DESIGNER STOCKHOLM MAY-JULY 2022

PATRIOTICALLY IN EDINBURGH APRIL remember them. Memories that hurt but also give 30, 2022-DR. AGNIESZKA MALCZEWSKA- us strength. The souls of our ancestors are among BŁASZCZYK. us, and they themselves are in our memory. Many speak loudly about “a spark from Glory to the deserving. You often ask: “what Poland”. People who says this mean about Poland”? Remember, however it is not that it is our country that will bring happening in our country now, even though you the impulse for change to the whole world. For are outside you can do a lot. Dear compatriots, me, “a spark from Poland”, which I have already I am asking that you may promote our country mentioned many times, does not only mean the and our culture wherever you are. So that Poland territory of our country, but its citizens all over could be associated with high culture, education the world. and intelligence. Strengthen patriotic values, do not forget about everything your ancestors have We can freely say that our compatriots are done. probably everywhere in the world. This does not mean that they are not patriots, as they are I would like to thank Mrs. Yvette Popławska and often accused of, but that they had to emigrate for Halina Bartoszek Rosa for the opportunity to sit many reasons. It’s a lot of beautiful and touching on the bench of General Stanislaw Maczek, it will stories. Lots of achievements in many areas. be an unforgettable point of stay in Edinburgh. Where our compatriots are, there is also Poland. For connecting online with the Polish diaspora in Here, in Edinburgh, I could meet them in the City other parts of the world via the Internet and what of Chambers, on the bench of General Stanisław was there, and for the hymn sung together. It was Maczek. all so strong, deeply moving. This bench is like another beautiful place of 13.05.2022 Stockholm national remembrance. He sits there proudly on that bench. We were with him every day, on the first day, on the anniversary of his birthday, then on the way to the gala (more about it in the next article) and on the next day to sing the national anthem on the occasion of the 3rd May anniversary and the Flag Day. We decided that this place would be the most appropriate. Being there, we paid tribute not only to the general, but also to other great Poles fighting for our Homeland. As I have already mentioned, the men from my family fought practically in all wars, I count from 1625, when my ancestor Stefanides received the Gryf coat of arms from Sobieski for his services during the Battle of Vienna. Then there were partitions, uprisings, until the Second World War and Katyn, where my ancestor Stefan Stefanides, my great-grandfather’s brother, was murdered. I know my family tree and I value the history of the family very much. While reading this text, many of you probably do not know that you have people who are meritorious for the Fatherland in your family. Let us remember that not only men fought for freedom, but also women. How many of them were partisans, so many were shot or died under other unpleasant circumstances. It is often unknown where their graves are. We all MAGAZINE 51

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ER IN STOCKHOLM Kupala´s night is a holiday originally celebrated its celebrations in the form in which it took place by pagan Slavs from different parts of Europe centuries ago, although of course we do not know during the summer solstice, on the night of June the exact, magical meaning of each element of 22-23, which is the shortest night of the year. the ritual. It is worth emphasizing, however, that In the folk tradition, this feast ended the whole this is not a holiday characteristic only for our cycle of rituals to ensure the return to earth of country. the “time of life”, i.e. a time of harvest, prosperity and happiness. it was with a ritual calendar In Anglo-Saxon countries there are Midsummer determined by the rhythm of the seasons (today celebrations, in Germanic countries called the Slavic Circle of the Year). Mittsommerfest, i n Sweden we have Midsummer, and our Polish event is Midsummer Night, This year, Beata Laszkowska won the competition which was a picnic. It started with a quiet feast for the most beautiful wreath . on blankets in the shade of oaks and maples. Everyone brought their snacks for a barbecue, Among the listed holidays, the most famous and and if someone did not have it, the organizer popular today is undoubtedly Kupała Night, a took care of everyone, so no one was hungry. collection of rituals related to the beginning of Lovely music played in the background. Many summer. Due to the fact that the knowledge about special guests came, including the famous Polish the celebration of this extraordinary holiday was pianist Dorota Żarowiecka. passed down from generation to generation, today we have the opportunity to participate in The customs and rituals of the old days continued in the form of games. Some of them, such as the MAGAZINE 53

