EmpowerHer: Building Confidence for Women at Risk of Social Exclusion

Fundacja Kotwica

Think Human Fund

Mission & History

The Kotwica Foundation is a non-governmental organization established in March 2018. Its mission is to build faith, give hope, and show love, particularly to children and young people from risk groups and those at risk of social exclusion. The Foundation’s activities include:

– Support for People in Difficult Life Situations: Providing assistance and resources to individuals facing challenging circumstances.
– Handcraft Workshops for Women: Organizing creative workshops aimed at empowering women through skill development.
– Assistance in Learning: Supporting educational needs of children and young people.
– Recreation for Children and Young People: Organizing recreational activities to promote well-being.
– Family Counseling: Offering guidance and support to families.
– Missionary Activity: Engaging in activities based on Christian values to support and uplift communities.

Country Information

Poland, with a population of nearly 37 million as of 2023, ranks 38th globally in population size. A member of the European Union since May 1, 2004, Poland is divided into 16 voivodeships, counties, and communes. The eastern city of Lublin, located near the border with Ukraine—a region currently at war—reflects the economic challenges faced in the east of Poland, which is generally poorer. According to research by the National Health Fund in January 2023, approximately 1.2 million Poles suffer from depression. Additionally, UCE Research found that nearly 19% of these individuals also experience low self-esteem.

The Need

Women with low self-esteem often struggle with daily activities, social withdrawal, and difficulty finding joy in life. This low self-esteem can lead to persistent feelings of hopelessness and depression. Addressing these issues is critical to improving their overall well-being and social integration.

The Project We Fund

Fundacja Kotwica will organize a series of social skills workshops for 30 women at risk of social exclusion. The project will run from August 2024 to June 2025 and will include:

– Workshops: Offering 10 free, two-hour workshops each month.
– Topics Covered: Social communication (e.g., conflict resolution, expressing needs) and personal development (e.g., assertiveness, identifying and using talents).
– Resources Provided: Participants will receive a gift package at the start, training materials during the workshops, and a book on personal development upon completion.
– Trainers: Qualified trainers with coaching diplomas will lead the sessions.

The Result

Impact will be assessed through:

– Surveys: Conducted before and after the workshops to evaluate changes in participants’ self-confidence and the effectiveness of the training.

These measures will help determine how well the workshops have improved participants’ self-esteem and social skills, contributing to reduced risk of depression and social exclusion.

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