Domino Effect in education

The Kulczyk Foundation has been working for the development of socio-emotional competences of children and adolescents since the beginning of its existence. To this end, we prepare unique lesson plans that, in an attractive and adapted to various stages of education way, explain the complex world of universal values ​​and experienced emotions. The goal of these lesson plans is to support students in getting to know themselves and other people better. We believe that the development of socio-emotional competences from an early age allows you to become a better person and help your community more effectively.

The basis of our educational programmes is acting in the spirit of the Domino Effect. By supporting infrastructure projects and social investments in developing countries, we make sure that those who receive help also get the support and knowledge necessary to change their fate and the future of their communities.

We believe that regardless of the region of the world, high-quality education is the basis for a better life.

Kulczyk Foundation aid projects implemented all over the world are reflected in our educational materials, addressed to teachers and educators. Based on the stories presented in the documentary series "Domino Effect", lesson plans are created that have been used by 15,000 teachers and over 300,000 students aged 3 to 15+. In our materials we refer to universal values ​​that are close to people around the world, regardless of their origin, the political and economic context in which they live or the educational system in which they operate.

Our education support programme addresses issues such as: developing the autonomy of young people, shaping their sense of authenticity, and developing socio-emotional competences. We also see the need to support teachers, educators and parents, especially in the field of mental health prevention.

Teacher development is education development

We believe in the considerable role of teachers in shaping the attitudes of young people, which is why we support the development of teaching staff through the organization of training, conferences and integration of the teaching environment. So far, over 2,000 participants have participated in our trainings and conferences.

We want to strengthen adults in the pursuit of sensitizing their pupils to the surrounding reality.

We believe that wise education, implemented in a spirit of freedom and empathy is a basic component of sustainable development of every human being and a chance for a good start in adult life.

Our educational projects are part of Kulczyk Foundation activities for the implementation of the 4th Sustainable Development Goal (“Quality Education”), as well as promoting more sustainability- and accountability-oriented way of living (the 12th Goal).

Our projects

In the Kingdom of Feelings

“In the Kingdom of Feelings” is a series of classes for children (age 3-6) which develop their emotional competences by engaging them in creating shared stories. They learn how to recognise, name and express feelings and emotions, in particular: joy, sadness, anger, longing, embarrassment, satisfaction and the sense of agency.

Journey through the World of Values

The protagonists of eight scenarios talk about meaning of values, and how to follow them. Materials which support this programme cover topics such as freedom, self-expression, empathy, courage, independence, self-care, psychological resilience and engagement.

Let’s create the fan of freedom

A collection of eight scenarios describing different factors affecting our sense of freedom. Its objective is to provoke reflection on what influences our freedom, understanding of its restrictions and liberation. The scenarios help teachers and parents to have meaningful conversations with children and teenagers about the limits of one’s freedom, whether that’s resulting from another person’s right to freedom or about restrictions related to freedom.

The Philippines / Do not stay indifferent to important matters

This programme was inspired by the Fairplay For All Foundation in the Philippines. Our project invites students (aged 10-12) to develop their awareness of things that are important to them, and empowers them with skills to discern where action is needed and where it is not, as well as what they ought to do about different issues. They are prompted to reflect on how they can use their resources (including time and energy) and how they practice their values.

Rwanda / Find your space to communicate

The lessons taught on this programme focus on communication. The programme is inspired by Empowering Children with Disabilities, a local non-governmental organization (NGO) in Rwanda. In this programme, students (aged 13-15) learn communication skills including conflict management, paraphrasing and the main causes of barriers of effective communication. Students reflect on the importance of communication both in order to be understood, and to express their needs.

India / Respect the boundaries of other people and do not let others cross your own

This programme teaches skills on defining personal boundaries and is inspired by the activities run by the New Light Foundation in India. Students (aged 10-12) are educated on the importance of respecting physical boundaries and learn to talk to their peers about them. They have the opportunity to define their own boundaries and become aware of the ones that other people have.

Brazil / Seek and share knowledge

The lessons taught on this programme focus on sharing knowledge, and are prepared based on the know-how and activities run by the UERÊ Project in Brazil. Students (aged 13-15) learn about the importance of sharing their knowledge and skills with other people. They then see this way of sharing as a source of knowledge and positive emotions, but also as a way to achieve a common goal and create an added value.

Timor-Leste / Join efforts to achieve a common goal

The lessons taught on this programme focus on cooperation. The programme is inspired by the initiatives of the Santana Unipessoal in Timor-Leste. Students (aged 13-15) will learn about the value of cooperation as a chance to establish and deepen relationships with other people. They will be able to recognize that some of our skills or knowledge prove to be more useful when used together with other people rather than on our own. This, in turn, can positively affect our self-esteem.

Colombia / Treat others with respect

The lessons taught on this programme focus on respect. The programme is inspired by the activities run by the Juanfe Foundation in Colombia. Students (aged 13-15) will learn about the importance of being respectful towards others, as well as towards oneself. They will focus on respect as a tool to cultivate human dignity and a source of healthy self-esteem. Finally, students will reflect on the meaning of personal boundaries and their role in experiencing our freedom.