POLISH MIDSUMME Photos by Mieszko Tyszkiewicz, Beata Laszkowska, Beata Nawrocka, Katarzyna Krawiec, Halina Bartoszek Rosa, Lucyna Wach 54 MAGAZINE

ER hnicka, Dorota Żarowiecka, Diana Kicia MAGAZINE 55

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Anna “The Most Influentia Anna Kolisz- President of ANKOL SP. z o. o. on May 9, was honored with the statuette “The Most Influential Personality of 2022” during the Gala “Personalities and Successes of the Year 2022” The gala is one of the most prestigious social and business events in Poland, during which the most interesting personalities and successes of companies and institutions are selected. This extraordinary Gala was held at the luxurious Renaissance Warsaw Airport Hotel in Warsaw. The initiator and organizer of this event is Mariusz Pujszo, actor, screenwriter, director and publisher of the magazine “Personalities and Successes ”. This magazine features an article introducing Ms President Anna Kolisz to her achievements and her recipe for optimism and success in business. This year’s Gala gathered outstanding personalities from various fields of social life: scientists, athletes, journalists and people from the world of show business and business. During this event, Ms Anna Kolisz was accompanied by key employees of Ankol. 13.05.2022 Stockholm 60 MAGAZINE

a Kolisz al Personality of 2022” MAGAZINE 61

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PRESENTATION OF TH EDITION OF THE POLONI PLEBISCITE EDYT 64 MAGAZINE

Presentation of the candidates of the 2nd edition of the Polonia Personality of the Year plebiscite Edyta Felsztyńska 2022 This year it is the second edition of the competition, for which even more candidates were entered! Each of them is unique and deserve a great deal of attention.The application process was completed and all the candidates nominated in the Polonia Personality of the Year plebiscite were published. Edyta Felsztyńska . Candidates’ presentations are published according to the date of submitting applications. The organizers would like to thank them for such great interest, which once again convinced them that their activity in the Polish diaspora is something more than just a competition, it is work for the integration of Poles in different countries of the world and spreading Polish culture internationally. Ladies and Gentlemen, beautiful statuettes and awards await the winners of the competition. HE CANDIDATES OF THE 2ND IA PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR TA FELSZTYŃSKA 2022 The organizers would like to send special thanks to the sponsors, without whom they would not be able to continue their work for the Polish diaspora. Senatorom RP, Kancelaria Prawa Polonii PMC Protects, Teresa Ploch https://bebpegaso.wixsite.com/home Last year’s edition of the Polish Personality of the Year for them. Edyta Felsztyńska was a huge success. The statuettes were awarded to Marzenie Nowak, Aneta Malinowska and Paweł Bury. It was the first, debut edition of the competition, which was organized by two great Polish community activists, Bożena Krasoń and Urszula Golda . Paulina Maćkowska was also in the editorial office of the event . This year it is the second edition of the competition, for which even more candidates were entered! There are 34 of them in total. Here they are, each of them is unique and deserves a great deal of attention. MAGAZINE 65

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We cordially invite you to vote for your candidates. Last year, 29 candidates from different countries applied. Of course, everyone deserved a lot of applause and recognition. In the spirit of solidarity, the organizers promote our wonderful Polonia and Polish culture. Through such a competition, they bring together Poles and organizations from all over the world. Polonia Personality of the Year Plebiscite Edyta Felsztyńska is dedicated to a wonderful woman with a big heart. Edyta Felsztyńska was a person with a lot of positive energy that she used to help others. Remembering her hard beginnings in exile, she tried to help Poles who decided to leave their homeland. She had incredible strength, energy and a great willingness to organize various types of events and to help others in any way possible. Each meeting she organized began with the song “Because all Poles are one family”. DESIGNER, the artistic and cultural magazine, together with other media patrons, cordially cinvite you to participate in this beautiful event, which this year will be organized stationary in Italy. The editors of DESIGNER Stockholm wish all future candidates good luck. 26.06.2022 Stockholm Redaktor Naczelna / Halina Bartoszek Rosa Polish version of the article and candidates in the link below https://thedesigner.se/en/prezentacja-kandydatow-ii-edycji- plebiscytu-osobowosc-polonijna-roku-im-edyty-felsztynskiej-2022/ MAGAZINE 67

