Click this link to watch a film made by the Council of Europe about Participatory Democracy. You may have to wait a few moments for the film to start.
October 31, 2009
October 27, 2009
Global Dignity Day – October 20th
This year Barka UK organized the Dignity Day in the House of Lords in partnership with the Salvation Army and “Dignify” Social Enterprise.
The event was attended by over 40 participants including 20 students from schools and colleges from across London as well as representatives of the UK Government and the House of Lords.
The programme was opened by participants viewing a video message from the Initiators of the Global Dignity Day: Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, President Obama’s Advisor John Bryant and Professor Pekka Himanen.
Thereafter the students and guests were invited to take part in the Poverty Activity where they were performing different social roles trying to put themselves in the shoes of people who are rejected and who find themselves in very difficult social and economic situations.
The most important element of the programme was the presentation of dignity stories shared by the Leaders of Self-Help groups of the Barka Network/Poland and the Resident of the Salvation Army hostel in London.
These stories about the struggle and fight for dignity and the victory of a dignified life made a deep impression on the listeners.
Students asked questions on the mechanisms of addiction, motivation for change and the role of faith.
One of the students said that thanks to those life examples of dignity, he perceived the Five Dignity Principles* in a new light and a new context.
Students were very active when it comes to sharing reflections on developing dignity attitudes in themselves and others through assisting those less privileged with overcoming their crises situations.
Lord Redesdale, the youngest Peer in the House of Lords, summed up the event and spoke about the role of dignity in political spheres.
The Initiators of the Global Dignity Day approached Barka UK with a request to receive the film material of the event so they can send it out to partners around the world.
*Dignity Principles
1. Every human being has a right to lead a dignified life.
2. A dignified life means an opportunity to fulfill one’s potential, which is based on having a human level of health care,
education, income and security.
3. Dignity means having the freedom to make decisions on one’s life and to be met with respect for this right.
4. Dignity should be the basic guiding principle for all actions.
5. Ultimately, our own dignity is interdependent with the dignity of others.
October 20, 2009
Jurek Testimonial
“My name is Jurek. I returned to Poland on the 4th of August 2007 almost two years after I arrived in London.
In the first three months of my stay I had accommodation, job and money, until alcohol sneaked in my life again. I moved out from my son’s place, where I lived, and on the same day I lost all my luggage and all my documents. From then on my way onto the street started. Alcohol moved in my life for good. Sometimes I slept in the same place where I fell down. Also in squats, with people I just met, in parks, at cemeteries. Sometimes I was able to find work. At the beginning, I would spend the money for some stuff and alcohol. It was so naive. In the morning I would wake up obviously with no luggage and no money and so the next day started.
There is nothing worse than to be lonely in a crowd when thousands of smiling happy people pass you as if you were invisible. Then I started to notice people in shabby clothes dragging along with inseparable rucksacks and with the eyes fixed on the ground. My reflection in the shop windows showed exactly the same picture. I got to a place where I could eat something, change clothes, have a shower. After a year on the streets I wished to leave such life.
One day in the Broadway Centre in Shepherd’s Bush I met four people from the Barka UK Foundation. They were Tomasz, Ewa, Grzegorz and Marek. They made a very good impression on me but I hesitated to approach them. Two friends of mine left for Poland thanks to Barka UK . Then I decided to quit alcohol, which was the only condition I had to fulfil to return. I had my provisional passport issued very quickly and I left with Barka UK for Poland. After we arrived in Poland what I saw in the seat of Barka in Chudobczyce was beyond my expectations. Apart from providing me with the roof over my head and comfort they gave me a paid job opportunity.
Three months passed. One day I drank some alcohol on the train. Tomasz and Grzegorz didn’t get upset but explained what kind of mechanism works towards an addicted person. They advised me to start therapy. I did what they asked me to. After that therapy alcohol stopped to exist for me. My way of living changed rapidly.
In May 2009, I worked on the streets of London for the fourth time. I supported the rough sleepers as one of the leaders of the Barka Foundation which had given me a helping help.”
