Social workers from Moldova
In mid January 2009 as part of "Study Tours to Poland - visits for professional" Program, The POLITES Association from Szczecin and The Education for Democracy Foundation (Warsaw) hosted a group of social workers from Moldova. The participants visited many organizations and institutions in Warsaw, Szczecin and in the vicinity. One of the meetings took place at "Vis Maior" Foundation.
We hosted guests from Moldova at our Foundation on 23 January.
Those were people who are involved in social help in their country. Employed not only as social workers but also office workers and people governing the city. They came with their interpreter. On the way to our foundation, they visited almost half of Żoliborz and also our whole staircase. This is why we offered hot tea for a start.
We greeted each other and learnt the names and surnames of each guest, though one cannot rely on our memory in this respect. We asked about their expectations connected with the visit.
We told them about organizations in Poland which help the blind and about privileges and financial support which is available to them. Our guests usually contact people who are passive, unemployed and often do not have enough money for medical treatment. They also mentioned problems connected with financing special needs schools for disabled people. We told them about obtaining education in schools (public integrated schools and schools for the blind) as well as about our foundation. About ways in which it functions, projects and methods of getting funds. Our guests thought that we had a huge social protection for individuals with sight dysfunction and organizations which they set up.
We showed them the foundations electronic equipment, also privately bought, thanks to PFRONs help. We shortly presented the technique of moving with a white cane and guide dog. Everybody could practice moving with their eyes covered. Some quickly followed the dog Red. Others tried to practice slowly and precisely. There were some emotions, as it usually happens at such occasions. We shared these emotions with each other.
We were asked about parents relations with blind children. Does it happen that parents prefer to put them in a special needs school because they do not want to devote time to them? - as our guests observed. We talked about over protectiveness and little understanding of disabled peoples activity and the need for respect.
We received laughing Moldavian wine and sweets as a keepsake. We hope that we meet again one day.
Jolanta Kramarz
Translated by: Ewa Kurowicka
