Aktualnosci

Among the grantees this year were writers, musicians, painters, and would-be scientists, doctors, geneticist, journalists and even film and theatre directors. This extraordinary young people take part in many activities starting from involvement in different school activities, participation in numerous overviews and festivals (actually organizing some of them!). Several particularly gifted literary children write poems and prose, they themselves organize and leads lessons. One is learning Japanese and makes amazing origami constructions. Among this year grantees there are also winners of various types of competitions as well as outstanding musicians - violinist, saxophone player. Many of the grantees are children struggling with serious illnesses or disabilities. Among them are volunteers who are trying to help other colleagues, they also volunteer in hospices and social help homes. Finally, there are those who assist others simultaneously struggling with their own suffering. Most of them dream of further education - above all, they want to study and develop their talents. They are convinced that they are able to achieve more than others.

18th of October - EU Anti-Trafficking Day

Social Campaign to fight human trafficking in cooperation with:
Polish Council to Fight Human Trafficking
Foundation against Trafficking in Persons and Slavery La Strada Poland - www.strada.org.pl
International Organization for Migration - www.iom.int
Poster
Brochure
More

See a short movie called "I am Elena", featuring Oscar winning actress Emma Thompson. This quite shocking film is available thanks to Helen Bamber London Foundation (www.helenbamber.org) who is working closely with the victims of this abuse.

6 September 2008
The Meeting of Ms. Jolanta Kwaśniewska the President of "Communication Without Barriers" Foundation with representatives of Barka UK and Polish media in UK. to discuss ways of fighting with human trafficking.

6.09. 2008 In the London headquarters of the Barka Foundation, there was a meeting held with Mrs. Jolanta Kwaśniewska and the secretary of the board Ms. Eve Sadowska, workers and leaders of Foundation's Self Help Network Barka. The main theme of the meeting was to discuss the problem of human trafficking and other activities of Barka Foundation in the UK.

Barka operates mainly in the streets of London and in the Day Centres. It is helping the Poles, who find themselves in difficult circumstances. It also deals with a difficult process of building confidence and Polish ties with citizens in the UK. During the meeting, Mrs. Jolanta often stressed her sympathy to Barka. She also mentioned that she often had contact with representatives of Barka during various important events in the world.

Following the meeting, there was a press conference held with Polish media in England. Invited journalists were given descriptions of the activities of the First Lady's "Communications Without Barriers" foundations in the area of countering human trafficking, relevant facts and statistics on the subject of human trafficking, information on "The Women Leaders' Council", which was established during the Vienna Forum to Combat Human Trafficking (which Mrs. Kwaśniewska is a member of) and co- produced with Barka leaflet- handbook on the rights of Poles in Great Britain. This short guide will be published in Polish newspapers throughout the United Kingdom and as a supplement to the magazine "Cooltura". Leaflets on this issue will be distributed by representatives of Barka UK.

Credits

All of you who have transferred 1% of its income tax for charity '"Communication without barriers" Foundation sincerely thank you.

By passing the 1% tax on the Foundation "Communication without barriers" you are greatly helping children with cancer, disable and with impairments and from the poorest back ground. Furthermore you are supporting children hospitals, rehabilitation centres and care facilities! On behalf of all in need, to whom we'll provide all funds truly thank you!

The Board and employees "Communication without barriers" Foundation

11 August 2008
Jolanta and Aleksander Kwaśniewski's Fund for Supporting Young Talents: We kindly inform that on 8 August 2008 we finished collecting fellowship applications in the XII edition of Jolanta and Aleksander Kwasniewski's Fund for Supporting Young Talents. In accordance with paragraph 8th of Fund Regulations , only scholars selected by the board of the fund will be contacted. This will happen in late November 2008 in writing or by phone.

June 25rd, 2008
The meeting of Polish Council to Fight Human Trafficking.

On the 25 June 2008, at 12pm, there was a second working meeting of The Polish Council to Fight Human Trafficking. The meeting was held in the Warsaw headquarters of Ms Jolanta Kwaśniewska's "Communication without barriers" Foundation.

The meeting was intended to present the results of the actions form the last three months. (The first, inaugural meeting of the Council was held on the 8 March 2008).

Other areas covered included: setting up detailed plan of actions scheduled for the next few weeks and designing long term strategies to draw attention to the problem of Human Trafficking.

In March of this year, on behalf of the of the Council, Ms Jolanta Kwaśniewska urge the Polish authorities to take action to ratify The Council of Europe Convention as soon as possible. Appeals have proved effective and the Parliament has undertaken work for the ratification of the Convention. At present the Convention is waiting to be signed by the President of Poland.

As a part of media campaign, on the websites of "Communication without barriers" and the Police you can see a short movie called " I am Elena", featuring Oscar winning actress Emma Thompson. This quite shocking film is available thanks to Helen Bamber London Foundation (www.helenbamber.org) who is working closely with the victims of this abuse.

Furthermore, for the needs of social campaign, a special travel "a Decalogue" was designed. This is a collection of 10 most important points to remember before going abroad. It is meant to show how to avoid some unpredictable situations during the journey. Presented advice is a result of cooperation of the Police and the specialists fighting the problem of the human trafficking on the everyday basis. This Decalogue will be promoted in the most extensive way.

In February 2008, in Vienna, international press conference was held that was devoted to issues concerning Human Trafficking - The Vienna Forum to Fight Human Trafficking. The main organizers were: United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking (UN.GIFT), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Vital Voices Global Initiative and Suzanne Mubarak Women's International Peace Movement. During the summit Women's Leader's Council was established. That consisted of 30 female leaders from all over the world like Suzanne Mubarak, Dr. Margarita Cedeno de Fernandez, Baroness Mary Teresa Goudie, Julia Ormond, Emma Thompson, Rusłana Łyżyczko, Melanne Verveer and the President of the "Communication without barriers" Foundation Ms Jolanta Kwaśniewska. The main mission of WLC is to battle Human Trafficking, mainly threw raising social awareness, coordinated activities and development of cooperation on the international scale as well as activities aimed at reducing the stigma of victims of Human Trafficking. Each of the WLC members has committed itself to take up specific actions in their own countries.

In the context of national efforts, on the 8 March 2008, Ms Jolanta Kwaśniewska established The Polish Council to fight Human Trafficking. This council is composed of the most outstanding representatives from the fields of science, culture, art, business, NGOs and the Police. It also includes Prof. Barbara Skarga and Prime Minister Tadeusz Mazowiecki. Its main priority is to fight Human Trafficking, mainly threw out preventive activities such as raising social awareness. Focusing on potential victims and making them more aware of the danger will reduce the risk of becoming a victim of human traffickers.

