Thanks to the initiative and financial support of the City Hall in Bielsko-Biała, the "MyBB" - Center for Integration of Foreigners has been established. Its purpose is informational support for foreigners and the organization of various undertakings for integration with the local community.
Welcoming International Talent The idea for the creation of the center was born as a result of the City participation in the international project "Welcoming International Talent" implemented under the URBACT III program. The idea of the project is the adaptation of good practices of the project leader - the Dutch city of Groningen – by the other partners in the project, in the field of better integration of foreigners into the local community, as well as increasing the attractiveness of the city among foreigners with higher education and high professional qualifications. The establishment of a center for the integration of foreigners in Bielsko-Biała is a key assumption of the Transfer Plan, which was created for the needs of the implementation the project "Welcoming International Talent" in Bielsko-Biała.
Organization The Society of Friends of Bielsko-Biała and Podbeskidzie is responsible for organizing and running the Centre for Integration of Foreigners during the pilot period of May-December 2019. It is a non-governmental organization emerging from a competition for running such a center.
Better support for internationals "We intend to create a support and counseling system for people who have come to Bielsko-Biała from abroad in order to make it easier for them to settle in the city and adapt to new living conditions. The pilot period will be a chance to gather more extensive information at the end of the year about the needs and problems of both foreigners and the existing residents of the city." - says Grażyna Staniszewska, the chairwoman of the Society of Friends of Bielsko-Biała and Podbeskidzie.
"Launching the Center is another answer of the City Hall and our society for the needs of the group of foreigners growing month by month, who come to Bielsko-Biała due to the possibility of taking up work or study. However, they often are deprived of the possibility to actively participate in the city live, because of language difficulties, lack of access to information and lack of access to free formal and legal or psychological support. This makes them feel foreign "- adds Staniszewska.
Better integration
The "MyBB" Center gives foreigners and residents of the city a unique opportunity to increase self-confidence, improve motivation to work and activities for the benefit of the city and its residents.
What, where and when? As part of the "MyBB" Centre for Integration of Foreigners, which has been operating since May this year at the headquarter of the Society of Friends of Bielsko-Biała and Podbeskidzie, foreigners and residents will be able to get support, among others: - with formalities and challenges of everyday life - in contacts with offices, employers, healthcare and education institutions.
Contact details info@mybb.org.pl www.facebook.com/mybborgpl
The "MyBB" Centre is open from Monday to Friday.
