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 through the minigrant program ArcelorMittal Poland “We Act Locally”.

Since March this year, we have been running a pilot Małe Smoki group at the “Teraz My” Non-Public Specialist Preschool, where the training participants were children with mild and moderate intellectual disabilities. They handled the training material excellently and achieved satisfactory results, which prompted 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 this institution on 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 the establishment of 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 have their own specific requirements. They are much smaller; they also require the involvement of a larger number of caregivers. An appropriate approach from the instructor is also necessary. All of this requires time and financial resources.

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

In this year’s edition, our project, “Małe Smoki – Great Opportunities”, was one of the winners. It involves 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 charges who require increased care, we would like to sincerely thank ArcelorMittal Poland!