The Council of Europe Convention on Action against Human Trafficking Act is one of the most important international legal measures entirely dedicated to the subject of Human Trafficking. The Convention was signed by 24 countries, ratified by 14; including Albania, Romania and Slovakia. Poland singed this Convention on 16 May 2005, but it still waits to be ratified. To determine its significance special attention should be paid to formulate regulations in a firm manner, thus pressuring countries to assume their responsibilities. The Convention greatly focus on protection the rights of victims, especially women and children. In addition, it obliges states to take specific actions to correctly identify the victims, to protect their privacy as well as to give them necessary assistance. It also introduces a novelty clause: the victims which were forced by their employers to participate in illegal acts should not be punished. As a consequence it may contribute to the enhancement of cooperation of the victims of trafficking with law enforcement authorities and thereby increase the number of convictions.

According to UN estimates, as a results of human trafficking there are 2.5 million people who work in various ventures, often in slave-like conditions . Some of them are frequently sexually abused. According to " Free the Slaves" in today's world there are 27 million slaves of which frightening - 24mln - lives in Asia.

Globally, the annual profit from human trafficking only for the purposes of forced labour far exceeds $31 billion. Trafficking of women for the purposes of sexual exploitation, alone in Latin America, is a businesses with an annual profit exceeding $16 billion.

Most common victims of trafficking are young women and children (1.2 million every year). The typical reason for committing this crime is to sexually abuse victims and force them into slave labour. Significant majority of victims are used to the mobilization of human organs and parts of the body.

Poland is a final destination for many victims form Eastern Europe and Asia. It is also the country were many victims originate from. In some cases it is just another transit country. Unfortunately it is difficult to officially verify all statistics mainly because victims rarely report to authorities. This is because of fearing for their own fate and the loved ones.

Human Trafficking is a crime with extremely high profits at frighteningly low risk. According to ONZ the main interferences in the fight against Human Trafficking are: ignorance and lack of knowledge, lack of appropriate legislation, limited protection for victims and finally limited international cooperation.

www.j.kwasniewska.aid.org.pl
www.strada.org.pl
www.policja.pl
www.helenbamber.org

June 3rd, 2008
Jolanta Kwasniewska meets Ukrainian pop star and former Member of Parliament of Ukraine, Ruslana Lyzhychko to talk about preventing and fighting trafficking in human beings.

Mrs. Jolanta Kwasniewska and Mrs. Ruslana Lyzhychko both members of the Women Leaders' Council created during the Vienna Forum to Fight Human Trafficking in February 2008 met on Tuesday, 3rd of June in the Foundation "Communication without barriers" to discuss and plan most effective actions to rise public awareness about trafficking in human beings.

Suzanne Mubarak, Dr. Margarita Cedeňo de Fernández, Baroness Mary Teresa Goudie, Julia Ormond, Emma Thompson are amongst the members of the Women Leaders' Council which includes political figures, diplomats, trade unionists, business leaders, campaigners and entertainers from across the world. It was created to co-ordinate action, forge new partnerships, facilitate access to resources and work to reduce the stigma for victims.

Ukrainian Eurovision Contest Winner especially for the anti human trafficking campaign recorded a song "Not for sale".

Tuesday's meeting was entirely dedicated to the subject of human trafficking especially preventing and fighting of the crime.

25 May 2008
Suzanne Mubarak Women's International Peace Movement

Annual Board of Directors Meeting

Mrs. Jolanta Kwasniewska who is a Member of the Board of Directors of the Suzanne Mubarak Women's International Peace Movement, actively participated in the Annual Meeting of the Board which took place on Sunday, May 25th, 2008 in the Air Force House, Cairo, Egypt.

To find more about the Suzanne Mubarak Women's International Peace Movement visit the following website:
https://www.womenforpeaceinternational.com/EN/index.aspx)

9-11 May 2008
"Making Cancer a Priority"
CEE Cancer Patient Summit in Bulgaria
National Association of Patients with Oncological Diseases (APOZ) and
European Cancer Patient Coalition (ECPC) Forum

Under the Auspices of the Chairman of the National Assembly of Bulgaria and under the Patronage of the Ministry of Health of Bulgaria in Hotel Kempinski in Sofia on May 10th to 11th, 2008 the Cancer Patient Summit took place. The Sofia Forum particularly focused on helping Central and Eastern European countries to develop good cancer plans and cancer registries, to adopt quality screening programmes and to raise awareness of best practice treatment as well as to help to make an active difference to the way cancer patients are treated in countries with reduced chances of survival.

The day before the Summit, a political Round Table in the Bulgarian Parliament took place. The meeting was chaired by the Chairman of the National Assembly of Bulgaria, leading CEE politicians, Ministers of Health and their officials, MEPs and national (Bulgarian) MPs were present. The Round Table produced recommendations for improving survival and quality of life from cancer in Bulgaria.

Mrs. Jolanta Kwasniewska who is a Patron of the European Cancer Patient Coalition (ECPC) took an active part in the Summit. Mrs. Kwasniewska participated in the Round Table in the parliament, was chairing and co-chairing few of the Summit's sessions.

7 - 8 April 2008
European Cancer Patient Coalition (ECPC) Cancer Patient Summit

Committee of the Regions, 101 Rue Belliard, Brussels

"Making Cancer a Priority at the European, National and Regional level. Cancer Patients - Partners for Change."

Cancer patients took their fight against cancer to Brussels on the 7th and 8th April when the European Cancer Patient Coalition (ECPC), an umbrella organization for all cancer patient groups across Europe, held its Summit at the Committee of the Regions. Mrs. Jolanta Kwasniewska took an active part in the Summit, she was co-chairing together with Prof. Louis Denis one of the Summit's session: Improving Outcomes for Cancer Patients.

During the Summit Mrs. Jolanta Kwasniewska, who was supporting ECPC for years, was invited to become a Patron of the European Cancer Patient Coalition (ECPC) which she gladly accepted.

Under the patronage of the Slovenian Presidency, ECPC members rallied together with their friends in arms: MEPs against Cancer (MAC), health policy makers and the health and oncology community in order to form a partnership for change. The focus was on the Slovenian Presidency, which has chosen to make cancer a priority. The Presidency conference conclusions were under intense discussion: how the burden of cancer could be reduced and how we could better tackle the inequalities that currently exist and improve the survival rates across Europe and its regions.

