Launched in 2023, the People’s University – School of Social Animation, an initiative of the Barka Network, has been a catalyst for social change, helping individuals rediscover their potential. Funded by the National Freedom Institute under the #FolkUniversities programme, the project champions the belief that education and mutual support can transform lives and communities. Located in Poznań, the university welcomes a diverse group of participants, including residents of community homes, individuals with lived experiences of homelessness, and employees of social enterprises. Since its inception, 84 people have engaged in its programmes.
The university offers three courses:
- Ethics and Values
- Key Skills
- Social Economy Leadership
These courses cover crucial topics such as active citizenship, group leadership, ethical dilemmas, social economy, and communication—empowering participants to move from social marginalization to active engagement in their communities.
Rooted in the Grundtvigian tradition of lifelong learning, the initiative fosters solidarity and inclusion by bridging marginalized individuals with mainstream society.