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Karol Kus, the leader of the Polish- perish. Don’t stand next to you and give your Ukrainian band Taraka, performed on hand to Ukraine ”. This is how the song that was June 17 at the 59th Polish song festival recorded for the protesters in Maidan in Kiev in Opole together with the Ukrainian begins. vocalist with an angelic voice / Marta Malska Zharkova. Marta is an offender It was in a gesture of solidarity that the Polish- from Ukraine, she came to Poland with Ukrainian band Taraka, led by Karol Kus, two children. Her husband is fighting for recorded the song “Give your hand to Ukraine”. his homeland. Both of them appeared in costumes - This is a unique song that has a chance to designed by a highlander, Halina become a symbol of unity and solidarity with Bartoszek Rosa, who is an artist, designer the Ukrainian people in a difficult situation. The of regional patterns, and textiles with song will appear on a compilation of the same Carnila Acaulis and a promoter of title, which will include songs by famous artists regional culture of Podhale. A shirt with from Poland and Ukraine. Part of the profits Carnila Acaulis motifs has been the from the sale will be donated to help the victims favourite wardrobe of the singer of the of the Kiev Maidan - at the beginning of 2014, TARAKA band since 2018. the leader of the Taraka team, Karol Kus, said. Karol Kus sang for the first time in Opole Ultimately, the album contained 13 songs, with the Taraka band in 2015. He had including the title track recorded in three waited 20 years for this moment. He lives languages: Polish, English and Ukrainian. In and cooks every day, in his house in the addition to Karol Kus and his band Tarak, the forest near Poznanian, he recalls his trip album also features, among others, young British to Donbas in 2014. Then the world heard singer Nichol Martin. his new hit, which became a true hymn of peace, “Give your hand to Ukraine”. The vocal parts she sings were recorded at the Today it is even more relevant. University of Derby. An interesting fact is that a TV report was made on this topic. You could hear Musician, manager, director and cook. about the action of the band Tarak and Karol Kus Karol Kus is an orchestra who plays and in Program 1 of Polish Radio. The musicians also lives with his heart in his hand in relation received an invitation to the studio “Dzień Dobry to the world and other people. He has TVN”. been following the Russian-Ukrainian conflict from the very beginning. That is, Importantly, the song was played on the main since 2014, when the first clashes between stage of the Kiev square. It happened on February the Ukrainian side and pro-Russian 1, 2014. The work was also broadcast by radio separatists took place in Donbas. stations, and Ukrainian newspapers and internet portals wrote about the case. Karol Kus was there. Together with his colleagues - musicians from Ukraine, he created the Taraka That was easy to predict? ensemble, and then a beautiful hymn of peace, the words of which should be known to all Karol Kus, after today’s entry of Russian troops citizens of the world. into Ukraine, recalled the piece he recorded 8 years ago. He encouraged listening and “Hot hearts, though harsh winter all around. reflection. He involuntarily recalled the events Frozen lips, the cry of freedom begins. What was of 2014, when he was on the spot in Donbas. He created today, may it live forever and will not 70 MAGAZINE

claims to have traveled the length and breadth solidarny-z-ukraina-od-powrotu-z-donbasu/ar/ of it. He saw with his own eyes what war is and c1-8694179 what its consequences are. - The war images that we know from the glass screens of our TV sets are nothing compared to the fact that we can observe the war operations up close - says Karol Kus. The musician already knew then that a large- scale war was inevitable. But no one wanted to listen to him at the time. - I was sure it was only a matter of time. I was amazed at the naivety of the so-called world of the West, but it resulted from the desire to reap the benefits. Today, I am very reluctant to admit that I was right, although of course I would prefer not to be. In his opinion, Russia has been preparing for this war for the last 8 years, so its troops can quickly defeat their neighbors, militarily. However, it may be more difficult for them later. - Ukrainians have big hearts and are ready to defend their lands to the last drop of blood. The guerrilla war will be played out on a huge scale ... Let’s show support Today Karol Kus still stands in solidarity with Ukraine and its citizens. In the morning he was already talking to his local musicians colleagues. He invited them to his home and promised shelter. A tear rolled in the eye - he says briefly and hopes that other Poles will also show support to their brothers from Ukraine. Reissue of the interwiev https://pila.naszemiasto.pl/karol-kus- MAGAZINE 71