March 8th, 2008
Press Conference: Human Trafficking - preventing and fighting

On March 8th, 2008 Mrs. Jolanta Kwasniewska organized a press conference to bring up a subject of human trafficking especially preventing and fighting of the crime. During the conference Mrs. Kwasniewska announced creation of the Polish Council to Fight Human Trafficking which includes representatives of science, culture, art, business, politics, NGO's and Police invited for co-operation by Mrs. Kwasniewska.
The Polish Council will work to rise awareness about the human trafficking as well as co-ordinate action, forge new partnerships and work to reduce the stigma for victims. Among members of the Polish Council are following personages: Tadeusz Mazowiecki (formerly one of the leaders of the Solidarity movement, and the first non-communist prime minister in Central and Eastern Europe after World War II, social activist, politician and publicist, numerous honorary doctorates, Special Emissary of United Nations Organization to Bosnia and Herzegovina), Barbara Skarga (professor of philosophy at the Polish Academy of Science, author of numerous publications), Henryka Bochniarz (professor of economy, Vice-President of Boeing International).

During the conference Mrs. Kwasniewska presented "a decalogue" - 10 basic points to remember before going abroad. Jolanta Kwasniewska's Foundation "Communication without barriers" will disseminate is especially in remote areas of Poland and trough very basic media before and during holidays time.

During the conference the Polish Council through media and it's members who are MPs, appealed to the Polish authorities for ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings. The Convention was signed by Poland on May 16th, 2005 and still waiting for ratification.

The same day, Mrs. Kwasniewska send a letters to the Prime Minister - Mr. Donald Tusk, the Marshal of the Sejm - Mr. Bronisław Komorowski and the Minister of Foreign Affaires - Mr. Radosław Sikorski with appeal for ratification of the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings.

During the conference, "Communication without barriers" presented:

"I am Elena" with Emma Thompson prepared by the Helen Bamber Foundation - working with survivors of cruelty; London (www.helenbamber.org)
"The Journey" Trafalgar Square, September 2007 - Video interview with Emma Thompson by Comic Relief (www.comicrelief.com)
"Not for sale" by Ruslana and Ego Works

Please transfer 1% of your income tax for charity "Communication without barriers" Foundation:

To make this 1% of your tax donation go to charity, you have to fill out an application form named "REQUEST FOR 1% TAX TRANSFER FOR PUBLIC SERVICES ORGANISATION (OPP)" while completing your tax return. (See examples below):

Under the heading "OPP name" type: Jolanta Kwaśniewska "Communication without barriers" Foundation.
Under the heading "KRS number" type: 0000167578
Under the heading " propor amount" type the amount representing 1% of your tax due. (from your wages or pension)

That's all!

Money - 1% tax due - will be transfer by Tax Office to our Foundation bank account within 3 months.

By passing this 1% tax on the Foundation "Communication without barriers" you are greatly helping exceptionally talented children, children with cancer, who are disable, with impairments or those from the poorest background. You also are supporting children's hospitals, rehabilitation centres and care facilities!

3 January 2008
Thank you for your Christmas and New Year greetings.
In return, we wish you all the best in the New Year. May the good angels accompany you in all moments of the Year 2008!

The Board and staff of the Foundation

20 December 2007
The ceremony handing scholarships of Jolanta and Aleksander Kwaśniewski's "Fund for Supporting Young Talents":

20 December 2007 at 12pm, in the XII edition of Jolanta and Aleksander Kwaśniewski's "Fund for Supporting Young Talents" scholarships were handed out to this year winners. This year the Board of the Foundation has granted 25 financial scholarships to exceptionally talented students ( for 26 people - one shared). Among this year grantees are: writers, journalists, musicians, painters, chess players, athletes, photographer, politicians or actors and even future scientists. This extraordinary young people are taking part in many project, starting from involvement in different school activities, participation in numerous overviews and festivals finishing at advising president of Góra.

Several particularly literary gifted fellows write poems, prose, including fairy tales and legends or even screenplays. One of the students designs stage dolls and interiors. These are the winners of various kinds of competitions and Olympiads as well as outstanding musicians - pianist, clarinettist, accordionist, composer. Many of the grantees are children struggling with serious illnesses or disabilities.

Among them are volunteers who are trying to help the weaker colleagues in a variety of ways. Finally, there are those who assist others simultaneously struggling with their own suffering. Most of them dream of further education - above all, they want to study and develop their talents. They are convinced that they are able to achieve more than others.

11 December 2007
Grants from Jolanta and Aleksander Kwaśniewski's "Fund for Supporting Young Talents":

On 20 December 2007 at 12.00pm, for the eleventh time scholarships under Jolanta and Aleksander Kwaśniewski's "Fund for Supporting Young Talents" will be awarded. This year ceremony will be held at the headquarters of the Foundation, Al. Przyjaciół 8 lok. 1a in Warsaw.

Within 224 applications submitted this year, the Foundation Board selected most talented students and they were granted 25 scholarships. Since the beginning of the Fund, 4650 applications have been considered. The Foundation granted 470 scholarships for a total amount of 1.295.500,00 PLN. Fellows also received awards in the form of 5 personal computers, and 5 pairs violins.

10 December 2007
Jolanta and Aleksander Kwaśniewski's "Fund for Supporting Young Talents":

We kindly inform that today meeting of the Foundation Board will be held. The Board consists of outstanding representatives of culture and science, who will select this year grantees. Winners will be notify by telephone within the next few days. The ceremonial presentation of scholarships will be held on 20 December 2007, in the Foundation's headquarters at Al. Przyjaciół 8 lok. 1a. Those who are concerned will be informed of all the details by telephone.

6 December 2007
Wroclaw, Poland - Charity Auction

Foundation President Mrs. Jolanta Kwaśniewska participated in this charity auction organised by the office BSO Law & Taxes for the Department of Bone Marrow Transplants, Oncology and Haematology Children's Medical University in Wroclaw. Main aim of this auction was to collect funds for biochemical analyser, which costs over 250 000 PLN. During the auction they managed to collect over 150 000 PLN. Mrs. Kwaśniewska's silver bag and Professor John Miodek's pen (by which he wrote several sections of "Ojczyzny Polszczyzny") were sold for the highest price - both items went for 10 000 PLN.

Among the guest attending this special Wednesday evening were present among others: Archbishop Henryk Gulbinowicz, and honorary guests: Mrs. Jolanta Kwaśniewska, prof. Jan Miodek, singer Anna Wyszkoni from the band "Łzy". A little lower price reached a memorial clock passed by the Polish Primate Jozef Glemp and two tickets for the Manchester United match.

The objects of particular interest were calendars issued in a limited series on the occasion of the co organised by the World Summit Foundation Rodziny+3 ( Warsaw, 26-29 November 2007.) given by Mrs. Jolanta Kwaśniewska. In total, thanks to objects submitted by Mrs. Jolanta Kwaśniewska, they managed to get 16 000 PLN.

