« back...‘Pomagajka’ conference: about helping wisely and sharing goodness at the Polish Parliament
What does it mean to help wisely? Is school volunteering just about collections and charity events? These and many other questions were attempted to be answered by the participants of the unusual conference ‘Pomagajka: about helping wisely’, organised by the University of Social Sciences and the Brest Station Children's Community. The event, which took place on 28 January at the Polish Parliament, was held under the honorary patronage of the Speaker of the Sejm and the Governor of the Mazovian Region.
A meeting full of inspiration and heart
There is much to be said about helping, but it is the actions that have the real power to change the world. The conference participants had the opportunity not only to listen to inspiring stories, but also to meet people who every day bring help to those who need it most. The Henryk Wujec Hall in the Chancellery of the Sejm was filled with warmth, empathy and readiness to act.
The event brought together a wonderful group of speakers - people for whom helping is a mission in life. Among them were Minister Adrianna Porowska, who, as president of the Camillian Social Welfare Mission, supported people in crisis of homelessness, and Adam Chmura, Deputy Ombudsman for Children, who spoke about efforts to obtain the right of permanent residence for Chechen refugee children, born or raised in Poland but still facing deportation.
Voices that change the world
Marta Cienkowska - Undersecretary of State in the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, Andrzej Stefański - Chief Coordinator for Regional Projects in the Ombudsman's Office, Katarzyna Karpa-Świderek - Director of the Media Service Office, Katarzyna Stoparczyk - well-known radio and TV journalist, Jan Wróbel - TOK FM Radio journalist, and Barbara Sochal - President of the Polish Janusz Korczak Association - also shared their experiences.
A particularly moving moment of the conference was the story of Marina Hulia - social activist, initiator of the community of the Children of Brest Station, Lady of the Order of the Smile and Intercultural Coordinator of SAN. Her words reminded everyone that sometimes even the smallest gesture, a heartfelt look or listening to another person can change their fate. Because helping wisely is not only about big actions, but above all about everyday sensitivity to the needs of others.
A film that brings people together
The conference concluded with a unique screening of the film ‘Marina’ directed by Bartosz Wróblewski (produced by Polsat Box Go), which tells in a poignant way about the power of wise helping. After the screening, participants had the opportunity to meet the director and talk about the importance of building bridges between people instead of walls. Helping is not an obligation - it is a choice that can change the world. It is worth choosing wisely.