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Karol Kus i Marta Malska Zharkova appeared in costumes designed by a highlander, Halina Bartoszek Rosa, who is an artist, designer of regional patterns, and textiles with Carnila Acaulis and a promoter of regional culture of Podhale. A shirt with Carnila Acaulis motifs has been the favourite wardrobe of the singer of the TARAKA band since 2018. MAGAZINE 73

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19 Ball In Brussels 2022 Broadcast on TVP POLONIA: - Ambassador of the Republic of Poland in Brussels’ Kingdom of Belgium Your Excellency Rafał Siemianowski - - Ambassador of the Republic of Poland in Rome “Italy / Mrs. Minister Excellency Anna Maria Anders Costa BALL IN BRUSSELS - President of Ankol Poland, Entrepreneur Madam’e Anna Kolisz / honored with 5 Diamonds in the world. Polish Ball in Brussels 2022 Traditionally, the Polonia Ball in Brussels 2022 The 19th edition took place in the showrooms of the Steigenberger Wiltcher’s Hotel on April 30, 2022. This year it was the Honorary Committee of the Association to host outstanding personalities from Poland, Europe and the world. Honorary Committee of the Association / Comite d’Honneur - Erecommite, the main organizer invited to the Honorary Patronage, among others: Lions Club International Brussels, Marshal of the Lubuskie Voivodeship MAGAZINE 75

Pierre Fabre Virtualia ART, the International Association of Artists, Authors, Journalists, Lawyers. Yvette Poplawska / President of MS AADP Virtualia ART - Ambassador of the Republic of Poland in Brussels Excellency Rafał Siemianowski - Karolina Maczek-Skillen / granddaughter of General Stanislaw Maczek - Ambassador of the Republic of Poland in Rome “Italy, Minister, Excellency Anna Maria Anders Costa / daughter of General Wladyslaw Anders - Main Organizer Jerry Prus-Wieckowski - Host, Journalist Marek Orzechowski. 19 POLISH B 76 MAGAZINE

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Yvette Poplawska 1stPlace Personality of the Year 2020 ‘Newspaper Wrocławska in the category Social and Charity Activities. 78 MAGAZINE

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WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES 2022 IN BEIJING, CHINA The Winter Olympic Games 2022 in Beijing, China took place from 4-20 of February at the National Stadion. It was a well-organized sports event with control regarding Covid-19 restrictions, an amazing atmosphere, and high-quality technical support. Number of competitions 109 in fifteen disciplines: Alpine Skiing, Biathlon, Bobsleigh, Cross Country Skiing, Curling, Figure Skating, Freestyle Skiing, Ice Hockey, Luge, Nordic Combined, Short Track Speed Skating, Skeleton, Ski jumping, Snowboard, Speed Skating. The winner was Norway with a total of 37 medals. Sweden allocated place 5 with a total of 18 medals. One of the most beautiful disciplines is Figure Skating. However, this year a lot of attention got from a young teenager from the Russian team Kamila Valieva who was a favorite but failed a medal, fell twice out of jumps, and finished on place fourth. Kamila is an incredibly talented athlete who represents very difficult combinations on the ice. The circumstances around her trainer’s behavior upset the whole world. In first place placed Anna Shcherbakova and the second was Alexandra Trusova. The whole Russian figure skating female team seemed to be confused and unhappy despite good results. A lot of hard work and emotions presented there shocked the world. World record in figure skating couples won by Papadakis and Cizeron representing France. From Swedish representation gold medallists in Beijing became below athletes. Nils van der Poel broke his record recently and announced that he finished his career, in a beautiful style. The raport by Diana Kicia MAGAZINE 81