Most money for the clinic was donated by Dadressan Ali, one of the Wroclaw's businessmen. That was him who bought the two of the most expensive gifts as well as the pens from Aleksander Kwasniewski's (6 000PLN) and First Lady Mary Kaczyńska and also Andrew Tylkowski's graphics. Altogether he spent 56 000PLN. Businessman decided to transfer those items for the next action - this time organised by Anna Dutkiewicz, wife of the President of Wroclaw. Tickets for the match of English team were given to children from the Clinic. We're still counting all money provided for the patients of professor Alicja Chybicka's clinic. Even before action, on a special account at the Bank Millennium, there were already 20 000 PLN given by the donors who were unable to attend to the action. Additionally there will be money coming from selling of special gifts, money-box display in City Hall, and funds coming from the auction conducted on-air radio RAM. This last one, because of the huge interest, was extended and will end today evening. We already know that this will be at least 5 000 PLN.

Thanks to the enormous generosity and kindness of many people of goodwill, children treated in Bone Marrow Clinic, Oncology and Haematology Children's Medical Academy, they will not only have a new equipment saving their health but also unforgettable St Nicholas Day. Even before the auction small patients were visited by special guests; Former First Lady Jolanta Kwaśniewska, Anna Wyszkoni from the band "Łzy" and Professor Jan Miodek. There were gifts, long conversations, autographs and taking photos. That day will surely remain in everybody's memory.

Summary III Annual Charity Auction Office of BSO Law & Taxes:

- There were 50 items put up for the auction by many celebrities from the worlds of culture, sport and politics.

- During this auction we managed to raised 153 800 PLN (at auction last year it was 55 000 PLN).

- Just through items submitted by Mrs. Jolanta Kwaśniewska we raised 16 000 PLN.

- All proceeds will be earmarked for the purchase of specialised medical equipment, that is biochemical analyser, which costs 258 000 PLN.

July 22, 2007
World Family Summit +3, Warsaw, November 26th to 29th, 2007

We are pleased to announce that this year Poland has the honour of hosting and The Jolanta Kwasniewska's Foundation "Communication Without Barriers", working together with the Polish National AIDS Center, the World Family Organization and the United Nations through the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, to organize the next World Family Summit +3, to be held in Warsaw, Poland between November 26th and 29th, 2007. It is the first time that this Summit will be held in Europe, the previous Summits having been held in Jordan in December 2006, in Brazil in 2005 and in China in 2004.

Each year, the World Family Summit takes the form of a conference which constitutes the biggest partnership towards making the present and the future world more peaceful and secure, with more justice, tolerance, solidarity and prosperity, by mobilizing and promoting the basic cell of society - the family. This Summit will provide a rare opportunity to discuss a number of family-related problems and policies, especially connected with social security, health, education and gender equality. Other issues to be discussed are the recommendations of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, together with the Sanya Declaration - For a Comprehensive Family Policy, the Sergipe Practical Plan of Action 2006-2015 and the Dead Sea Declaration - Investing in Development and Mobilizing for Action, any progress made in respect of these and challenges for the years ahead. The World Family Summit +3 will provide a distinct possibility for international, national and regional governments, authorities, NGOs, scientists, as well as representatives of the business community and media, to interact with some of the world's innovators in the family perspectives field and with each other. To find more about the World Family Organization, the previous Summits and the coming one, visit the following website:
http://www.worldfamilyorganization.org/

March 30, 2007
Report on the Foundation's Activities in 2006.

Herewith we make public the Report on the Jolanta Kwaśniewska's Foundation's "Communication without barriers" activities in 2006.

Word 97-2003 document

October 17, 2006
"Pink Lunch"
You may be ahead of cancer - what's next?

Every year on the 17^th of October - the World Breast Cancer Prevention Day - Mrs Jolanta Kwaśniewska and her Foundation manifest their solidarity with women who suffer from breast cancer. Every year steps are taken to publicize the necessity of cancer prevention.

This year, in the lovely Patio of Mrs Magda Gessler's Strefa gourmet a conference was held within the framework of the "You may be ahead of cancer" programme. Almost two houndred guests, among them artists, businessmen, polititians and Foundation's Council's members gathered together to discuss polish experiences considering breast cancer prevention and treatment.

Prof. dr hab. Cezary Szczylik - Head of the Oncological Clinic of Military Institute of Health Services, Doc. n. med. Tadeusz Pieńkowski - Head of the Breast Cancer and Reconstructive Operation Clinic of The Oncological Centre in Warsaw, Mrs Krystyna Kofta and Mrs Jolanta Kwasniewska - The President of The "Communication without barriers" Foundation pointed out the alarmingly low detectability of breast cancer in Poland and insufficient treatment of this desease. Speakers appealed to the gathered guests for taking interest in the problem and helping publicize it. Prof. Cezary Szczylik postulated enforcing an innovative legal solution, which would be making the amount of health insurance premium dependent on carrying out obligatory medical examinations in order to detect deseases of high incidence among the society, eg: breast cancer.The "Pink Lunch" provided a common ground for exchanging knowledge and oppinions.

August 1, 2006
"Subsidization of remedial camps for handicapped children" - realisation of the programme in 2006

Within the "Subsidization of remedial camps for handicapped children" programme in 2006 the Foundation subsidised remedial camps for over 700 disabled children with the total amount of over 200 000 PLN. We cooperated on this matter with many foundations and associations from various places in Poland. We would like to heartily thank for all kind and warm letters we receive from those, who were granted donations.

Particulars regarding the next edition of the programme will be available in Jannuary 2007

July 8-24, 2006
"Open the world to children" - for the seventh time our Foundation organised a trip to USA for polish children

For the seventh time already within the framework of the "Open the world to children" programme our Foundation arranged a two weeks long trip to the United States of America for a group of 16 polish children. This year the trip was organised in cooperation with The Jan Karski Institute from Maryland, USA. The children participating in this years trip lost their parents in a catastrophe when the hall of Pigeon Fair in Katowice collapsed killing over 60 people.

The children will visit New York, Washington and Buffalo. In New York they will be staying in a dormitory of Fellician College in New Yersey. They will visit Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Madame Tusauds and many other interesting local high lights.

In Washington the children will be staying in the fancy Marriott Wardman Hotel. They will visit the White House, the Congress, Arlington Cemetery and George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate.

The children will also spend three days in Buffalo where - among many other interesting places - they will have the opportunity to see the Niagara Falls

December 9, 2005
Christmas Eve

For the last time the "Communication without barriers" Foundation organised Christmas meeting in the President's Palace in Warsaw. Our Foundations' friends, volunteers and donators who have been supporting us for many years gathered together. This charming evening was hosted by Mrs. Jolanta Kwaśniewska and father Arkadiusz Nowak. The honorable hosts reminded us of The Foundation's achievements, completed programmes and successful initiatives for the benefit of people in need. Health-care institutions awarded in the sixth edition of the most beautiful "Butterfly Hospital" contest were then presented. (see: Actualities, 1 December 2005).

