Małe Smoki for children with disabilities

2018 is a breakthrough year for the development of the Małe Smoki program. For the first time, we launched groups for children with intellectual disabilities and speech disorders. The development of this area of our activities is possible, among other things, thanks to financial support provided במסגרת the ArcelorMittal Poland “We Act Locally” minigrant program.

Since March this year, we have been piloting a Małe Smoki group at the “Teraz My” Non-Public Specialist Preschool, where the training participants were children with mild and moderate intellectual disabilities. They coped excellently with the training material and achieved satisfactory results, which encouraged us to multiply our efforts.

In September, several new groups were established. In addition to the “Teraz My” preschool in Krakow at Zamoyskiego Street, classes began at other branches of the institution at Płaszowska Street and in Wieliczka.

We began cooperating with the “Tęcza Association”, which cares for people with Down syndrome and organizes activities for them. Another group for these children was established at Zakątek Street in Krakow.

The next challenge is establishing a group for children with aphasia who attend preschool or study at a primary school run by the Felician Sisters in Krakow at Millana Street.

Groups for children with intellectual disabilities operate according to their own rules. They are much smaller in size and also require the involvement of a greater number of caregivers. An appropriate approach from the instructor is also essential. All of this requires an investment of time and money.

ArcelorMittal Poland, a global leader in steel production, came to our assistance. As part of its corporate social responsibility, the company runs the “We Act Locally” minigrant program, which supports projects in the fields of ecology, health, education and safety in the areas where the company operates.

In this year’s edition, our project was one of the winners: “Małe Smoki – Great Possibilities”, which consists of supporting classes for children with disabilities. Thanks to the grant, it is possible to train staff, co-finance their remuneration and purchase the necessary training equipment. Therefore, on behalf of ourselves and, above all, our beneficiaries who require increased care, we would like to sincerely thank ArcelorMittal Poland!