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A LOPEZ My adventure arose more than 35 years ago when a close friend of the Infanta Pilar de Borbón y Borbón asked me for help; in case she could help with a work to help the boys and girls of Nuevo Futuro. Boys and girls who had been left without fathers and mothers and all lived together in flats in Madrid. I donated several works that were sold and I was able to help with that grain of sand to children who needed it. I felt very proud of my work and saw a lot of meaning in my art; I realized that my art was alive, through it the children benefited. Years later in Cádiz, as a teacher, a lady asked me for help. She had an association for autistic children and if I could help with my work to carry out physiotherapy sessions with horses. We raffled a painting of mine and money was raised to contribute to these sessions, once again I understood that my work was alive. I felt proud to be able to help others! That was the beginning to undertake many more charitable acts.I continued to participate and help Rastrillo Nuevo Futuro and the autistic children of Estepona, but I also started with other institutions: Cancer in Marbella, children’s cancer in the hospital in Jaén, cancer in Málaga, help with my work to participate in the construction of a classroom in Africa. People enjoyed my works, with the color, the light. Thanks to her there were many people who benefited. People with cancer in Torreperogil, disabled people in Marbella and Torreperogil, helping the La Palma volcano. Foundations of people with problems, to Father Ángel who is dedicated to the most needy, people with Alzheimer’s and rife a painting a few months ago in Estepona, the money was sent to some missionaries in Haiti, to help in the rehabilitation of disabled children who are living at home and do not have a support room for their illness. I am proud of my works, but I am not proud of what I do, because if God has given us a gift, it is our obligation to share it with others. That is why I say that ART is the food of my soul and I hope to continue working so that it is also the food of people in need. MAGAZINE 83

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QUEEN SOFIA ANTONIO MIGUEI am proud of muyswaogrikfts,, ibtuist oI aumr onbolitgpartoioundto 86 MAGAZINE

A OF SPAIN EL ROA LOPEZtoofswhhaaret Iitdwoi,tbheoctahuesresi.f God has given MAGAZINE 87

CREATIVE WAVES/ AN INSPIRATIONAL Iwona Preis – Intercult Productions MEETING.DIGITALIZATION OF ART, is the leader of the project – made the SOCIAL MEDIA FOR MARKETING introduction to the project and the ARTWORKS OR COMPANIES. webinars. On May 21th 2022 the project partners @Halina ARTISTIC CRAFTSMANSHIP - THE WAY Rosa, @Wieslawa Tokarska @Lucyna Wachnicka FROM HOBBY TO PROFESSION @Beata Nawrocka @Kazimiera Drężek @Josefin Holmström, and Pixie met again within the How did it start and why are we operating? project Creative Waves: Baltic Sisterhood for Change.The meeting was about the digitalization Embroidery is not only embroidery, and of art and how to use social media for marketing cooking is not only a dish! Today we think about artworks or companies. Participants consider traditionally female gatherings around crafts meetings, information exchange, and learning mainly in terms of their end results, forgetting processes as important and useful, and they are that in folk culture they were also used to interested in continuing the process. Participants support the important building of communities express the need to develop skills of two types: and sister communities. This aspect inspired technological (e.g. learning algorithms to use the international project Creative Waves - Baltic social media more effectively, create and develop Sisterhood for Change.Creative Waves - Baltic individual brands) and conceptual (how to link Sisterhood for Change is a project that was history and traditional crafts with contemporary created to support the most vulnerable social world and situation, given locality, its natural, groups - especially artists and activists - during historical and cultural heritage, how to redefine and after the pandemic. Created by women and practices and heritage. Until now, creative inspired by the social and artistic activity of women, during the workshops, have met with women, the project combines tradition with new a local partner. In May, we wanted to see them technologies. all and, in a beautiful atmosphere, share our experiences, impressions, and conclusions from the project activities so far. IWONA PREIS The “new normality” marked by restrictions brought an important social change: personal contacts are increasingly being replaced by virtual ones. This in many people increases the feeling of isolation and loss - but it is worth remembering that new technologies also offer certain chances ... . Embroidering or herbalism were female activities well known to the folk culture - nowadays they can help to maintain interpersonal bonds and become a starting point for strengthening the reach of women in creating social and artistic change. As part of the project, meetings are held in smaller towns in Poland, Sweden and Kaliningrad, as well as online. with local writers and activists, whose results will be used to create the tools that will be collected in a guide based on experience and analysis. The project reaches out to female artists and activists operating in various places, supports building a network of connections between them and teaches how to present their activities on the Internet. 88 MAGAZINE

https://www.intercult.se/ https://www.nck.org.p Funded by the CBSS Small Project Facility 22.05.2022 Stockholm/ Halina Bartoszek Rosa MAGAZINE 89