Members of the Fundations' Board: Irena Santor, Maryla Rodowicz and Wojciech Gąssowski sang Christmas carols with Kayah and the Zakopower band in a very friendly, almost familiar atmosphere.

During the meeting Mrs. Jolanta Kwaśniewska awarded the most generous donator - Polkomtel S.A. company - with the "Cristal Butterfly" statuette.

December 1, 2005
Next edition of the most beautiful "Butterfly Hospital" contest completed!

Five of the hospitals which took part in the sixth edition of the most beautiful "Butterfly Hospital" contest and sent their applications were granted equal prizes of PLN 5,000. The winners are:

The Childrens' Surgery Clinic of the Medical Academy Pediatric Institute in Gdańsk
Childrens' Ward of County ZOZ in Będzin
County Hospital in Radomsko, Local Health Institute in Kodręb
Childrens' Desease Ward, County Hospital I Limanowa

Childrens' Desease Ward, SP Zespół ZOZ in Gryfice

We sincerely congratulate all laureates of this years' edition!

November 18, 2005
Stipends from the "Found for Supporting Young Talents"

For the nineth time in the Presidents' Palace sitpends for young talented pupiles were solemnly presented. This year the Board of Jolanta and Aleksander Kwaśniewskis' "Found for Supporting Young Talents" had received 348 applications. The Board awarded 50 gifted and skilled children with 49 stipends of PLN 3,000 and one violin. This year among the stipendists there were young writers, programmists, musicians, sportsmen, polyglots and globetrotters. Many of them were disabled or fightng serious deseases, some were volunteers nursing sick patients. There were also those who devote their time and energy to help others although they are sick themselves and in need as well. The most of the stipendists dream of further education possibilities, studying at famous universities and a chance to develope their talents.

October 19, 2005
The fourth meeting of "The School of Tolerance Club".

Members of The School of Tolerance Club arrived at the Presidents' Palace for the fourth time already on the special invitation of Mrs. Jolanta Kwaśniewska who inititiated the establishment of the Club in 2002.
At that time the Club consisted of three schools: Warsaw grammar-school no. 45, Łódź grammar-school no.14 from and Jedwabne grammar-school. Today the Club consists of 29 schools which help spreading the ideals of tolerance, understanding and cooperation. Tolerance is shared pupils of these schools in their every-day activities: during classes, after school at integrational meetings, school debates, video conferences and on school trips. Young people attempt to reach their roots, learn about different nations and search for what we share with other cultures. They organize exhibitions, concerts, shows and knowledge contests. They take part in charity activities, cooperate with hospices and homes for elderly people.

During the meeting pupiles from grammar-schools from Jasło, Sulechów and Rokietnica invited their friends for a short multimedial presentation describing their initiatives and the history of the Club.
Mrs. Jolanta Kwaśniewska signed the preamble for the following new memebers: Public grammar-schools no. 48 form Bydgoszcz, no. 2 from Sulechów, no. 44, 27 and 18 from Łódź, no. 4 from Kędzierzyn-Koźle and grammar-schools from Rokietnica, Psary, Chmielnik, Rząśnia, Zdzieszowice, Liw, no. 1 from Zamość, no. 3 from Oleśnica, no. 3 from Bielsk Podlaski, no. 11 from Koszalin, no. 61 from Warsaw and no. 2 from Jasło. Mrs. Kwaśniewska warmly welcomed the pupils and their teachers with friendly greetings and usual sympathy. She stressed her satisfaction and appreciation for the fact that so many schools eagerly join the Communication without barriers Foundation in it's programme to teach tolerance. Mrs. Kwaśniewska also wished the young people and their teachers many new ideas and initiatives and handed diplomas of appreciation to authors of class-scenarios and Club coordinators. The pupiles thanked Mrs. Kwaśniewska for the occasion to meet in the Palace again, for inspiring them and strenghtening their belief in what they do for others and most of all for themselves. There was also some time left for the children to have photos with Mrs. Kwaśniewska made. Pupiles from grammar-school nr 10 from Łódź prepared a surprise: bells of many sizes ornamented with the Clubs' logo which were handed to the gathered guests. Bells are to call the pupiles for the fifth meeting of the Club next year!

August 21-26, 2005
"Open the world to children" - trip to Gotland

On the 21 of August 2005 in Gdańsk Mrs. Jolanta Kwaśniewska waved goodbye smiling to over 50 children suffering from cancer who were leaving on a Polish ship for a trip to Gotland. The trip had been organised by the Communication without Barriers Foundation for the tenth time within the "Open the world to children" programme. Little tourists accompanied by doctors and nurses sailed to Gotland to visit it's famous atractions - among them the Islands' major city Visby and Pipi Langstrumphs' house. The children also took part in a bicycle trip along the sea shore. On their way back to Poland the children visited Stockholm, the capital city of Sweden.

July 6-21, 2005
"Open the world to children" - the sixth trip to USA

By the invitation of The American Centre of Polish Culture in Washington DC a group of 25 children whose fathers died on duty went on another trip to Unated States of America. The programme of the trip was as usual very attractive. The children visited the most interesting places in Washingtoin DC and New York. They spent a day in the largest water park called Six Flags. A four-day long trip to Texas organised by father Franciszek from the Holy Name Catholic Church in San Antonio was also an exciting endavour. The children visited San Antonio and sailed a boat on a river in the middle of the city, admiring the beauty of local architecture. They spent a whole day on a farm with cowboys, rode horses and learned about the cowboys' everyday routine and resposibilities. Than the children visited nearby towns with polish names like Częstochowa or Panna Maria. They also had an occasion to learn about the history of first Polish settlers in Texas who arrived in this state 150 years ago. This was a really exciting, interesting and unforgetable trip.

On behalf of the children we would like to gratefuly thank all organisers.

August 21-26, 2005
Let us open the world for children - Baltic Sea cruise to Gotland Island

Over a 5 days stay organized within the framework of "Open the World to Children" program, a group of over 50 children suffering from neoplastic diseases visited Gotland Island. Aboard a Polish ferry the children spent nice time on their way to Gotland where they visited the main town - Visby, Pipi Langstrumph home and they made a picturesque bicycle trip at the sea-side. On the way back they visited Stokholm.

July 6-21, 2005
Let us open the world for children - sixth journey to USA

On invitation of the American Center of Polish Culture in Washington 25 children who have lost their fathers on-the-job accidents have made a magnificent journey to USA where they visited New York (they saw for example the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Central Park), Washington (water park Six Flags) and spent four days in Texas, where guided them the Reverend Franciszek from Holy Name Catholic Church in San Antonio. Children made a beautiful trip on river in San Antonio, as well as they spent a day on the farm in cowboys accompany. They could try horse-riding, became acquainted with history of first settlers in Texas.

