Barka`s School of H.Ch.Kofoed

61-003 Poznań, ul.św.Wincentego 6/9

tel/fax:   +48 (061) 877-22-65;

tel.:        +48 (061) 877-34-32

e-mail: barka@barka.org.pl       

Barka’s Kofoed School was established on the base of the principles of the Kofoed School in Copenhagen and also the idea and the community experience of the Barka Foundation. The financial support was received to start the School by the Danish Ministry of Social Policy, and the Poznań City Council. The Barka Kofoed School is located near Wincentego Street in Poznań. Buildings were given by the “Elektromet” firm and the land by the City Council. 

The mission of the School has adopted the Christian philosophy, based on the rules of the Kofoed School in Copenhagen that was founded 70 years ago. Educational system of the School refers to the principle of “help for self help”. The Barka Kofoed School runs educational programs where vocational trainings, various classes and courses are provided. The main purpose is to teach self-help to those who are in difficult life situations, including the homeless and long-term unemployed.Each individual comes to the School as a “student”. Each student has an opportunity to choose courses according to his interests in order to increase the job skills and utilize his physical and mental resources.  As a student they are entitled to food, shelter, and daily needs donated to them by the Barka Foundation. Each day they attend the School and participate in classes and job training, they receive meal, tickets for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Household needs are provided on a community basis. All needs of students not living in Barekahomes are managed by the community directors.

Structure of the Barka Kofoed`s School:

 

The social department – is coordinating work with the people in the Barka communities, while providing assistance for individual problems. The ‘social office’ is responsible for managing contact with local authorities and international connections.

The department includes:

-first aid center

-counseling

-ambulatorium

-pre-school

-hostels

 

Zawady Hostel A: Since July 1996, the Community Barka in Poznań and the headquarters of the Barka Foundation has existed. Currently, 20 individuals live in the Zawady hostel, along with temporary housing for 30 members who were recently evicted Poznań’s government-run shelter. Members in this community also cooperate with the Barka Kofoed School, as well as Helping maintain the headquarters.

Piaskowa Hostels B and C: In April 1997, this home in Poznań was established for women and families. The community consists of two houses: hostel C is specifically designated for women and single mothers, hostel B is for families. Today, there are 21 women and 5 families living there. This house collaborates with the Barka - Poznań headquarters, with members involved in Barka Kofoed School and vocational training.

 Darzyborska Hostel D: Was established in winter, 1999. There are about 120 people living there, including homeless persons and evicted families. The residents are students of the Barka Kofoed School.

Vocational Training Section 

  • Gastronomic Workshop: This program instructs students in cooking methods, nutrition courses, food preparation, and maintenance of the kitchen.

  • Sewing Workshop: This course lasts 6-12 months, including instruction on dressmaking, mending clothes, and specific requests. Students are generally members of the Barka’s women crisis center

  • Carpentry Workshop: A 12-month long course involving the use of electronic tools, simple beginner projects, renovation of furniture from Barka homes, and a carpentry service for nearby citizens. Also connected to this workshop, is a renovation studio for furniture and upholstery

  • Electrical Engineering Workshop: This course focuses on the repair of electric tools collected by the Bank of Building Materials. They are sold in Barka’s workshops, or used by students of the School.

  • Plumbing and Welding workshops: This course involves the repair and construction of buildings in Barka at Zawady and services for the local Poznań area.   

  • Transport Team: A team of students manage three cars with pick-up and transport furniture and donated items from Poznań citizens.

  • Housekeeping section: The maintenance of hostels, workshops, and classrooms; as well as the preparation of meetings, conferences and holiday events.

  • Laundry: Services the hostels and the kitchen and is also engaged in the management of living needs in the hostels.

  • First Medical Contact: Each new member is welcomed with the use of the bathroom and shower facilities, as well as an initial medical check.

  • Foreign Language Lessons: The Barka Kofoed School offers language courses in English, and German.  Each is offered in three levels: beginners, intermediate, and advanced.  Participants include the full diversity of the school.  Professional teachers teach courses on a volunteer basis, and Barka also employs an American Peace Corps Volunteer.

  • Music Courses: Barka members offer a weekly music course in guitar, vocal and piano.

  • Artistic and bookbinding workshop: instruction in handmade wood crafts, a painting workshops, and the binding and renovation of books and folders.

  • Public Relations: the preparation of information about „Barka” activities- including the „Barka Bulletin” and the ”Barka Brochure”.  Also the preparation of material for meetings and conferences. 

  • Cultural Program: prepares cultural excursions to the theater, ballet, movies, and concerts.   In progress is the development of a choir and theater group held in Barka.

  • Youth group: Social group for the young „Barka” members.  Youth participate in educational activities, musical activities, and gymnastics.

  • Computer workshop: A one-month course, which teaches basic computer skills and knowledge of the Internet.  The courses are offered two times a week, with every participant using an individual computer.

  • Self-help groups: Two group therapies run by psychologists- one is held for children and youth, the other for adults.  Also available is religious consultation.

  • Lectures and self-help workshops: These programs concern alcohol problems, children and education, nutrition, religion and philosophy.

Administration includes the office and book-keeping.

 

            An important role has the Bank of Food collecting food that comes from sponsors in

            order to supply Barka’s kitchen. The Bank of Clothes and Equipment collects used 

            things that get renewed in the School workshops. Then it’s sold in Barka’s second-

            hand stores or used by the students of the School.  

 

A total of 150 students participate in the Barka Kofoed School daily. There are 9 persons on the School Board. In addition, the School has the special committee including 24 members that the Board is obligated to report its activity for.