Bringing Communities Together Through Play

„Let’s Play Together” is a vibrant initiative based in Wrocław that brings together Ukrainian refugee children and local peers, harnessing the transformative power of play.

 

Led in collaboration with local authorities and co-financed by the U.S. Department of State and the European Union, our program aims to create meaningful connections, strengthen community bonds, and support integration through fun and inclusive physical activities.

 

About the program

Our community-driven program is crafted to support Ukrainian refugee children in their journey of integration with local peers through engaging in physical activities. By offering trained, dedicated coaches and a supportive environment, we help children make new friends, build connections, and feel part of their community. Additionally, the program aims to develop leadership, sports, and cross-cultural skills among Ukrainian and Polish youth and their coaches, fostering mutual understanding and respect. Through the power of sports, we provide a pathway for post-conflict healing, addressing the emotional and physical challenges faced by displaced, disabled, and war-affected Ukrainians. Together, we’re building bridges across cultures, promoting resilience, and encouraging a sense of belonging.

Key Components

1

Tandem Coaching

Each of our 10 locations is led by a dedicated team of a Ukrainian and a Polish coach. This unique paring ensures that our coaching is culturally sensitive and supportive, fostering an environment where all children feel understood and included.

2

Young Volunteers

Our dedicated youth volunteers, both Polish and Ukrainian, work alongside Coaches to create a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere. The young leaders serve as mentors and role models, helping children build confidence and feel supported within their communities.

3

Diverse Activities

We create safe, welcoming spaces for children to connect at their own pace through engaging activities like team sports, urban games, and creative play. Kids can join any activity that interests them or simply enjoy the environment.

4

Neighborhood Integration

By focusing on neighborhood-level interactions, we help children build meaningful connections with their local community. Our program aims to create a supportive network where children can thrive and feel a strong sense of belonging.

We use sport-based therapy and adaptive sports, complemented by targeted training and resources, to address emotional, behavioral, traumatic, racial, gender, and cultural barriers – creating a supportive and empowering environment for all participants.

What we do

We create meaningful opportunities for children from diverse backgrounds to connect and thrive. The program pairs dedicated coaches to lead a range of activities that foster interaction, support emotional well-being, and help children form lasting friendships.

Tandem Coaching

Activities led by teams of one Ukrainian and one Polish coach, and their Assistants ensure a culturally sensitive approach. This tandem model supports a welcoming atmosphere where children feel understood and included. The dual-coach setup fosters an inclusive space, meeting every child’s needs.

Our impact

With nearly 300,000 Ukrainian children now in Poland, many are just starting to adapt to their new communities. “Let’s Play Together” bridges cultural gaps and builds social bonds. Our activities help children make friends, boost confidence, and engage with peers, fostering a sense of belonging.

We foster cross-cultural understanding and a deep appreciation for diversity among international participants, while also cultivating leadership skills and empowering young leaders to build resilient communities and strong civil society institutions.

Whether kids choose to join a structured game or just hang out and make new friends, our goal is to provide a supportive and inclusive setting where every child feels comfortable and valued. We use sport-based therapy and adaptive sports, complemented by targeted training and resources, to address emotional, behavioral, traumatic, racial, gender, and cultural barriers, creating a supportive and empowering environment for all participants.

Areas of work

Our Tandem Coaches are set to engage with children across 10 distinct neighborhoods in Wrocław.

To explore these areas and learn more about our initiatives in each, please interact with the map below. By selecting a specific neighborhood, you’ll discover detailed information about our activities and how we’re making a difference in that community.

GRABISZYN - SP 15
ul. Ludwika Solskiego 13                                    


Piotr Zalewski


Kateryna Surova-Kuzina

LIPA PIOTROWSKA - ZSP 26                    
ul. Cynamonowa 40           


Yelyzaveta Severynovska


Daniel Kasyan

KARŁOWICE/RÓŻANKA - SP 20         
ul. Kamieńskiego 24


Mariia Severynovska


Marcin Miśta

STABŁOWICE
Boisko przy Wojanowskiej                           


Urszula Piotrowicz


Uliana Zalutska

JAGODNO                                                  


Nikola Krzewicka


Snizhana Smerechanska

GĄDÓW MAŁY
SP 38, ul. Horbaczewskiego 61                   
SP 118, Bulwar Ikara                            


Denis Atanasow


Wojciech Misiewicz

GAJ - ZSP 21, SP 32                                
ul. Kłodzka 40                                     


Aleksandra Pilipowska


Vadym Nadtoka

NADODRZE - SP 93                               
ul. Niemcewicza 29-31                        


Andriij Mychalevych


Oktawiusz Raczkowski

OŁBIN - SP 107                                              
ul. Prusa 64                                


Inna Kunitska


Grzegorz Kapica

NOWY DWÓR - SP 113                              
ul. Zemska 16C                  


Rafał Świerczek


Mykola Nechypurenko

These areas have been strategically selected based on several key criteria:

  • Proximity to Schools with High Numbers of Ukrainian-speaking Students: Recognizing the significant Ukrainian community in Wrocław, we’ve identified schools with substantial Ukrainian student populations to ensure our programs effectively serve those who will benefit most.

  • Accessibility to ESK Parks (Emotions-Sports-Culture Parks): By situating our activities near ESK Parks, vibrant community hubs offering free cultural and sports events on weekends, we provide safe and engaging environments that foster community involvement and cultural exchange.

  • Proximity to Local Activity Centers: These centers serve as focal points for community engagement, offering resources and spaces for various activities. Positioning our programs near these centers ensures participants have access to additional support and opportunities.

  • Existing Network of Community Coaches: We’ve chosen neighborhoods where active community coaches are already making a positive impact. Collaborating with these established mentors allows for seamless integration of our programs and ensures sustainability.