June 3, 2005
The official Opening of the Children's Clinic of Oncology and Hematology in Gdańsk

3 June 2005 was one of the most important days in the eight-year-old history of the Foundation "Communication without barriers" as we all could be the witnesses of a very momentous and joyful event. Within two years following the laying of the cornerstone, the construction of a new building of the Children's Clinic of Oncology and Hematology in Gdańsk, the biggest venture ever carried out by the Foundation "Communication without barriers", was concluded and the opening of the Clinic took place on 3rd June. It was the Project carried out on the initiative of the Foundation and thanks to the funds collected by the Foundation. The new Clinic is a gift for the the children suffering from cancer who have so far been treated in quite bad conditions.

The ceremony of the official opening of the Clinic on 3rd June 2005 was a very special day for the Foundation. The joy of Mrs Kwaśniewska,the Founder of the Foundation, was shared by many prominent guests of hers who could admire not only a very functional building but also beautiful interiors of the Clinic. Among 200 invited guests there were: Mrs Alma Adamkiene, Spouse of the President of the Republic of Lithuania, Mrs Kateryna Yushchenko, First Lady of Ukraine, Mrs Dagmar Havlova, Spouse of the former President of the Czech Republic, the Speaker of the Polish Senate, the Minister of Culture, the Deputy Minister of Health, friends of the Foundation, doctors, patients and their families, sponsors. The whole event at the Clinic was followed by the Concert at the Baltic Opera feauturing well-known Polish artists supporting the Foundation - Jacek Cygan with his guests as well as famous Polish singer Maryla Rodowicz who entertained the audience with her biggest hits. During the Concert all the sponsors and supporters of the Construction of the Clinic were given special thanks from the First Lady of Poland as well as the diplomas from the Foundation "Communication of the Barriers".

In the album published on the occasion of the Opening of the Clinic Mrs Kwaśniewska wrote:
" Since the day of laying the cornerstone in 2003 my thoughts were always connected with the place where my dreams of the most beautiful hospital for the children were coming true. It was with great impatience that I waited for the moment when everything would be ready and the small patients could move to a new hospital. And my dreams finally came true on 3rd June 2005 - on the day of the opening of the Clinic."

The Clinic is housed in a building specially designed for its needs; it was constructed according to the current standards required for a highly specialised treatment of seriously-ill children as well as the improvement of the conditions needed for a better functioning of both the doctors and the technical staff as well as the parents of small patients.

The designers, mostly thanks to the cooperation with a group of very talented students from the Gdańsk Academy of Fine Arts, aslo looked after the interiors and, as a result, with their wonderful paintings they created a unique fairy tale world which is so much conducive to the treatment of children and helps them to recover much faster. Mrs Jolanta Kwaśniewska has always promoted the use of colour at the hospitals claiming that "it hurts less in colour".

The ward of the Clinic has got 37 beds, out-patients' clinic, three laboratories and the EKG surgery. There are spacious halls and rooms equipped with cupboards and computers, places for the parents to spend the night at the Clinic and a small kitchen, which is some kind of a substitute of children's homes and creates a more friendly atmosphere.

Finances

The Foundation "Communication without barriers" transferred the amount of 4.669.245 Polish zloty for the Construction of this Clinic; the biggest sums of money were given by a group of so-called "Golden Sponsors" which are: Polpharma S.A., Polkomtel S.A., Petrobaltic Sp. Z o.o., PKN Orlen S.A., Prokom Software S.A., Fundacja "Warta", Telekomunikacja Polska S.A. i PKO BP S.A. The subsidy of the Ministry of Health granted to the Medical Academy of Gdańsk amounted to 1.411.000 Polish zloty. Also, the Medical Academy devoted 300.000 zloty to the technical infrastructure of the building site out of its own financial means.

The agenda of the construction of the Clinic:

1 June 2003 - laying of the cornerstone

7 January 2004 - decoration of the ridgepole to celebrate the ending of building operations

April 2004 - the beginning of the finishing / decor and elevation works

October - November 2004 - up to June 2005 - the creation of the paintings decorating the interiors by the students of the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk

3 June 2005 - Official Opening of the Clinic

May 31, 2005
Open the World to Children - second trip to Slovenia

The group of twenty five children from poor areas spent wonderful time in a beautiful place of Bovec in Slovenia. They had very interesting mountain trips to Kozlov and Tolminska as well as the trip on Soca River. They spent one day on the sea-side, in Piran. The program of their visit was very diversified and so the children came back home happy and full of new impressions.

May 31, 2005
Statuettes "Butterfly 2004" handed

Every year the Board of the Jolanta Kwaśniewska's Foundation "Communication Without Barriers" award "Butterfly" statuettes to Polish companies and organizations supporting handicapped people.

During the Gala organized by the Foundation of the Promotional Symbol "Teraz Polska" ("Time for Poland") at the Great Theatre in Warsaw Mrs. Jolanta Kwaśniewska handed statuettes "Butterfly 2004" to the following winners:

1. Stowarzyszenie Przyjaciół Integracji (Friends of Integration Association) for the creation of a professional information system for the handicapped in Poland

2. Centrum Kształcenia i Rehabilitacji (Education and Rehabilitation Center) in Konstancin for a wide range of activities aimed to prepare the disabled to actively participate in the social life and professional areas.

3. The Association of Care for the Blind in Laski for the creation of the new dormitory "Nasz Dom" ("Our home") for the blind students which helps towards a full social and family integration.

December 17, 2004
Christmas Gala of the Foundation "Communicating Without Barriers"

Another traditional gala was held at the Presidential Palace. The event featured various Polish artists and their families: Urszula Dudziak,Jolanta Fraszyńska, Anna Zagórska, Maciej Miecznikowski, Marek Kościkiewicz, Cezary Morawski, Janusz Radek and Chowaniec family. The concert was hosted by Mrs. Jolanta Kwaśniewska and Reverend Arkadiusz Nowak. The artists celebrated Christmas holidays with the invited guests: the best friends of the Foundation, sponsors, members of the Board and individuals who support the charitable work of the Foundation on a daily basis. The First Lady presented the most generous supporters with the "Crystal Butterfly" statuettes. The following institutions were honored for their "big heart and sensitivity towards the people in need":

1. Aventis Pharma Sp. z o.o.

2. Optimum Distribution Sp. z o.o.,

3. PKO Bank Polski S.A.

The representatives of the most beautiful "butterfly" hospitals (S.Żeromski Specialistic Hospital in Cracow, J.Brudziński Children's Hospital in Bydgoszcz and Cardinall S.Wyszyński Hospital in Łomża) received certificates and cheques in the amount of 10000 Polish zlotys each.

