Competencies of the future integrate people
When they discovered how other senses are clearly enhanced in vision impaired people, they used this to integrate several communities.
Interview with the President of the Future Competencies Foundation
Where did the idea come from?
Anton Shahovsky, President of the Future Competence Foundation: In 2022, we had the opportunity to witness the potential of cooperation between blind and visually impaired people, and other people at risk of social exclusion. We were able to examine how other senses are perceptibly enhanced in people with vision impairments while carrying out the Blind and Visually Impaired People as Polish Language Teachers project.
The idea of utilizing their unique phonemic hearing enabled us to develop the idea of involving language assistants in teaching pronunciation to migrants. This model inspired us to look more broadly at the possibilities of training and employment for socially excluded people.
What is the goal of the project?
To assist vulnerable people at risk of exclusion in developing critical competencies that are most needed in the labor market.
Apart from this, to facilitate professional opportunities for people with disabilities and promote intercultural dialogue. The latter is particularly important for integrating refugees and migrants.
Where is the innovation?
Everyone benefits in this project. It is a model that simultaneously supports two groups at risk of exclusion.
What stage are you currently at?
With the support of our mentor Stanislaw Alwasiak and the DISCO program, we decided to establish a foundation, which we did in May 2023. Now we are trying to obtain funding for larger-scale initiatives.
What is the biggest challenge you are facing? And what is the major advantage of your idea?
The main problem is the lack of social and professional awareness of the benefits associated with hiring people with disabilities. Our model has the advantage of being adaptable and transferable.
Future Competencies Foundation
The Foundation strives to advance the education and development of key competencies for people from all age groups, including children, teenagers, adults and senior citizens. It places a strong emphasis on preparing individuals for the challenges of the future and is actively engaged in a variety of educational activities.
The Foundation dynamically promotes innovation in various areas of social life, seeking to initiate and support breakthrough solutions. By identifying emerging trends and needs, it strives to develop cutting-edge programs and initiatives that effectively address these challenges.
With a focus on science and education, the Foundation helps schools, educational institutions, and the education of children and young people in general. It recognizes the value of lifelong learning and offers educational opportunities to people of all ages, including special programs for adults and seniors.
Its comprehensive approach includes innovation, civil society development, learning support, digital proficiency, health promotion, environmental protection, intercultural dialogue, refugee and immigrant integration, disability empowerment, employment facilitation, economic development, and corporate social responsibility. The Foundation’s many activities aim to provide individuals with the skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing environment and make meaningful contributions to society.
The main aim of the Future Competencies Foundation is to conduct educational activities, with a special focus on improving the competencies of the future among children, youth, adults, and seniors.