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Cultural integration through Christmas joy: IOM Poland brings together Polish and Ukrainian communities
Warsaw, Poland – To celebrate Christmas, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Poland threw a party for Polish and Ukrainian citizens at the Senior Café in Warsaw.
Around 60 people from different shelters in Warsaw and the surrounding area were present. They decorated the Christmas tree and sang Christmas carols. “In December, no matter how you define your cultural traditions, it is important for people to spend time together, create things, celebrate and sing,” said Lidia Pankow, an IOM Community Engagement Assistant.
Together with the Kraina Foundation, IOM Poland organizes different workshops throughout the year enabling Polish and Ukrainian communities to come together. “At the Kraina Foundation, we brought together a group of seniors from Ukraine and locals from Poland who work together on different projects, mainly crafts and arts. They look forward to the continuation of this initiative – the Poles feel enriched by the diversity, as do the seniors from Ukraine. Step by step, they have become an active group on the scene of local activities, proposing their programmes, expressing opinions and sharing good spirits,” added Lidia.
Children were involved in making decorations, reciting Ukrainian poetry, and contributing to a rich artistic programme. “I am so glad that I can be in touch with my roots, with women from Ukraine,” said Lucyna, a woman of Ukrainian descent born in Poland. “I know how difficult things are in Ukraine at the moment. It is great that there are places like this, where they can relax. I also feel better myself when I do activities here. I am almost 80 years old and here I am in touch with people all the time, otherwise I would be alone at home,” she concluded.
“Everyone from seniors to children appreciated the workshops we conducted and enjoyed spending time in mixed age groups with Polish senior ladies whom they had met at the Kraina Foundation,” said Lidia, IOM Community Engagement Assistant.
Christmas is a time of joy, happiness and hope. Unfortunately, not everyone can be with their loved ones, which is why integration plays such an important role for those who fled the war.
The Government of Poland indicates that 52,000 Ukrainians are still in collective shelters. Since the war broke out in Ukraine, IOM Poland has supported over 50 collective shelters, including 10 in and around Warsaw. IOM psychologists and social workers provide psychological assistance, organize group activities, and individual protection support.
This event was made possible with support from the German Federal Foreign Office.
Written by Ewelina Kawczynska, IOM Poland Communcation Coordinator
