Tomorrow, February 27, we celebrate World Social Organizations Day—a day on which we particularly recognize the role of foundations, associations, and civic initiatives in building a responsible, united, and modern society.
This is a unique opportunity to highlight the immense importance of the third sector for the development of education, health promotion, and social initiatives—in Poland, Europe, and around the world.
As a civic education foundation, we believe that real change begins with people’s engagement. With cooperation. With shared responsibility and care for others.
Why are social organizations so important?
Not everyone knows this, but nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) bridge the gap between public administration and the private sector. They are close to people and their everyday needs. They respond more quickly, more flexibly, and often more innovatively. This stems, among other things, from their experience, social awareness, local activities, and focus on specific social groups.
In Poland, a social foundation can, among other things:
- initiate educational projects,
- support people in crisis,
- promote health and prevention,
- integrate local communities,
- build international bridges.
At the OliEdu Foundation, we focus on activities that combine education, health, and social solidarity.
One of our biggest initiatives is 💜 #fioletowelove—a nationwide campaign supporting premature babies and their families, initiated by our foundation’s president, Ewa Daros (both a mother and an educator).
This initiative not only raises public and health awareness about the needs of the youngest children but also fosters sensitivity, empathy, and a sense of community. We demonstrate that health-promoting activities and social projects can truly change the lives of families, particularly those with prematurely born children.
As part of our collaboration with the Ministry of National Education, we implemented the project “School Without Violence—Together for Health,” which promotes a safe school environment.
The program included, among other things, workshops, community training sessions, a debate, and preventive activities aimed at students, teachers, and parents. These efforts resulted not only in informational materials but also in an interactive e-book and videos promoting this important topic. This is an example of how civic education and systemic initiatives can support children, youth, and adults
As a foundation that promotes health-related initiatives, we offer regular support to families trying to conceive.
The family is the foundation of society and the dream of many people who face an unequal start on the path to parenthood. For this reason, we are committed to supporting families facing challenges related to infertility and the process of trying to conceive. What is important in our daily work? Education, emotional support, conferences, workshops, and building a community of mutual understanding—these are key in this area.
Among the undeniable benefits resulting from the activities of 7 NGOs in Poland—for the country, Europe, and the world—the following are worth mentioning:
- Closeness to people and their real needs
NGOs operate locally, understand the social context, and respond more quickly than large institutions. - Flexibility and innovation
Civil society organizations can test new educational and health-promoting solutions. - Building civil society
Through educational activities for youth and adults, they strengthen democratic awareness. - Opportunities for international cooperation
Programs such as Erasmus+ facilitate the exchange of experiences, the development of skills, and the creation of cross-border projects. - Cooperation with public administration
Ministerial programs allow for the implementation of projects with a broad scope and systemic significance (such as our activities carried out for the Ministry of National Education as part of the National Education Program). - Strengthening European integration
Civil society organizations build a community of values—democracy, solidarity, and human rights—which is important not only in Poland but throughout Europe. - Real Global Impact
International cooperation, humanitarian efforts, and educational initiatives demonstrate that even a local foundation can influence global processes.
We are pleased to have the opportunity to implement strategic educational, social, and health-promoting projects. Thanks to them, we can operate professionally and sustainably.
For example, the Erasmus+ program opens doors to international cooperation, exchange, improving educators’ skills, and strengthening European civic identity. It is an investment in intercultural dialogue and the future.
NGOs as the Foundation of a Future Built on Solidarity
World Social Organizations Day is not just a symbolic date. It is a reminder that democracy, public health, and education require commitment.
As a civic education foundation, we believe that:
- education fosters responsibility,
- solidarity builds community,
- cooperation builds the future.
We thank all our partners, volunteers, and project participants. It is thanks to you that the third sector in Poland has real influence—locally, across Europe, and globally.
Together, we are creating an informed society.
Together, we are building the future.
