish environment. Intercultural
corporation!

CINEMA

The most direct way to see, learn and feel another culture is with movies. Movies have this
special ability to give us a direct insight of another world, an unknown world, a different
world. Movies make us think and reflect.
The film allowed us to inspire the participants to talk and share in the second part of the
session, which was based on the discussion about multiculturalism and its various aspects.
Together with participants we were wondering how much we ourselves are tolerant towards
other nationalities, and vice versa. As each screening was attended by guests from the country
where the film was shot. In addition, volunteers from other countries shared their thoughts on
the characteristics of Polish culture and differences in comparison to their countries. Meetings
have been diversifying the traditional treat of the country in which the film was presented.


Day room

Through the activities in community centers, we tried to convince young people there who
will remain with fewer opportunities to have an equal chance with others and that they do
not have to feel as second-class citizens. A very important aspect of our work was to unleash
the potential of these young people and to identify ways to use them, without fearing that
because of their environment and background they are disanvantaged. Another very important
aspect was to trigger in young people the respect of other cultures through the unmasking of
false fears and prejudices against being different and cultural diversity. To be able to share
with European volunteers in the classes was a great experience for students clubs, with every
moment more boldly and actively participated in the classes. Volunteers were also an example
of their ability to pursue their passions and interests, regardless of who you are and where
they came from. It doesn’t matter where you come from, but where you go!

In addition:

NIGHT OF BABEL: About Love and much more…

Project funded by European Union under the Youth in Action Programme and the Office of
the City of Lodz