The “My Longings” competition was entered by residents of the Rehabilitation Complex in Iwiny, the Rehabilitation and Sociotherapy Facilities Complex in Oława, and the Youth Educational Centre in Radzionków.
The ceremony was opened by Małgorzata Kowalska, director of the Rehabilitation Complex in Iwiny: – The aim of this year’s edition was not only to stimulate the interests of residents of rehabilitation centres and show them how they can spend their free time creatively and usefully. Above all, we wanted to show the sensitivity of our charges.
The head of the Education and Promotion Department, Alicja Krzyszczak, also spoke: – Someone might think that such competitions in educational centres are a mistake or a particular challenge. I think it is the latter. Just like everyone else, you have sensitivity, feelings and empathy. Such competitions are organised to show that you have artistic talents and that you are willing to put in the effort. And I wanted to thank you for all of that.
In the photography competition, the winning entry was a photograph by Szymon Różnicki. Inga Nowak took second place. The third prize went to Michał Chmielak. In the visual arts competition, the best entry was by Andrzej Pitwor. The second prize was awarded to Krystian Oleksy.
Zuzanna Kołodziej, an educator at the Youth Educational Centre in Iwiny and the competition’s originator, believes that the project gives her charges a great deal of satisfaction. – Photography brings them enormous joy – she says. – Because these are their memories, moments they share with others. They are very happy when they manage to capture a beautiful moment. They come up with great ideas. Their inventiveness and sensitivity are visible in this exhibition. And that is wonderful.