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@Halina Rosa, @Wieslawa Tokarska @Lucyna Wachnicka @Beata Nawrocka @Kazimiera Drężek, Natalia Janiszek, @Josefin Holmström, and Pixie MAGAZINE 91

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Decisions that forged a great Institution The Valle del Cauca Institute for Blind and Deaf Children is a heritage of the city of Cali, an important service center with clinical excellence for visual and hearing health, in southwestern Colombia, which allowed the Cali Chamber of Commerce, the included in the Clinical Excellence Cluster of the region. Since its foundation and up to the present time, its greatest value is the committed love with which it works for children and their families and the community in general, through prevention and health promotion programs. The success of this organization is not the product of chance, it is the result of a clear direction with scientifically designed work, values​​ incorporated and applied on a daily basis, and exercising leadership with a purpose of collective intelligence to create real and ambitious opportunities. In 1940, this project began with some ‘daring, but brave’ characteristics because the economic and physical resources were very scarce, and the challenge was very great. But, it was the least important thing to Luisita Sánchez de Hurtado , founder of this Institution, who with ‘blind faith’ managed to sensitize medical professionals, businessmen, and government leaders, and get a place with medical and solidarity care for those children, youth and adults with disabilities who lived on the streets of the city. Thus, the Valle del Cauca Institute for Blind and Deaf Children was born, thanks to an extraordinary woman full of kindness, energy, humility, and the decision to create a home for those who had nothing. UNION OF FORCES AND VISIONARY IDEAS Luisita’s management and the permanent support of the board of directors, gave way to the donation of the Government of Valle del Cauca, a piece of land in the old San Fernando neighborhood, to build the headquarters of the Institution. A contribution that provided stability and opportunity to develop complementary programs and make child care a comprehensive service. MAGAZINE 93

There, the School for Blind and Deaf Children was Its spacious rooms were converted into raised, with Luisita as director, and accompanied classrooms for basic primary education and by Governor Alonso Aragón Quintero, president comprehensive rehabilitation, where boys and of the board of directors; and Caleños Enrique girls were prepared to join regular education Micolta, Joaquín Borrero Sinisterra, Gustavo schools and colleges. Lotero, and Ana María Carvajal , members of the same. The educational project materialized by solving the questions: What to teach? and why teach? The purpose of the School had two objectives: The analyzes were exhausted, a productive rehabilitation and education. To train competent discussion arose and the right decisions were children, the first step is to help them in their made to achieve the cognitive, social, motor, and internal development, which will allow them to spiritual development of the child. We worked be independent and useful people to society. from the Conceptual Pedagogy model, which proposes full human beings in the affective, In 1942, through Resolution No. 078 of July 29, cognitive and expressive. Loving, caring, and 1942, issued by the Ministry of Government, talented people, that’s how the graduates of the Legal Status was recognized for the non-profit Institute are. entity called the Institute for Blind and Deaf Children of Valle del Cauca, (INCYS) with NIT No. At the same time, new possibilities for education, 890.303.395-4, with address in the Municipality empowerment, rehabilitation, and health were of Cali – Valle del Cauca Department, which is identified. With authority and security to generate in force. necessary changes and achieve progress. This first headquarters, with huge corridors A way to challenge the established and break and arcades that frame the central patio, and paradigms, which allowed us to see beyond perfumed by the sweet aroma of ripe mango what had been happening in Latin America trees, served as a boarding school for patients and inspire creativity to innovate processes in until 1979, when one of the strongest earthquakes the Institution, such as the Early Stimulation of the century XX, in Colombia, collapsed the programs for babies with visual and hearing facilities of the Institute. problems. It was one of the great challenges that the Institute The concept of school for parents was modernized, for Blind and Deaf Children has faced and that at actively involving families in rehabilitation the time, it bravely managed to overcome. From programs. This is one of the keys to success, this crisis, the brilliant and effective idea arose joint work, well-coordinated and complemented that became the Institution’s healthcare, clinical between parents, children, teachers, and medical and financial support, the Visual and Hearing personnel. An integrated approach of the medical Clinic. More information later. part, education, habilitation, and rehabilitation. A work that excites in the right sense. PIONEERS IN INCLUSIVE EDUCATION After completing the education and rehabilitation process at the Institute, the children join the With the closure of the boarding school, regular school because they had previously comprehensive care for blind and deaf received psychological, motor, and pedagogical children continues, through specific capacity- training. Because from the beginning it was building programs through rehabilitation and considered that education should be inclusive, rehabilitation, conceived based on research work integrated but not segregated. And, only years with specialists in visual and hearing health, and later, in 2008, at the national level, the term special education. inclusion began to be used. 94 MAGAZINE

