Since April 2022 Rotary Club Warszawa Józefów has been actively active in the restoration of the historical care centre for mothers with children and refugees in Jazlovec, Ukraine. The task was carried out in cooperation with “The Friends of the Radio Association of Lviv”, “The Katyń Rally” and the Capital Branch of the Society of Lovers of Lviv and South-East Borders. The aim of this ambitious task is to reconstruct the neglected building to full functionality and then turn it into a shelter for victims of the ongoing conflict. Volunteers from Poland participate in the project, who support the local community, struggling with the consequences of the war with their own efforts and skills.
Until now, the cost of our participation in the renovation (not counting thousands of hours of volunteers) has exceeded PLN 140 thousand, and the task is inactive ongoing. As his organizers emphasize, the construction work included, among others, the chaining of old plasters and glazes in the kitchen and auxiliary rooms, the replacement of floors on the attic, which enabled the installation of ventilation, as well as the renovation of rooms and bathrooms. Thanks to these actions, 1 of the ruined wings of the orphanage was restored to use, intended to be a professional relief centre for families affected by the war.
Volunteers from RC Warsaw Józefów organized about 30 trips to Ukraine, each consisting of a group of 3 to 8 people. Their regular presence on the ground and individual commitment are the foundations of this project, which not only renews the neglected building, but besides brings assistance to the local community.
Logistics support is besides an crucial part of the project. The club purchased 2 cars: a van and Renault, which are utilized to transport building materials. After the renovation, vehicles will be transferred to the orphanage, which will importantly facilitate the regular operation of the facility and the transport of its inhabitants.
The inhabitants of the orphanage – over 80 mothers with children of children, who have frequently been displaced with their mothers and grandmothers as a consequence of war activities – look forward to surviving in a renovated facility. For many of them, the orphanage in Jazlovec will become a fresh home, ensuring safety and stableness in hard times.
The renovation of the monastery in Jazlovec is not only a symbol of aid, but besides of building bridges between Poles and Ukrainians, in areas with a turbulent history. Through specified initiatives, the bond between neighbouring nations is strengthened, and charitable activities bring about a real improvement in the lives of many in need.
Challenges and future of the project
Marcin Gosiewski, 1 of the task organizers, emphasizes that the beginnings were not easy. Jazłowiec residents, who were distrustful of fresh initiatives, barely believed that individual wanted to aid them unselfishly. In addition, the task encountered legal obstacles associated with the lease of part of the building by a local entrepreneur who tried to block the renovation, hoping for financial benefits.
When asked about the most neglected rooms, Marcin Gosiewski stated that "everything needed to be replaced" – from plaster, through frames, to full installations. Despite these difficulties, he is satisfied with the advancement of the work, emphasizing that each gold was utilized efficiently.
However, the future of the task remains uncertain. The backing has run out and further improvement of the task depends on additional funding. Despite this, organizers hope to complete the renovation and supply the needy families with a place where they can find peace and stability.
Tradition of assistance and cooperation
Rotary Club Warszawa Józefów, founded in 1991, has a long tradition of providing assistance both in Poland and abroad. Its members regularly participate in charity activities, and since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, the club has been intensively active in helping our east neighbours. Thanks to activities specified as the restoration of the orphanage in Jazlovec, the club continues its mission to build bridges of solidarity and support in hard times.
The club takes part in many events organized by another clubs and meets weekly at the Bolesław Biegas Foundation, Aleje Jerozolimskie 51, on Thursdays at 6:30 pm, hosting interesting speakers including public persons, travelers, journalists, politicians, artists, scientists and diplomats. Meetings of the club are open to guests from outside.
Marcin Gosiewski and Jarosław Lipiński, RC Warsaw Józefów
Photo by Dariusz Puławy
