An organisation that does not allow thousands of miles, which divide the Poles from their homeland to reduce the celebration of Polish culture and tradition.
Polish Expats Association (PEA) is one of the largest organisations which connects Poles living in the West Midlands. It is a non-profit organisation founded in 2009 in Birmingham, UK. With passion and commitment cares about the vision of a society in which each person feels a part of and takes full advantage of their rights cultivating at the same time their own culture and tradition.
PEA is the organiser and initiator of many projects, which aim to strengthen the Polish community in the UK through promotion of Polish culture and heritage, and equips Polish people with the skills and knowledge which is needed to integrate and simultaneously to live a full life, with dignity and pride of their identity
The West Midlands has gained a lot of enthusiasts who participate in events and projects such as: Project Our Babies, which, through weekly meetings with the spirit of creative Polish traditions and activities helps to provide a friendly environment for children and support them and their parents in the adaptation in a new cultural environment. The project enjoys great popularity and reputation among parents living abroad.
There are also free English lessons and tips for Poles who want to find a job, monthly networking meetings, or even co-organisation of the film festival PLAY POLAND.
The latest project of PEA is a Businessman Club, which aims to improve the living standards of migrants from Central and Eastern Europe and which consist of workshops of entrepreneurship, Monday meetings with Business Consultants and monthly meetings with Entrepreneurs Club. The beginning is scheduled for April 27.
The biggest event so far was the project “From Exile to Liberty”, which started in November 2011, with the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund. The aim of the project was to portray the Poles from the area of Birmingham and their amazing stories, from various waves of emigration from exile, so the post-war emigration, through those of the communist era, to that of recent years, in times of freedom.
As part of the project have been made many interviews, filmed several short documentaries which have been released on DVD with folders describing fully the project. A major success was the organisation of exhibitions, among others, a two month exhibition at The Drum in Birmingham, or at The Commandery in Worcester and Hereford Photography Festival.
The major aim was to show the diverse and hidden heritage, promoting knowledge about the Polish contribution to the British society and history, as well as the presentation of old and new migrants together. PEA presented this diverse heritage to a wider audience in order to strengthen integration, offering an opportunity to raise awareness of the whole communities.
The organisation is appreciated and noticed by other Polish organisations, which works with to some extent. PEA does not employ full-time employees, because in large part it is based on the work of many volunteers who understand the idea of the organisation’s activities and engagement of founders. For their actions they often invite representatives of local government and non-governmental organisations. PEA shows that equality and diversity are the conditions for coexistence and mutual respect. It indicates Polish people that engagement helps to prevent a sense of isolation, loneliness or discouragement.
More information can be found on the website: www.polishexpats.org.uk and on the blog of the organisation: www.polishexpatsblog.wordpress.com