For Your Freedom & Ours., a group dedicated to promoting the heritage and influence of the Polish community in Northern Ireland has been awarded a £128,000 grant by The National Lottery Fund for a heritage project marking two decades of the Polish community in Northern Ireland.
In May 2004, Poland was one of ten new countries to join the European Union, beginning Northern Ireland’s first wave of migrants. Northern Ireland was now a sought after place to settle, with the largest group of new arrivals coming from Poland.
Research and interviews, community events and workshops will contribute to a new exhibition, an accompanying publication and online resources. Young people attending
Polish Saturday School will also engage in the history of the Polish diaspora here.
This new project, “Twenty Years of the Polish Community” will compile the largest archive to date on Polish history in Northern Ireland and collect the stories of contemporary migration of Poles to these shores. Previously, the group undertook a shared history project on the legacy of the Polish Airmen stationed in Northern Ireland during the Second World War.
Maciek Bator, Project Manager at For Your Freedom & Ours, C.I.C.
“We welcome the support of money raised by National Lottery players. This project has been on our agenda for a while and we are excited that we can mark the 20th anniversary of the Polish community in Northern Ireland with such an important initiative.”
“Polish people have become part of the local tapestry adding a new flavour to the culture but also supporting the local economy with skills and a hardworking attitude.”
“This is an opportunity to evaluate two decades of our presence in Northern Ireland and define our role in the society not only as the largest ethnic group, but also as individuals who have made Northern Ireland our forever home.”
“We have been able to create a strong partnership across Northern Ireland including Polish and local groups. This approach will help us share the experiences, stories, and memories of the Polish community.”
“This project comes at a time where Europe and European relations are being redefined. History matters; relationships matter and much more so when they are shared. Poles and locals have grown together exponentially over the last 20 years. This heritage project brings our story into the mainstream as we continue to build lasting friendships across all communities that call this place home.”
Dr Paul Mullan, Director, Northern Ireland at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said,
“We are delighted to support the Twenty Years of the Polish Community project that will share the heritage of our Polish community, record their experience of inclusion and integration and the contribution to society here.
Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. This award, made possible by the National Lottery players, ensures that the voices and memories of the Polish community can be heard and understood.”
The project will work with a range of community partners including:
Polca Polish Saturday School in Belfast,
Polish Abroad in Derry/Londonderry,
Polish Saturday School in Enniskillen,
South Tyrone Empowerment Programme,
Building Communities Resource Centre in Ballymoney,
Omagh Ethnic Communities Support Group and
Northern Ireland Rural Women’s Network.
The updated on the project can be found on:
FB: https://facebook.com/pl20ni/
To see a film clip showing diverse backgrounds and talents Polish people brought to NI CLICK HERE.
X (Twitter): https://x.com/pl20ni/
