Fundacja Równi Choć Różni
Fundacja Równi, Choć Różni
ul. Śnieżna 22
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tel. (0) 693 339 717
57-530 Międzylesie
www.rownichocrozni.org
fundacja@rownichocrozni.org
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Pawel Blachowicz, England, January-April 2004:
When I left my secondary school in Bystrzyca, I started my studies in Wroclaw. It turned out that because of the distance between Wroclaw and the town I live, the nature of my disability and the cost of education itself, I had only one choice: extramural studies. It meant two days of studies a month and a lot of free time left for me. At first I was very happy about that particular form of education. However, after some time my ecstasy over abundance of free time transformed into nostalgia. I started thinking of my life and every day my depression was deeper and deeper. I decided to start a fight against it. I started to look for a job and to do something to join social life. The Commune Office of Bystrzyca Klodzka was one of the places where I was to ask about a job for me. I was told there that the commune had no vacancies for people with disabilities. I was also told to be patient and wait (for better times presumably). After 3 months a lady who was the head of the Job Centre phoned me and told me to contact Adam Jasnikowski, the president of the European Youth Forum (Europejskie Forum Mlodziezy). I phoned him on that day and made an appointment.
After about a week Adam Jasnikowski came to visit me and told me about EVS. It sounded like a fairytale. That's why I didn't entirely believe in that. Adam probably felt that I had some reservations and next time he visited me with Magdalena Walentynek, a former volunteer. She brought with her a lot of photos from the place she visited. That was the same place Adam offered to me. She told me about her experience and her boyfriend in a wheelchair who was there with her. That day I started to believe that I could go there too. The faith was accompanied by the will to test myself, meet new people, experience new culture and learn a new language.
Unfortunately I couldn't choose the destination or type of volunteering. The reason was simple. I needed special conditions and care. There was only one organisation which was ready to receive me as their guest. I hope that in the future there will be more organisations willing to help disabled people in that way.
I met several times the President of the Sending Organisation, former volunteers from Poland and volunteers taking part in projects held in Poland before I went. I spent a lot of time talking to them about volunteering and the nature of their projects. I could also contact the President of the Host Organisation via email. All those people provided me with detailed information and explanations about the range of my duties and rights.
I took part in a 5 day traning in Puszczykowo carried out by highly competent trainers. It was about EVS and other crucial issues like e.g. insurance etc. I got finally familiar with the place and nature of my project thanks to a preparatory visit which supplemented the training. I am convinced that I was given all available information.
My preparations took 6 months. The National Agency confirmed the final acceptance of my project about two months before my departure.
Thanks to the Host Organisation me and my carers could learn the language, culture and law of the country we were visitng. Twice a week (Tuesdays and Fridays) we attended the classes at college. I am deeply impressed by the reception and care I got at the school from the teachers and school management. I had never ever had any problems connected with my disability. Professional competence of my teachers was so great that after merely three months I was able to speak the language and without much trouble communicate with my friends or colleages.
Together with my two carers I could stay in a three room flat with a fully adapted bathroom and kitchen. I was also given a high quality bed for disabled people at my disposal. Apart from standard facilities we were also provided with a computer, permanent internet acces and telephone. Constant contact with home was guaranteed.
Every week we received money to cover our food expenses, which was absolutely enough for us. Apart from that at work we were provided with meals wihout any limitations. To taste new cuisine was a nice and unforgettable experience for us.
We received money on a regular basis and in accordance with the EVS regulations. Apart from standard pocket money, the Host Organisation gave us money for food, transport (taxis, buses) and covered some extra expenses e.g. purchase of stationary, house appliances etc. Personally we didn't have to pay for anything connected with the volunteering programme. Either before or after.
I had to work three times a week for seven hours. I worked on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. A normal working day:
- 11.00 am - start of work
- 11.01 am - computer classes (system maintenance, helping patients in sending emails, teaching basic computer skills and Internet, computer games improving intellectual and manual skills)
- 01.00 pm - meal (During the meal me and my carers did our best to help the patients e.g. we fed them.)
- 02.00 pm - board games, cards, shopping, cinema or walking, depending on what they wanted.
- 07.00 pm - meal (During the meal me and my carers did our best to help the patients e.g. we fed them.)
- 06.00 pm - end of work
I had a constant contact with my mentor. She helped me in the matters conected with work, but also assisted me in times of crisis. I could easily say that she was my guardian spirit who protected and watched over me.
EVS has completely changed my life. It has improved my confidence, taught me tolerance and team work. I could experience new culture and I met a lot of great people who I still keep in touch with. What is most important I learned the language and this skill increases my value on the labour market. I hope to go on another long-term project. I have very serious plans about the Future Capital programme which can help me in my occupational development. I realised that my mind is the only boundary of my potential. After I came back my dreams are without boundaries.
