Fundacja Pomocy Wzajemnej "Barka"

Fundacja Pomocy Wzajemnej "Barka" (the Barka Mutual Help Foundation) is a Polish charitable organization founded in 1989 in response to the social problems that emerged during Poland's post-communist transition. It was established by Barbara and Tomasz Sadowscy, who sought to create social structures in which the "forgotten and unwanted" members of Polish society could find opportunities for personal and social development. The foundation's mission led to the creation of an alternative assistance system that brings together people from socially neglected groups, enabling them to rebuild their identity, pursue broad education, and find their place in the new socio-economic reality. Barka operates active forms of social rehabilitation, education, and vocational activation that integrate people in extremely difficult life situations into the labor market. Its activities include social programs, social pedagogy, creation of jobs for the long-term unemployed, and affordable housing. The foundation maintains care homes and works to combat social exclusion. It finances its operations exclusively from state grants and European funding. Barka has been active in England since 2007, particularly in the London boroughs of Hammersmith and Fulham, where it conducts outreach social work. It seeks to encourage stranded Eastern Europeans to return to their home countries. The foundation celebrated its 35th anniversary on June 14, 2024, at its headquarters in Poznań. Its guiding principle, quoting co-founder Tomasz Sadowski, is to work based on community principles, respect for human dignity, and friendship.

Fundacja Pomocy Wzajemnej "Barka" was founded in 1989 by Barbara and Tomasz Sadowscy in response to the growing social problems of Poland's transformation period. The founders wanted to create environments and social structures in which the "forgotten and unwanted" members of Polish society would have a chance for personal and social development. This mission resulted in the creation of an alternative help system that brings together people from socially neglected groups, enabling them to rebuild their own identity, pursue broad education, and find their place in the new socio-economic reality. For over 30 years, the foundation has been guided by a quote from Tomasz Sadowski, working on community principles, with respect for human dignity and in friendship. The goal of the Barka Foundation is the social development of marginalized groups, providing them a chance to rebuild their lives through a program of mutual help, education, and entrepreneurship development in civil society. Barka has been active in England since 2007, particularly in the London boroughs of Hammersmith and Fulham, where it conducts outreach social work. It seeks to encourage stranded Eastern Europeans to return to their home countries. The foundation maintains care homes and fights social exclusion, financing its activities exclusively from state grants and European funding. On June 14, 2024, Barka celebrated its 35th anniversary at its headquarters in Poznań.

• 2024

  35th anniversary celebrated on June 14 at the Poznań headquarters.

• 2007

  Barka begins operations in England, focusing on outreach social work in London.

• 1989

  Foundation established by Barbara and Tomasz Sadowscy.

A community-based charitable foundation providing an alternative social assistance system for marginalized groups, funded by public and European grants.

• Social rehabilitation programs

  Active forms of social rehabilitation for people in extremely difficult life situations.

• Vocational activation

  Job creation for the long-term unemployed and integration into the labor market.

• Affordable housing

  Provision of affordable housing as part of social integration.

• Social pedagogy

  Educational programs aimed at social development.

• Outreach social work in the UK

  Outreach work in London boroughs to encourage stranded Eastern Europeans to return home.

1. 1BARKA – Fundacja Pomocy Wzajemnejbarka.org.pl
2. 2Barka (Stiftung) – Wikipediade.wikipedia.org
3. 3Fundacja Pomocy Wzajemnej "Barka" – Wikidatawikidata.org