Poland Team – Preparation Activities 🇵🇱

Introduction

The Polish team took part in the preparation stage of the youth project "Voices of Change: Empowering Youth Through Digital Storytelling." During this period, participants focused on analysing important social topics that influence young people and local communities in Poland. At the same time, they improved their abilities in research, teamwork, communication, and storytelling.

Through collaborative work, discussions, and creative tasks, the team developed posters, presentations, and research materials presenting key social themes such as social change, inclusion, equality, and diversity.

About the preparation activities in Poland

The preparation activities carried out by the Polish team focused on several main aspects:

• understanding how storytelling can support social change
• exploring challenges faced by young people
• discussing equality and inclusion in modern society
• analysing cultural and social diversity in Poland
• preparing research-based materials and visual presentations
• connecting personal experiences with broader social topics

Participants worked both independently and in teams to turn their research and reflections into clear and engaging project outputs.

Main topics explored by the Polish team

Social change

One of the main themes of the preparation phase was social change and how it influences the lives of young people. Participants discussed issues related to mental health, education, future opportunities, and social expectations. As part of their research, they also conducted a survey among teenagers.

The results shown in the page materials highlight that stress is a common experience among young people, and that school and education are the biggest source of stress for most respondents, clearly standing out from family situation or peer relationships, according to the charts.

The group also analysed differences between life in cities and rural areas, including access to educational resources, extracurricular activities, and possibilities for developing personal interests. These discussions helped participants understand how social conditions can shape opportunities and experiences for young people.

Inclusion and diversity

Another important topic explored by the team was inclusion and diversity. Participants discussed how societies can become more open and supportive for different groups of people. Special attention was given to equal opportunities for people with disabilities and the importance of social integration.

The group also met with elderly people, including Sybiraks, who shared their historical experiences and personal stories. This created an opportunity for intergenerational dialogue and helped participants better understand the value of memory and history.

Participants also reflected on:

• cultural diversity in Poland
• the growing number of foreigners coming to Poland for work and education
• regional traditions and cultural differences within the country

Social challenges

Participants also examined various challenges that currently affect society. Among the issues discussed were:

• demographic changes and population ageing
• migration and the emigration of young people
• work–life balance
• learning difficulties such as ADHD and dyslexia
• different forms of social exclusion

By analysing these topics, participants gained a deeper understanding of how social and economic factors influence everyday life.

Storytelling as a tool for social change

Another important part of the preparation activities was learning how storytelling can help raise awareness about social issues. Participants discussed how sharing personal stories and experiences can:

• help people better understand social problems
• encourage dialogue and empathy
• give a voice to individuals from different backgrounds
• inspire others to reflect on important issues

Storytelling was therefore seen as an effective way to communicate ideas and promote positive social change.

Activities carried out by the participants

During the preparation phase, the Polish participants:

• conducted research on social topics and youth challenges
• prepared posters and presentations related to social issues
• discussed diversity, inclusion, and social change
• talked with children about mental health and emotional well-being
• shared ideas and experiences through discussions and storytelling activities

These activities allowed participants to combine research, creativity, and reflection while preparing materials for the project.

Learning outcomes

Thanks to the preparation activities, participants developed:

• greater awareness of social and cultural challenges
• storytelling and communication skills
• critical thinking about social issues
• teamwork and cooperation skills
• confidence in presenting their ideas and opinions

These competences support the main objective of the project: encouraging young people to use storytelling to promote social awareness, inclusion, and positive change.

Conclusion

The preparation phase helped the Polish team gain a better understanding of contemporary social issues and the role young people can play in addressing them. Through research, discussions, and creative activities, participants demonstrated the importance of dialogue, diversity, and social responsibility.

Their work shows that young people can act as active storytellers, engaged citizens, and promoters of positive change in society. Their whole work can be found here