The “Future Bridge – Development and Dialogue” project is a unique initiative born from the collaboration of two renowned organizations: the Center for Innovative Education (CIE) and the “100 Years of Women’s Rights” Association. By combining their expertise and missions, the partners have created a space for young leaders from Poland and Lithuania to foster their leadership development, communication skills, and intercultural relationship-building.
Project Partners – Mission and Experience
The Innovative Education Center (CIE) has been implementing educational projects for nearly 10 years, focusing on developing innovative methods to support soft skills and social integration. Through projects such as "Polska Twoim Drugim Domem" ("Poland as Your Second Home"), "WISE," and "From Outdoors to Labour Market (FOLM)," CIE has gained recognition as a leader in initiatives supporting youth in developing their potential. The organization is also the creator and host of the prestigious New Education Forum (NEF) conference, which, since 2015, has brought together educators, local governments, non-governmental organizations, and business representatives from across Europe.
The Association“100 Years of Women’s Rights” focuses on social activation, promoting equality, and supporting local leaders. Projects such as “Women’s Zone” and “Heroine's Journey” not only foster community integration but also develop the skills of their members. With its experience in working with youth and multicultural communities, the Association has contributed valuable support and fresh perspectives to the Future Bridge project.
Goals and Objectives
The goal of Future Bridge was to develop young leaders from Poland and Lithuania—students of the University of Białystok and its branch in Vilnius—in leadership, communication, and networking skills. The project promoted Polish cultural heritage, emphasizing the importance of the Polish language as a tool for building national identity and fostering intercultural dialogue.
Thanks to the meetings and workshops, participants gained not only practical skills but also a space to build lasting relationships, which can serve as the foundation for future social and cultural activities in their local communities.
Implementation and Workshop Experiences
The project was carried out in two inspiring stages: workshops in Poland and Lithuania, which created a space for learning, exchanging experiences, and practically applying the knowledge gained.
Workshops in Poland
The first phase took place in November in Białystok, where participants took part in a four-day workshop focused on developing leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. The workshops covered topics such as effective communication, public speaking, negotiations, and building a leader's image.
Special attention was given to developing advanced Polish language skills, which are crucial for future leaders representing Polish communities in Lithuania. Practical exercises, such as working on precision of speech, articulation, and intonation, allowed participants to better express their thoughts and gain confidence in public speaking.
The workshops also provided an opportunity to meet representatives of Polish non-governmental organizations and local governments, allowing participants to understand how to effectively collaborate with institutions and build networks.
Workshops in Vilnius
The second phase of the project took place in December in Vilnius, where participants continued their learning in leadership and social project development. Workshops led by experts from Poland and Lithuania focused on the practical aspects of creating social initiatives and securing funding for their implementation.
During the sessions, students were divided into groups and developed simulated social projects, which they then presented to experts and representatives from non-governmental organizations. This experience taught them teamwork, project management, and how to effectively present their ideas.
The workshops in Vilnius also included sessions on building a leader’s image, including on social media. With the support of local experts, students gained knowledge on how to effectively communicate with different target groups and promote their initiatives.
NEF Vilnius - Project Culmination
The culmination of Future Bridge is the New Education Forum (NEF) conference in Vilnius, which brings together project participants, experts, educators, and leaders from Poland, Lithuania, and other European Union countries.
Students, assuming the roles of moderators and speakers, will lead discussions and presentations on the role of culture in building national identity and social integration. The panel “Culture in Polish – The Power of Culture in Shaping Identity” highlights the importance of music, art, literature, and other forms of creativity in connecting communities and promoting Polish culture abroad.
As part of the roundtable dedicated to education, participants, together with experts and institutional representatives, will develop recommendations on how to better integrate culture into the educational process. These discussions will provide a fresh perspective on the possibilities of Polish-Lithuanian cooperation and the role of education in developing young leaders.
The Importance of Networking
One of the most important outcomes of the project was the creation of a space for networking. The workshops and the NEF conference enabled participants to establish connections with experts, non-governmental organizations, and local governments from both countries. As a result, students not only expanded their horizons but also gained practical contacts that can support them in future efforts for local communities.
Long-term relationships built during Future Bridge have the potential to develop into concrete partnerships, projects, and initiatives that promote Polish culture and strengthen social integration.
The Importance of the Project
The Future Bridge – Development and Dialogue project turned out to be more than just an educational program. It is an investment in the future of young Polish leaders, who, thanks to the skills and experiences they have gained, are now better prepared to work for their communities, promote the Polish language and culture, and build intercultural dialogue.
Future Bridge demonstrated that education and culture are key tools for the integration of Poles, strengthening national identity, and building bridges between nations. The project serves as an inspiration for future initiatives aimed at a shared future for youth in Europe.
