Zespol Szkol Specjalnych nr4

We have a lot of experience on working with volunteers because, ZSS nr 4 is hosting them and working with them for 5 years. The last 5 years volunteers have worked for „Usmiech Losu” Association but from this year the name is changed to ZSS nr 4 but that also means, from now on the school by the name ZSS nr 4 is hosting the volunteers and not the Association. Now ZSS nr 4 is responsible for all tasks connected with accepting and working with the volunteers. Our school is open and functioning for over 86 years, making it the oldest institution for handicap children in Krakow. The school consists of a kindergarten, primary school and middle school or as we call it SPP, which basically is the job training department. Aim and purpose of our school is, to help children and young kids with intellectual disabilities to rich their fullest potential and prove that they can overcome their handicap. Also, through the school, students have multiple opportunities to get involved in after school activities. Some of the activities and classes that the school provides are, swimming class, gymnastics, carpentry class, gardening class, handicrafts, dancing, cooking class, learning social skills and scheduling educational trips. Additionally, the school takes part in the National Olympics for handicap people and organizes events, like for example, a full day of activities for the World Down Syndrome Day. A very important characteristic of our school is that, the staff of the school, works also, in both the kindergarten and the school, fact which strengthens our common activities. We are receiving public funding, so we can conduct activities for rehabilitation, strengthening and maintaining the health and provide full participation of the children in the social life. Our school has the attitude of an influencer. We aim and try, to raise awareness in the society, we are acting against discrimination and marginalization and do our best to integrate our students with the public. Main goal of the school is to create a positive and safe environment for handicap people. In order to achieve this, we interact, communicate and cooperate with the families of the students, with the community in general, with other organizations and public administration units. Finally, we are preparing our students and of course guiding them to find and secure a job as responsible and independent parts of the society. A lot of our ex students are now in their next steps and work positions and we can proudly say, they are doing amazing. What can our students gain from the volunteers: • Students learn how to be more open-minded and tolerant towards other cultures • Students can explore the art and culture of other countries • Students have additional social and emotional support in daily life in school and outside school • Volunteers assure additional safety during trips, excursions or school ceremonies • Students gain additional activities such as aerobics, yoga, dance classes • Students get information about volunteers’ origin countries (recurring classes and wall newspaper) • Students get new friends • Students form their behaviour thanks to imitation of the attitude of young people • Students learn how to be independent in everyday life