November 19, 2004
Fund for Supporting Young Talents "Communicating Without Barriers"

At a ceremony in the Column Hall of the Presidential Palace, stipend were awarded were presented to talented youth - the winners of the eight edition of the Jolanta and Aleksander Kwaśniewski's Fund for Supporting Young Talents. Fifty winners, selected from 565 applicants, received financial support in amount of 3.000 Polish zlotys.

October 22, 2004
The third meeting of members of the Schools of Tolerance Club

Several principals of schools belonging to the Club as well as those who aspire to join the club met at the headquarters of the Foundation "Communication Without Barriers". Mrs. Jolanta Kwasniewska participated in this kind of meeting, already for the third time. During the meeting the principals presented their work and activities developed in their schools to educate about tolerance. The discussion was supported by multimedia presentations. During classes students run discuss tolerance in various ways - serious and funny ones.

Teachers from grammar schools - members of the Schools of Tolerance Club worked out the script based on those classes and special workshops. Mrs Zofia Rudzinska - the headmistress of 45 High School in Warsaw - presented Mrs Jolanta Kwasniewska with the first copy of the script. <

This year The Schools of Tolerance Club already for the fourth time in history awarded the Medal of Tolerance to Mrs Anna Dymna, a great polish actress and sensitive woman.

25th -28th August 2004
"Rainbow Bridge Project" in Kyrgyz Republic

At the invitation of Mrs Mairam Akajeva, the First Lady of Kyrgyzstan, Mrs Jolanta Kwaśniewska visited the Kyrgyz Republic from 25th to 28th August 2004 where she was the Guest of Honour at the interntaional camp "Rainbow Bridge" /so-called "international school of tolerance"/ organized by the Foundation of Mrs Akajeva called "Meerim" and the Kyrgyz Office of Unesco. The project was based on the Polish experiences of the Rainbow Bridge Project carried out by the Foundation "Communication without barriers" in 2001.
It was during the UN Session on Children in New York in May 2002 that Mrs Kwaśniewska appealed to other Spouses of different Heads of State to continue her project aimed to promote tolerance and common understanding. Mrs Akajeva responded very enthusiastically to the appeal of Mrs Kwaśniewska and thus, with the help of the Polish psychologists /Wojciech Eichelberger, Adam Haller and Alicja Kasica/, she carried out the Rainbow Bridge Project on the Issyk Kul lake in August 2004. Psychological workshops were conducted by Wojciech Eichelberger, his Polish team and the Kyrgyz young leaders - psychotherapists who were first trained by Wojtek Eichelberger to work as trainers and to run psychological workshops at subsequent Rainbow Bridge camps.
During the RBP in the Kyrgyz Republic Poland was represented by Aleksandra Kęsicka and Marcin Nowak - two students from Warsaw Grammar School nr 45 which is the co-founder of the "Club of the Schools of Tolerance" and which actively takes part in the realization of various projects promoting tolerance among young people. Our Polish representatives were looked after by Łukasz Walewski who was one of the participants of the first Rainbow Bridge camp in Olsztynek in 2001 and now, as a student of international relations, he is also the President of the Intercultural Youth Association (Stowarzyszenia Młodzieży Różnych Kultur, IcYA) in his hometown of Łódź

July 17-26, 2004
Open the World to Children- fifth trip to USA

25 children who have lost their fathers on-the-job accidents have made a magnificent journey to USA where they visited New York. They saw the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Central Park and many more interesting places. They visited Washington, Buffalo, Niagara Falls, beautiful Alexandria and they few picnics organized by the American Polonia.
As usually, the American Center of Polish Culture in Washington was the organizer of this project.

May 17, 2004
Statuettes "Butterfly 2003"

During the Gala organized by the Foundation of the Promotional Symbol "Teraz Polska" ("Time for Poland") at the Great Theatre in Warsaw Mrs. Jolanta Kwaśniewska announced the winners of this year's competition for the "Butterfly 2003" award.

This year the Board of the Jolanta Kwaśniewska's Foundation "Communication Without Barriers" chose the following institutions and individuals:

1. The Association "Centrum Niezależnego Życia" (Independence Life Centre) for self-help program "Niezależne Życie" (Independence Life), addressed to help the handicapped to lead a decent life in a society.

2. Pracownia Rozwoju Porozumiewania się (The Laboratory of Communication Development) works within the framework of the Foundation "Daj Szansę" (Give me a Chance) in Toruń towards implementation of no-standard teraphy of communication methods among handicapped children.

3. Marek Kamiński for proving that handicapped people are rightful participants of social life and Jaś Mela for courage and the ability to cross borders apparently impossible to be crossed.

December 16, 2003 r.
Christmas Gala of the Foundation "Communication Without Barriers"

The traditional gala was held in the Presidential Palace. The event featured various Polish artists and their families: Justyna Steczkowska, Beata Rybotycka, Justyna Sieńczyłło i Emilian Kamiński, Małgorzata Foremniak, Danuta Stenka, Beata Kozidrak, Artur Żmijewski, De Mono). The concert was hosted by Mrs. Jolanta Kwaśniewska i Mr. Krzysztof Kolberger.
The artists celebrated holidays with the invited guests: friends of the Foundation, sponsors, members of the Board and individuals who support the charitable work of the Foundation on a daily basis. The First Lady presented the most generous supporters with the "Crystal Butterfly" statuettes. The following institutions were honored for their "big heart and sensitivity to the destiny of those in need":
1. Polpharma S.A.
2. US Pharmacia,
3. LOT Polish Airlines
4. Centrum Finansowe Puławska Sp. z o.o.

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December 9, 2003
Finale of the 4th Edition of the contest for the most beautiful "butterfly" hospital

Five hospitals out of 59 participating facilities received equal prizes in the 4th edition of the contest. The prizes were awarded by the jury which included: Jolanta Kwaśniewska, Edward Lutczyn, Ewa Radomska, Piotruś Idzi, Andrzej Pagowski, Janusz Stanny, Xymena Zaniewska, Małgorzata Dębek and Teresa Gajewska. The following hospitals received awards in the amount of 10000 PLN each:

1.SP ZOZ in Gołdapia
2.SP ZOZ in Sulęcin
3.Szpital Powiatowy in Opatow
4.SZP ZOZ in Warsaw, ul. Niekłańska
5.ZOZ Szpital Powiatowy in Myszków

The judges also awarded so-called "supply prizes" (each prize included 800 sets of Vigor Junior vitamins) to:

1. Ośrodek Rehabilitacyjno-Terapeutyczny in Elbląg
2. Dziecięcy Szpital Uzdrowiskowo-Rehabilitacyjny Rodziny Kolejowej in Rabka Zdrój
3. Gminny ZOZ in Brdy i Lubienia
4. Uniwersytecki Szpital Dziecięcy in Krakow
5. Centrum Pediatrii in Sosnowiec
The representatives of these hospitals will receive the awards from the First Lady during the Traditional Christmas Gala at the Presidential Palace on December 16, 2003.

