In the face of current challenges, the Homo Faber Association is implementing a project supported by the POP Fund, aimed at professionalizing the non-governmental organization (NGO) sector in the field of civil protection. These activities are designed to prepare the organization and its partners for effective response in crisis situations.
Strategic Partnerships in Ukraine
A key element of the project is the exchange of experiences with Ukrainian partners, carried out through two international missions:
- Support for Community Reintegration: in cooperation with the organization Veteran PRO, work is underway on a support system for individuals with combat experience and their families. The result of this exchange will be a practical tutorial – a “step-by-step” guide based on proven Ukrainian solutions.
- Crisis Management and “Safe spaces”: meetings will soon take place between Homo Faber representatives, local organizations, and the city administration of one of the cities in Ukraine. The visit will conclude with consultations with a crisis management expert who supported the association in designing safe spaces.
Operational Readiness and Local Resources
Internally, the organization is implementing advanced action plans that will involve a total of 65 people – members of the association and the team of the Baobab community center. Simultaneously, Homo Faber is formalizing relations with local and provincial authorities, aiming to sign cooperation agreements within the statutory structures of civil protection and civil defense.
At the same time, the association is building a cooperation network across the entire Lublin Province. Using proprietary tools, a Resource Matrix is being created – a database containing the potential of smaller regional organizations, which will allow for instantaneous aid coordination in the event of a crisis.
Simulations in Practice
An essential part of the project consists of networking meetings where representatives from various sectors participate in crisis situation simulations. This unique educational tool allows management patterns to be tested in safe conditions, checking the flow of information and developing recommendations in line with new civil protection regulations.
Through these actions, the Homo Faber Association is becoming a key link between public administration and the social sector, building lasting foundations for security in the region.
“The last few years have taught us that only cross-sectoral understanding based on trust and expertise allows us to carry the weight of crises in a way that leaves no one without help—and without losing oneself or one’s team in the process. There is no single institution or social organization that can come and do everything. Moreover, the tools and agreements we made long before a crisis work best. Because later, there is no time left for many things, especially structural ones.” – Anna Dąbrowska, President.
The project is funded thanks to the PKO Bank Polski Foundation and the ORLEN Foundation.
