This is a real challenge for young people: a few days without a phone and a laptop but in the backpack they will have full equipment (warm clothes, sleeping bag, tourist stove, flashlight and packed lunch). The schedule of the week will include different activities: building a base, lighting a campfire, preparing meals, working on personal development, group tasks and the need to make decisions. There will also be time to relax and have fun.

- Like everyone I had concerns: will I manage, will others accept me or if I won’t lose my time - admits Sandra, 29, a participant in the first edition of the FOLM project in Warmia and Mazury. This experience has completely redefined my life. I stopped living so as to satisfy mainly others, choose a job below qualifications and education that did not give me any satisfaction. I learned to listen to myself and find the courage to make my dreams come true. Even those that seemed completely out of reach - she adds.

Sandra is one of the participants of a group of 27 people who have completed the FOLM project so far. Further groups will set off in October and November, and the next groups - in spring 2020. Direction: Lasy Łańskie - a place tested by previous groups of several young women and men. The participants are not afraid of autumn weather. They will have prepared appropriate tourist equipment even in against of frosts.

- We have proven patents to survive in the forest not just in case of cold weather - admits Józek Borowski, one of the trainers in the FOLM project. Participants undergo training in the forest district, where they learn about animal habits, which we sometimes meet, and also learn to navigate. We, coaches, support them in every challenge, suggest solutions and so we try to build an atmosphere in the group, so that everyone feels comfortable in it - he sums up.

The program, although universal for everyone, is addressed to young people who are not learning or not working at this moment. During the next few months, the expedition effect is strengthened by the participants' work with coaches. They acquire practical skills - how and where to look for a job, prepare for interviews with employers, plan short goals. And how to overcome discouragement, shame and helplessness, sometimes passed down from generation to generation. Spaniards, the Irish and residents of Warmia and Mazury use this form of activation and education. In addition to the innovative method indicating work paths and development, Food Bank in Olsztyn develops cooperation with entrepreneurs who have the chance to get solidly motivated employees.

The FOLM project is funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the EEA and Norway Grants fund for youth employment. The project received a grant of 3.4 million euros.

If you are interested in participating in the project, please contact us:

Mobile: +48 698 345 652, +48 510 172 588, +48 510 172 336

e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For more information, please visit www.folmweb.com/pl