While in Krakow, we visited the Wolno Nam refugee center. We previously shared the story of Faina, a refugee using her art skills to distract the kids. While there we also had the opportunity to speak with Gorza, a dedicated employee who supports the refugees and manages the organization's daily operations. The conflict has significantly altered the mission and daily routines of Wolno Nam which you will read about below in our conversation with Gorza. To help support their cause/mission, a link to Wolno Nam’s website will be at the bottom of this page.
Interviewer: Can you please introduce yourself and tell a little about your role here?
Gorza: My name is Gorza and I am an employee at the Wolno Nam foundation in Krakow. I started here last autumn, after several months of volunteering, and am now a full-time worker.
Interviewer: Can you tell us what your role was at the foundation before the conflict began?
Gorza: Before the war, our focus was on providing support to refugees in various ways. We had a storage facility where we kept clothing, cosmetics, and other essentials. We also sent packages to refugees who were located in close camps in Poland, including those from Afghanistan and Iraq who were at the Belarus border. In March, we established a hostel in Krakow specifically for Ukrainian refugees.
Interviewer: How did the outbreak of the conflict impact your operations at the foundation? What changes did you make?
Gorza: The war caused a significant shift in our operations. Before, we were a small group of 10 to 40 individuals working together to provide support from a distance, mainly through storing clothing and supplies and distributing packages. However, in March, we were forced to relocate our storage facility and came across this building on Pilsudskiego Street.
Initially, we intended to rent just one floor for storage, but as the war broke out, our foundation's president, Agata, approached the building owner to inquire about renting all three floors. To our surprise, the owner agreed, and in just two days, we transformed the empty building into a functioning hostel. Despite the rapid change and lack of prior experience in running a hostel, our primary goal was to help those in need.
Interviewer: How many guests do you typically host at the foundation at a time?
Gorza: On our first night, we had around 30 guests. Since then, we have expanded our facilities to accommodate up to 200 people, although we typically have around 150 guests at any given time. Some of them stay with us for an extended period, with the longest being a month. Others only stay for a few days before moving on to their next destination."
Interviewer: Can you explain the core values and mission of your organization? How has it evolved over time?
Gorza: Our foundation was established in 2017 and initially focused on working with children. We ran a kindergarten and held workshops for children. However, as the president of the foundation became increasingly involved in assisting refugees, the profile of the organization shifted. Today, our mission is to protect human rights, freedom, and the rights of all beings. We are a group of individuals committed to these principles.
Interviewer: How has the war, influx of refugees, and changes in the organization affected you personally?
Gorza: It's a mixed feeling for me. On one hand, I feel grateful to be working with a dedicated and compassionate team, but on the other hand, I wish we could do this work under different circumstances, not during a war. It's a surreal experience.
Interviewer: What is the current biggest need for your organization?
Gorza: Our biggest need is always funding. We have big plans and ideas but need financial support to bring them to life. We are striving to create a center here that provides support services such as psychological help and social assistance. We also plan to hold workshops for children to help give them a sense of hope and a future beyond the war.
Interviewer: Lastly, do you have a message you'd like to share with those who are not able to witness the situation here firsthand?
Gorza: I would like to remind people to stay aware and not to forget that the situation is still ongoing. At the start, there was a lot of support, but now it seems like people have grown used to it and forgotten. The refugees here need constant support.
You can find out more about Wolno Nam and how to support their mission at their website: https://wolno-nam.pl/en/.