Bearing in mind that inclusive education offers excellence in this field. A very good level was more possibilities for psychosocial development achieved in formal and non-formal education, and allows the continuation of the empowerment with quality and a humanistic approach. work that has been started. The objective was always clear, social and work integration, to CLINICAL EXCELLENCE prepare a person who would be able to participate and interrelate in a normal way and to compete In 1983, the initiative to create the Visual and in productivity and efficiency. Hearing Medical Unit became a reality, (Today, the Visual and Hearing Clinic ) as a private health At the end of the 1970s, when it was decided to entity with specialized services in ophthalmology carry out the inclusion program for boys and and otorhinolaryngology, with highly qualified girls in regular schools, the teachers of these medical personnel, humane and committed to centers did not agree and considered that the the patient safety. education of this population should be done in isolated places. At that time, achieving an inclusion process was This ambitious project arises because the early a matter of 3 months of constant visits to the detection of visual and hearing disorders was schools, until they were motivated and opened considered one of the priority needs for child up. When they saw the results and a successful development. Including alterations in visual experience, more places were opened for children acuity from the prenatal stage. At the time, it was in regular schools. thought of as a strategy to sustain rehabilitation programs. Today, in the educational field, including the A clinic to attend and serve from prevention, higher level, we can say that we are very close to a promotion, diagnosis, medical-surgical real inclusion, that which refers to the reception treatment, rehabilitation, and habilitation. Then of people with visual and hearing disabilities but in 1988, the opening of the first Surgery Room in conditions of equity. with state-of-the-art equipment is given. Sexuality classes, permanent accompaniment, Four years later, the first cochlear implant was and training for teachers on the management achieved in one of the children of the Institute at of blind and deaf people were included; as low the José Antonio Rivas Clinic, in Bogotá. And, in vision stimulation programs. 1995, the rehabilitation of children with cochlear implants began at the Institute. The custom, in the early 70’s, was that if the Thanks to these implants the sounds are child had some residual vision, his eyes were integrated, and their oral cords begin to function covered so that he would not lose it. Thanks to normally. Already the language of signs, signs, medical research, this visual remnant had to be and gestures, goes into the background. It is stimulated as a support for the rehabilitation of exciting to see children who already have their his eyes. And, since 1976, the low vision has been implants, reading stories aloud, talking, and worked on. playing safely and freely. Also, the importance of banishing pity and Given the high rates of blindness and deafness self-pity in order to build a healthy future for recorded in Buenaventura, in 1996, a care, children and their families was emphasized. At prevention, and promotion center were opened. the same time, values s​​ uch as love, respect, being In 2000 the resources to build the headquarters supportive, socially responsible, learning to work were obtained, and in 2001 the Visual and as a team, being reliable, and trusting the other Hearing Clinic began to function. Later, in were promoted. Definitive aspects to achieving MAGAZINE 95

