From 2-7 September 2024, CADIS Director Fr. Aris Miranda, MI, conducted a monitoring visit to Poland to assess the programs of the post-emergency project phase 3 funded by the Buddhist Tzu Chi Charity Foundation (BTCCF). This project will conclude in December 2024.
Two and a half years after the Russian invasion forcing millions of Ukrainians to flee, the efforts of the Camillians in Poland and CADIS International continue without hesitation. The goal of this project is to help the beneficiaries to attain maximum autonomy and self-reliance so that they can start a new life in Poland.
Compared to the last quarter, there have been no major changes to the programs in Ursus and Lomianki, where a total of 65 refugees are sheltered as of July 2024, of which 43 are new arrivals from February to July.
Łomianki
Two new families arrived between March and May. One of the mothers was diagnosed with stage four cancer. Originally from Ternopil, she is accompanied by her 10-year-old daughter and her husband. She came to Poland mainly for medical reasons (therapy), which she could not avail in Ukraine. That is why her husband was allowed to join her. She is doing fine and start to look for a job as an English language translator.
Among the issues discussed during the meeting with the project staff is the future of the Camillian facility in Lomianki, currently a permanent shelter for Ukrainian refugees by the end of this year. There is uncertainty of sustaining this shelter in 2025 as the Polish government has announced that it will stop providing financial support to Ukrainian refugees by September 2025. However, the refugees are well informed that this project will end in December 2024. They are prepared for that day.
During the visit, one of the beneficiaries of the project, Anya, who arrived in Lomianki in July 2022 was interviewed by Fr. Aris with the help of Erina as translator. Anya is an example of hope and success as a refugee in Poland. Thanks to the help of the Camillians, she found a job at the hospital as a nursing assistant. At the same time, she obtained recognition of her profession as a midwife from the Ministry of Health. At present, she is studying to become a professional nurse as she was offered job opportunities. She is learning Polish, continues her studies, works regularly in the hospital and takes care of her two daughters. She is determined to finish her studies in Poland to raise and give her two children a normal life.
Ursus
All the refugee beneficiaries of the programs have found employment or started their own small scale business using their acquired technical skills.Continuous enhancement of their skills are given to them at Harna, the coworking space initiative. Most of them lived in the training flats and their children are enrolled in nearby schools. They attended Polish language sessions and participated in other training courses and workshops.
The Camillian Mission Social Assistance continues to run an information point at the Warsaw West station, which receives around 2,000 - 3,000 new arrival refugees per month. Coordinators and volunteers provide information, referrals and material support. In addition, there is a centre in Ursus where new arrivals and other refugees, who are not staying in our shelters, receive technical, legal and practical support. This support focuses in particular on advice on legal regulations in Poland, such as obtaining a residence card, social assistance benefits, additional benefits for children, and finding accommodation in various facilities in Poland.
The ‘Harna’ coworking space has created job opportunities for many people, some of whom have started their own businesses. In particular, for many women, practising their profession in cosmetics and personal hygeine care was only possible through the support of Harna. With the planned acquisition of a new location of similar size but 50% cheaper than at present, it will be possible to offer even more support to the refugees.
An assessment of the Harna coworking project reveals many strengths and introduces new benefits that increase the value and impact of the project on the refugee community.
Future planning is also taking place in Ursus, as the end of this project is approaching by December 2024. There are several proposals under discussion based on the most urgent needs for Ukrainian refugees already in Poland or arriving, such as the provision of legal assistance.
CADIS and the Camillians in Poland will strive to continue to provide support, shelter and assistance to the hundreds of people still fleeing the war in Ukraine.
