Gdańsk - a city of solidarity with immigrants
"(...) We have a Christian duty to welcome everyone in need who knocks at our door. This basic expression of evangelical love is also the source of inspiration for countless programs of solidarity towards immigrants...However, you don't need to be a Christian to help. To help the weaker, the one in need is the duty of every human being. It is a manifestation of being human, principled and emphatic - a beacon of solidarity.Often, this solidarity does not come easily. It requires training and overcoming the attitude of withdrawal, which in many societies today takes ever more subtle and pervasive forms. I therefore appeal to parents and teachers to oppose racism and xenophobia by inculcating positive attitudes based on Catholic social teaching. (...)"Who spoke these words?
For many years the city of Gdańsk has been trying to pursue a policy of solidarity. It manifests itself in many areas. It is versatile and very complex. Helping the elderly, the poor, the disabled, or those, who are unable to cope with certain situations. Sometimes a singular act of assistance, sometimes a permanent aid.An important element of our social policy is to support the repatriates. Our city since 1996 has been systematically implementing a repatriation program for families of Polish origin from the Central Asian Republics of the former USSR. Currently 49 families from Kazakhstan , Uzbekistan and the Asian part of the Russian Federation live in Gdansk. 30 of them arrived at my invitation , and 19 had settled on their own or at the invitation of other entities and individuals.
Although our country is perhaps the most homogenous society in Europe, our history and traditions make us examine the issue of inviting refugees and immigrants with growing interest. Looking at the versatility of our actions, I considered it a natural consequence to continue to comprehensively deal with the issue of immigrants. Of course, you can always pretend that the problem does not exist or that the action belongs to someone else. We in Gdansk decided to come to grips with this topic. Gdańsk is a place historically marked as the home of the brave, a pioneer, which can set an example by taking on difficult subjects - like this one.That is why the authorities of Gdansk, whom I represent, together with non-governmental organizations, public institutions, private entities and the community of immigrants, recognizing the growing scale of migration in Europe and the world, and seeing the need for new residents of Gdansk, undertook a task to develop and implement the Model of Integration of Immigrants in Gdansk (MII).
This process took place with the widest possible involvement of all potential stakeholders while leveraging existing platforms of cooperation between non-governmental circles, as well as academic and public institutions specialized in the field of migration and integration in Gdansk. The purpose of the model was to strengthen the coordination and cooperation of various entities, as well as improving the quality of services needed by immigrants.In May 2015 I inaugurated the work of Poland's first cross-sector and multi-disciplinary team - The Model of Integration of Immigrants. Its task was to inventory the resources and opportunities to support immigrants in Gdansk, and to identify their most important needs and problems. Eventually, in the course of work the model was worked out by over 150 people representing 70 different public institutions and non-governmental organizations. A permanent group of more than 20 immigrants, new residents of Gdansk coming from different countries, participated in the model.
Today, in July 2016, after many projects, conferences and symposia organized, we can truly boast a well thought-out, comprehensive, unique model to support immigrants in Gdansk. We are a home to nearly 15 000 recent migrants from Ukraine and Belarus, awaiting more. I happily present it to different cities in Poland and internationally; most recently at a Humanitarian World Summit, which took place on 23-24 May in Istanbul, which I attended at the invitation of the Mayor of Istanbul.
We have been noticed in Europe and for this attitude and program nominated for a prestigious World Mayor Award. Although the award itself is described as one for the mayor, I am grateful that my colleagues in Gdansk and other cities in Europe understand and share my passion for supporting people who migrate in search of better future for their families. Please check out and vote if you like what we are doing for immigrants. http://www.worldmayor.com/contest_2016/world-mayor-longlist-2016.html
"We have a Christian duty to welcome everyone in need who knocks at our door. This basic expression of evangelical love is also the source of inspiration for countless programs of solidarity towards immigrants ..."
These words were spoken by Pope John Paul II on the occasion of the World Day of Migrants and Refugees.