//Programs // Accomplished // Chances for Children

The Chances for Children programme has been designed to help parents, teachers, guidance counsellors and NGO leaders to offer interesting activities to children aged 3-10. Programme beneficiaries have the opportunity to spend some time in caring environments at pre-schools, primary schools, community centres, clubs or libraries, participating in projects that inspire their natural curiosity, motivation to learn, and capacity to care. The programme is aimed at rural communities, and at urban communities with populations of up to 30,000, in areas where large State-owned farms used to operate under the former communist system, and in Poland’s East Country.

In October 2005 we announced a grant competition and received 375 applications. The number of telephone inquiries and application forms was clear proof that Chances for Children addresses a genuine community need and fills a void in the grant funding available in Poland.

We were particularly pleased to learn that most of the organisations were first-time applicants. This meant that we had managed to reach communities that were genuinely interested in supporting early childhood development. We awarded 16 grants for the most interesting projects.

In December 2005 we organised a three-day training workshop for the grantee leaders. The workshop focused on the basic needs of children, the management of emotions, effective communication, parent participation, the development of children’s self-esteem and the development of creativity.