“Fashion for a Better Start” 2.0 – more support for children in care homes

A boy who, thanks to individual swimming lessons, overcame his fear of water and gained confidence; or a girl with a severe speech impediment who, through sessions with a neuro-speech therapist, was finally able to communicate effectively with other children – these are just two of the hundreds of stories of children from care homes we have supported through our “Fashion for a Better Start” programme. This year, we are expanding the scope of support the programme offers.

Support beyond health, education and development

Since 2021, we have been working with the Gdańsk Foundation for Social Innovation, the “Rodzinny Gdańsk” (Family Gdańsk) Foundation, and the “Ogniska Nadziei” (Hearths of Hope) Foundation for Families. Since October 2023, we have also been supporting the Kraków-based organisation – “Nasz Dom” (Our Home) Association.

While “Fashion for a Better Start” primarily focuses on supporting children in the areas of health, education, and personal development, it is also a programme through which young people can receive more than just braces, prescription glasses, or vocational courses. Above all, it helps them build self-confidence and offers hope for those entering adulthood independently and without stigma.

Two new forms of support

In 2024, the programme will support 312 young people, with the funds provided have already helped meet many numerous health and educational needs. This year, 340 children and teenagers will take part in the programme, benefiting from two new forms of support. These are an English language course and funding for further development through vocational courses, post-secondary education, or university studies for professionally active graduates from secondary schools.

As part of the English language courses, the most committed students who pass the B2-level language certificate will receive a special reward from the LPP Foundation – a trip to a language course abroad.

We hope that “English for a Better Start” and “Scholarship for Independence” will help even more care leavers transition smoothly into adult life.

Meet the stories of Otylia, Maksymilian and Klaudiusz, and see how they benefited from “Trend for a Better Start”: