Fundacja LAJA
LAJA is a foundation based in Cieszyn, Poland, near the Czech and Slovakian borders, serving as a cultural meeting point. It collaborates with local municipalities and youth councils in Poland, Czech Republic, and Slovakia, as well as various institutions, universities, and NGOs, to support youth initiatives and policies.
The foundation aims to foster youth work, local and regional identity, resilience, self-esteem, initiative, and proactive attitudes through non-formal educational activities, workshops, youth exchanges, training courses, Erasmus+ opportunities, volunteering, and discussions on relevant topics.
LAJA’s main areas of work include:
- Interculturality: Promoting social inclusion for minority backgrounds through intercultural activities, human rights workshops, and soft-skills training to foster tolerance and diversity.
- Wellbeing: Providing activities for personal development, health improvement, meditation, and mindfulness to enhance physical and mental health.
- Ecology: Organizing plastic-free events, eco-friendly workshops, and awareness activities on sustainability practices like community gardening, zero-waste, and upcycling.
- Culture and Creativity: Conducting arts and crafts workshops, preserving local heritage, and supporting cultural activities like festivals, concerts, and traditional handcrafts.
LAJA has been recognized by UNESCO for its educational activities promoting intangible cultural heritage. The foundation regularly hosts intercultural events, social campaigns, and supports young creators and entrepreneurs.
Experienced in working with multicultural youth, LAJA promotes empowerment and wellbeing in a safe, inclusive environment free from illegal, racist, or discriminatory content. They aim to raise awareness of Euroregion opportunities and the benefits of multiculturalism among disadvantaged youth, including the Czech minority in Silesia.
More info: https://laja.pl/
Plataforma de Alternativas Solidarias y Sostenibles (PASOS)
PASOS is an NGO based in Polanco, a rural area in northern Spain, dedicated to improving the personal and professional lives and social inclusion of young people. They offer educational and recreational opportunities through training courses, workshops, events, and international exchanges. Their main areas of focus include:
- Personal growth
- Physical and mental health
- Emotional care and education
- Integration
- Alternative education and methodologies
- Gender issues
- Entrepreneurship
- Environmental care
PASOS aims to provide a platform for young people, including those at risk of marginalization, to explore their interests and improve their community. They support non-formal education to boost creativity, participation, healthy lifestyles, democracy, human rights, solidarity, tolerance, and environmental consciousness.
Staff members serve as role models and coaches, especially for those facing challenges in adulthood. Several staff members have specialized training in emotional management (EM) and have trained over 400 individuals through their programs.
More information: https://ongpasos.com/
Tudás Alapítvány
The Tudás Alapítvány, established in 1994, aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of young people, youth workers, trainers, teachers, and adults, especially in rural areas. Their focus areas include facilitating labor market entry, promoting social entrepreneurship, preserving the environment and cultural heritage, and advocating for healthy lifestyles, social inclusion, and gender equality.
Tudás Alapítvány supports career and personal development through non-formal education and provides learning opportunities for marginalized groups. They work on increasing the competences of youth workers and trainers with current trends and digital resources, and they offer gender equality education, particularly for unemployed women.
The foundation organizes a variety of activities such as environmental and rural development studies, training for professionals, and cultural preservation initiatives. They also promote healthy lifestyles and inclusive communities and foster international cooperation by organizing cultural events and maintaining relations with European nations.
With a strong background in international projects, Tudás Alapítvány has participated in over 70 national and international projects since 2007, gaining significant expertise in project management and dissemination. They provide a range of educational materials and resources on their website, including studies, books, manuals, e-books, and articles.
Tudás Alapítvány specializes in creating and digitizing educational content, including audiovisual materials and films on cultural topics. The foundation is governed by a board of trustees and supported by a dedicated team of volunteers and experts, ensuring the successful implementation of their initiatives.
More information: https://tudasalapitvany.hu/gb/main/
