Fundacja Kotwica
Think Human Fund
Mission & History
The Kotwica Foundation, a non-governmental organization established in March 2018, is dedicated to building faith, providing hope, and demonstrating love, particularly to children and young people from risk groups and those at risk of social exclusion. Its activities include supporting individuals in difficult life situations by providing assistance and resources, organizing handcraft workshops for women to empower them through skill development, and assisting children and young people with their educational needs. The Foundation also organizes recreational activities to promote well-being among children and young people, offers family counseling to provide guidance and support, and engages in missionary activities rooted in Christian values to uplift and assist communities.
Country Information
As of 2025, Poland’s population is approximately 36.8 million people. The country ranks 38th in the world in terms of population and has been a member of
the European Union since May 1, 2004. Poland is administratively divided into 16 voivodeships, which are further divided into counties and communes.
Lublin, a provincial city in eastern Poland, serves as the capital of the Lublin Voivodeship, which borders Ukraine. Due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, this
region has been significantly affected by migration and economic challenges. Eastern Poland, including Lublin and surrounding areas, is generally perceived
as less economically developed compared to the western part of the country.
Mental health remains a growing concern in Poland. According to research published by the National Health Fund (NFZ) in January 2023, approximately
1.2 million people in Poland suffer from depression. Moreover, data from UCE Research indicates that nearly 19% of people suffering from depression
struggle with low self-esteem, which is a key factor contributing to social isolation and mental health deterioration.
The Need
The social need being addressed is the low self-esteem and self-confidence experienced by many women. Women with low self-esteem often find it challenging to recognize their strengths and believe in their ability to effect change in their lives and communities. This lack of confidence can adversely affect their well-being, making it difficult to engage in everyday activities, enjoy life, or pursue personal and professional growth. In many instances, persistent negative self-perception can lead to social withdrawal and an increased risk of depression.
The Project We Fund
The project supports women aged 20-60 by offering educational personal development and handicraft workshops, along with social outings to cinemas, theaters, and bowling alleys. Through these activities, women learn to build self-confidence, develop social skills, and recognize their strengths. By encouraging personal growth and resilience, the project helps prevent depression, which often arises from low self-esteem and social isolation. By providing women with the tools to strengthen their self-worth and actively engage in society, the project contributes to preventing social exclusion and enhancing mental well-being. A total of 33 workshops (88 hours) will be organized, with approximately 90 women participating.
The project will run from late August 2025 to June 2026, operating in two locations: the large city of Lublin and the smaller town of Świdnik near Lublin.
In Lublin, it will include 11 personal development workshops, approximately two hours each, conducted monthly to enhance self-confidence, social skills, and resilience to prevent depression. Additionally, there will be four social outings or board game meetings every three to four months, with group trips to theaters, cinemas, bowling alleys, or social gatherings led by volunteers to foster integration and motivation.
In Świdnik, the project will feature 11 personal development workshops and 11 handicraft workshops each month, enhancing self-esteem through crafting. It will also offer three social outings or board game meetings to encourage social engagement. This structured approach aims to ensure ongoing learning, self-improvement, and social interaction, thereby contributing to greater well-being and preventing social exclusion.
The Result
The impact of the project will be tracked through pre- and post-workshop surveys, which will assess changes in self-confidence, social skills, and emotional well-being. Participants will evaluate their progress, enabling the measurement of how the acquired knowledge and skills influence their self-esteem and resilience. Additionally, qualitative feedback will be gathered through participant testimonials and observations to understand the broader impact on their daily lives.
2025 Midterm Report
Fundacja Kotwica highlights the significant impacts they had through organizing five personal development workshops, each attended by around 15 women, with a ripple effect reaching 45 indirect beneficiaries—families of participants.
Testimonies
“During the workshops, I discovered my self-confidence.” -Joanna, 45-
“I thought it was too late for me to learn something to live better. I learned a lot about myself at the workshops. Thanks to this I get along better with myself.” -Grazyna, 60-
“I am glad that I can take part in workshops that help me understand myself better.” –Malgorzata, 60-
