This is a large-scale and multidimensional project designed to address the key needs of residents and the challenges currently facing Ostrołęka. It combines infrastructure investments with social, educational and environmental activities.

People are at the heart of the project – their needs, ideas and quality of life. Particular attention is being paid to young residents, with the aim of creating better conditions for learning, personal development, leisure and active participation in the life of the city. At the same time, the project includes activities that are important for all residents, relating to education, environmental protection, waste management, urban greenery and greater public participation in decision-making processes.

Project objectives

The main objective of the project is to improve the quality of life of Ostrołęka residents and create a city where people want to live, learn, grow and plan their future.

The project is also intended to help Ostrołęka respond more effectively to demographic, social and climate-related changes.

The key objectives of the project include:

• creating better conditions for young people to develop, learn and spend their free time;
• encouraging young people to become socially and civically active;
• developing modern educational and social infrastructure;
• improving the waste management system and increasing residents’ environmental awareness;
• developing green areas and preparing the city for the effects of climate change;
• increasing residents’ participation in consultations and decisions concerning the city;
• developing new forms of cooperation between the local government, residents and civil society organisations;
• strengthening cooperation between the City of Ostrołęka and the Municipality of Rzekuń.

What will be created and what activities will be implemented?

One of the most important investments is the construction of the Youth Initiatives Centre. It is intended to be a place created for young residents and developed with their active participation.

The Centre will provide spaces for meetings, workshops, developing interests and implementing young people’s own ideas. The planned facilities include, among others, a multifunctional hall with a stage, a relaxation zone, a quiet zone, rooms for creative activities, a food and dining area, as well as spaces encouraging integration and spending time together.

The project also includes the construction of the new Municipal Kindergarten No. 16 “Land of Explorers”. The new facility will provide children with modern, safe and welcoming conditions for learning, playing and development.

A significant part of the project is also devoted to environmental protection. A modern Municipal Selective Waste Collection Point will be built, while the selective waste collection system will be further developed and improved. These investments will be accompanied by educational activities showing residents how to reduce waste in their everyday lives, sort it correctly and use resources more responsibly.

The project also provides for activities related to the green development of urban spaces. Their aim is to create resident-friendly spaces, increase the amount of greenery and better prepare the city for the effects of climate change.

As part of the cooperation with the Municipality of Rzekuń, a community centre in Teodorowo will also be built. It is intended to become a place for meetings, integration and activities for the local community.

However, the project is not limited to infrastructure investments. An important part of it consists of public consultations, workshops, educational and environmental activities, cooperation with non-governmental organisations, and initiatives enabling residents to have a greater influence on how their city develops.

Project beneficiary and partner

Beneficiary: City of Ostrołęka

Project partner: Municipality of Rzekuń

Joint implementation of the project makes it possible to carry out activities that extend beyond the boundaries of a single local government and respond to the needs of residents throughout the wider area.

Who is the project aimed at?

The project has been designed for the residents of Ostrołęka and the Municipality of Rzekuń.

Its benefits will be enjoyed in particular by:

• children and young people;
• families with children;
• residents of Ostrołęka and the Municipality of Rzekuń;
• senior citizens;
• non-governmental organisations and informal groups;
• students, teachers and school communities;
• people involved in social, civic and environmental activities;
• local institutions and local government employees.

Although young people are among the project’s key target groups, its outcomes are intended to benefit the entire local community.

Project value and funding

The total planned eligible expenditure under the project amounts to PLN 72,924,105.79.

The project has received funding of up to PLN 72,924,105.79, including:

• PLN 61,985,489.92 from funds provided by Switzerland;
• PLN 10,938,615.87 from the Polish state budget.

The funding is provided 85% from the Second Swiss Contribution to selected Member States of the European Union and 15% from the Polish state budget.

The City of Ostrołęka’s own financial contribution amounts to PLN 0.

What will be created thanks to the project?

The project will deliver new facilities and solutions, as well as new opportunities for residents.

The main planned tangible outcomes include:

• the Youth Initiatives Centre;
• the new Municipal Kindergarten No. 16 “Land of Explorers”;
• a modern Municipal Selective Waste Collection Point;
• a community centre in Teodorowo;
• new and improved green areas;
• solutions improving waste management;
• environmental education activities and programmes;
• new forms of public consultation and resident participation in city life;
• initiatives supporting youth engagement and activity.

What outcomes do we expect?

Above all, the project is expected to bring real changes that residents will experience in their everyday lives.

Young people will gain places where they can meet, develop their interests, put their own ideas into practice and work together with others. Children will benefit from modern kindergarten infrastructure, while residents will have access to greener and more welcoming public spaces.

We also want residents to have more opportunities to become involved in the life of Ostrołęka and influence decisions concerning its development. Consultations, meetings and community activities are intended to ensure that residents’ voices are heard even more clearly.

Changes will also be visible in the environmental sphere. Better waste separation, environmental education and the development of green spaces will help create a city that is more people-friendly and better prepared for the effects of climate change.

Another important outcome will be stronger cooperation between the local government, residents, non-governmental organisations and local institutions. We want the solutions and good practices developed as part of “Ostrołęka – Youth in the Centre” to continue to be used after the project has been completed.