October 2006, services began at the Vallado-Cali affected the stability, normal development, and and Palmira offices. progress of the Institute. Like, the sharp drop in income between 2017-18, because of the support During these years, a work culture permeated by of the Christoffel-Blindenmission, a German a series of values ​t​ hat was assumed as a corporate foundation, whose mission was to support people flag was generated. Leadership with a vision with visual disabilities, in countries of extreme of the future, is shared between managers and poverty, and according to statistics released in professionals to guide the institution to levels of June 2018, Colombia had already exceeded the excellence in all fields. corresponding rates. On the other hand, the effects of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. Always with clear objectives and with the passion In both moments, creativity and teamwork were to give the best in daily work. The training fundamental in the design and execution of the focused on the mission and the commitment of Sustainability Strategies. The Institute took the five directors who marked its development a step forward in the use of renewable energy, during these eight decades. managed and forged new alliances to strengthen already established programs and projects; and Already around the year 2000, and taking into betting, also, on new audiences and projects. account the enormous challenges demanded by the world economy, globalized, changing, and It established new policies in the rational convulsive, the Institute was ‘tuned’ like any management of resources (Management Matrix company that aspires to ‘play’ in the big leagues, of Costs and Expenses), betting on cash flow and and gave way to scenarios with wide horizons, in cash, as a financial strategy. which he had to be unique and different. It was time to ensure his presence in time. The Comprehensive Health Care program positively improved the user experience with an It created a high-quality culture with a Impact Services Model, consolidating the Patient strategic vision, giving the greatest importance Safety Program, strengthening the activities of to planning, permanent evaluation, and Promotion and Prevention in Visual and Hearing continuous improvement. Without losing pace Health, and the Telehealth Service Project. with technology, definitive to ensure an optimal decision in each project. The investment was made in enhancing human talent, a commitment to the development of The opening to the technological advances skills, conscious leadership, humanization in available in the world was a success for the the service, consolidation of innovation, and administrative, educational, rehabilitation research processes. processes, and of course, regarding visual and auditory health. This Valle del Cauca Institution has positioned itself as a model company in the visual and hearing It began to forge a future for the 1920s, with a health sector at a national and international series of alternatives and multiple developments level, at the latter level, with a specific office to focused on obtaining greater economic results in serve the International patients. a sustainable manner. Innovative initiatives for an impact value proposition. In this balance of 82 years, it is shown that investing in and accompanying children and OPPORTUNITIES VS. CRISIS their families, yesterday and today, was the best decision, the greatest satisfaction, and pride Between 2018 – 2020, situations occurred that of the Institute, because they are currently successful professionals, and many others go 96 MAGAZINE

after them. At the close of this historical review, we express the greatest respect, recognition, and gratitude to the founder of the Valle del Cauca Institute for Blind and Deaf Children, Mrs. Luisita Sánchez de Hurtado , and to the ladies, Sara Domínguez de Copete, Stella Basurto de García, and Doris Garcia de Botero ; and Mr. Pedro Pablo Perea Mafla , who were in the General Management during these 82 years creating a solid culture of values, committed to the growth of the company and love for the children who come looking for a better quality of life. For these directors, recognition for the important developments and advances of the organization, and the greatest gratitude for keeping in mind that people are the center of the organization and its support. Be it the medical and rehabilitation specialists, members of the Board of Directors and Board of Directors, the corporate community, the families of the children, and the allied benefactors. 11.04.2022 Stockholm MAGAZINE 97

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JOANNA ISKRA DESIGNER STOCKHOLM MAY-JULY 2022 Certified Creator of Handicraft. She has been dealing with handicrafts for many years. She has her own brand Joanna Iskra Zręcznie Wykonane #zreczniewykonane #certyfikatogolnopolskiegocechurzemieslnikowartystow For her handicraft products (original Polish handmade), she received three Handicraft Certificates in 2022 from the Polish Guild of Artisan Masters from Warsaw. She received certificates in handmade artistic jewelry, artistic accessories for clothing and artistic elements of interior design. She promotes the original, innovative fabric - artistic lace ARTISAN © which adorns carpets, bags, interior decorations and clothing accessories. JUROR in the international competition for young talents MArteLive Europe 2022 in the handicraft category. MAGAZINE 99

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