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December 5, 2003
Holiday Concert benefiting the "Butterlfy Hospitals for Children" program

It has become our tradition, every year around December 6th, to hold a special concert benefiting the "Butterfly Hospitals for Children" program. This year's event featured Gordon Haskel and Anna Maria Jopek who performed some of their best hits. They also sung a Christmas song and this way they introduced great holiday spirit among the audience.
The proceeds from this concert will support the 5th edition of the butterfly program thanks to which young patients in Polish childrens' hospitals recover in more colorful, fairytale-like environment and interiors. These improvements are made thanks to the financial support and efforts of the Foundation "Communication Without Barriers".

November 27, 2003
School Principals Meeting - members of the Schools of Tolerance Club

Several principals of schools belonging to the Club as well as those who aspire to join the club met at the headquarters of the Foundation "Communication Without Barriers". Mrs. Jolanta Kwasniewska participated in the meeting.
The principals presented their work and activities developed in their schools to educate about tolerance. A decision was also made to organize workshops for educators and students. Events planned for this year included: literary, foreign language, music and art workshops for students from most of the schools. Student counselors, history and social studies teachers would have the opportunity to participate in special workshops for educators. The workshops would be organized by junior high schools - members of the Schools of Tolerance Club.

October 15, 2003
Schools of Tolerance Club - 2nd Meeting

The second meeting of the Schools of Tolerance Club was held at the R. Schuman Public High School in Lodz. The following schools were admitted to the club during that meeting:
Publiczne Gimnazjum nr 10 in Łódź, Publiczne Gimnazjum nr 50 in Warsaw and Publiczne Gimnazjum in Wizna. A number of other schools received an invitation to participate in the Club activities. Those schools were: Publiczne Gimnazjum in Łódź, Katowice and Gdynia.
The theme of this year's meeting was "Us or Strangers?" While discussing the project we came up with answers to three questions: What are our roots? What do we believe in? What are we like? Students prepared various exhibitions and performances related to that theme. Participants also learned more about Ukraine, Belarus and the culture of Jews and Gypsies. They visited a wax figure gallery where they attempted to get rid of stereotypes concerning some youth subcultures. The presentations were very attractive and they certainly displayed huge efforts of students and teachers.
During the meeting Medals of Tolerance were awarded for the second time in history. Last year, the medal was presented to the First Lady, Mrs. Jolanta Kwaśniewska. This year the recipients were dr Marek Edelman and reverend Arkadiusz Nowak.

November-December 2003
Butterfly Sign

For the next time in a row you have the opportunity to support the "Butterfly Hospitals" programme by buying cosmetic articles of some leading brands marked with the "Butterfly Sign". Owing to our joint action with the Optimum Distribution firm, our list of the newly repainted children care wards will be made longer next year.

Tuesday, November 18, 2003
Fund for Supporting Young Talents

At a ceremony in the Column Hall of the Presidential Palace, stipend awards were presented to young talented people, winners of the seventh edition of the Jolanta and Aleksander Kwaśniewski's Fund for Supporting Young Talents. Fifty winners, selected from several hundred applicants, received financial support; two of them received also violins.

Thursday, November 13, 2003
Meeting in the Presidential Palace

At a meeting in the Presidential Palace, a conveyance advancing in a walking mode was passed to Mrs. Jolanta Kwaśniewska by the president of the Stalbet Projekt Company in Elbląg as a donation to the handicapped. The conveyance, named "Cheops", was the winner of the "Butterfly Sign" of the year. "Cheops" was forwarded on the spot to the representatives of the Society of Independent Life Centre in Ciechocinek, an organization of people who foster the belief that every handicapped man has the right to decide on his own how to make his living and what to do in his life. With the aid of "Cheops" the handicapped members of the Society will be able to make an unassisted jaunt to a forest ground or a beach and to visit places they hardly could access in the usual wheelchair.

Monday, November 3, 2003
"Ladies" project

A gala concert was given in the Polski Theatre within the frame of the "Ladies" project patronized by Mrs. Jolanta Kwaśniewska. Urszula Dudziak, Maryla Rodowicz, Justyna Steczkowska, Kayah, Ewa Bem, Anna Maria Jopek, Kasia Notowska, Ewelina Flinta, and Halina Młynkowa were invited to sing at the concert. The proceeds from the concert and a part of the proceeds from the sale of the concert record were appropriated for supporting mammographic tests carried on under the "You May Be Ahead of Cancer" programme of the Foundation "Communication Without Barriers".

Friday, October 10, 2003
A donation of the Vigor vitamin

A donation of the Vigor vitamin blend worth over 1 million PLN was handed in to Mrs. Jolanta Kwaśniewska at a meeting with the representatives of US Pharmacy. The vitamins were distributed to some oncological hospices (Poznań, Gdańsk, Reszel, Łódź, Warszawa), foundations (The Barge, Life's Bread, My Wartime Childhood), and the Home of Veteran Artists of Polish Stages.

Sunday, August 24, 2003, 22:38
"Don't Break, It's OK"

August 31, 2003, is the date of the official inauguration of another year-long educational programme to be operated by the Foundation "Communication Without Barriers". The event will take place in the Tadeusz Kościuszko Memorial Park in Katowice. The programme, named "Don't Break, It's OK", is intended to call the nation's attention to the protection of our bone system. Its principal topics cover the entire life span, from the prenatal period up to senility: "Mother-to-be, you be careful!"; "Young men, don't break!"; "Working men, don't break!"; "Osteoporosis, a trail of danger to the middle-aged"; "Seniors, don't break!"; "Don't break - life is wonderful!".
By tradition, the campaign will be realized in co-operation with the TV programme "From A to Zestful Health" hosted by two well-known journalists, Iwona Schymalla and Krystyna Bochenek (last Sunday of every month, approximately at 11:30 AM on the TVP Channel 1). Billboards will appear along the streets of Polish towns, books available in the bookstores will provide information on the human skeleton, and some campaign-related promotional ads will be broadcasted on the TVP Channel 1.
A promenade concert is scheduled to inaugurate the "Don't Break, It's OK" programme. It will be attended by Mrs. Jolanta Kwaśniewska as the guest of honour, by Piotr Uszok, the Mayor of Katowice City, by several reputable orthopaedic surgeons: Dr Bogdan Koczy, Prof. Damian Kusz, Prof. Krystyna Dobosiewicz, Dr Krzysztof Geremek, Dr Stanisław Mrozek. Many well-known, high-popularity persons are expected to come with their children to tell us how do they car