“Social exclusion is one of the main problems facing institutions in Poland, and the PwC Foundation has been doing its bit to address the issue”.
“Acting in partnership with the leading local NGOs we are able to enrich their capacity with our professional know-how”.
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PwC Poland launches grant competition to encourage social integration
Social exclusion is one of the main problems facing institutions in Poland, and the PwC Foundation has been doing its bit to address the issue by launching a grant competition for the best social integration programmes. The awards for businesses and community groups recognise best practice in the fight against social exclusion.
In 2007, more than sixty entries were submitted. The nominations were then reviewed by a jury of social integration specialists until the group was narrowed to five winners.
“We assessed the programmes against the criteria of complexity, effectiveness and innovation, as well as for durability/permanence of social impact. We chose to support projects that work locally, providing multidimensional action and a grand scale social change as a result,” said Iwona Smith, chairman of the PwC Foundation.
The winning programmes offered a holistic approach to help entire families rebuild relations and strengthen personalities. For example, enabling parents to work with their children using sociotherapy, journalism, photography, dance and theatre to encourage development.
Other programme winners offered solutions for parents, including reintegration to professional life, psychological training for married couples and workshops to aid alcoholism and addiction problems.
Each of the winners has been offered a 20,000 PLN grant (equivalent of 5000 EUR).
“Using 25,000 Euro we were able to positively change the lives of 163 children and their parents but, more importantly, we believe this is the start of continued social change in the region,” said PwC Granting Contest Coordinator Agata Łażewska.
