The project brought together students, academics, and industry professionals

  • Jana Bortlíková
  • 17.04.2026
On April 14 and 15, 2026, the Faculty of Public Policy at Silesian University in Opava hosted the planned activities of the project “Together for Integration – Sectoral Cooperation for Stronger Border Communities / Razem dla integracji – współpraca sektorów dla silniejszych społeczności pogranicza,” in which faculty members and students from the Institute of Special Education are participating. The two-day program featured professional training, language instruction, cross-border discussions, and a joint visit to an inspiring workplace in Ostrava.

Text: Ing. Eva Prokšová, head of the Project Development and Management Department

The first day was devoted to several educational activities taking place simultaneously. The faculty hosted a training session for staff of nonprofit organizations, social workers, and representatives of local governments; a separate session was designed for students; and there was also a joint “neighbor’s language” course. The afternoon portion of the program concluded with a cross-border roundtable meeting focused on sharing experiences and discussing topics of social integration and cross-sectoral cooperation. The training continued on the second day and included a visit to the Domeček Children’s Center in Ostrava, which assists families caring for children with disabilities. The activities then concluded with a joint meeting of all participants and a final discussion session upon returning to Opava.

Feedback from participants indicates that the meeting was perceived as highly beneficial both professionally and personally. They particularly appreciated the opportunity to share experiences from both the Czech and Polish contexts, learn about specific examples of good practice, and discuss how to more effectively support people at risk of social exclusion. It was also repeatedly noted that face-to-face meetings, joint visits to organizations, and the direct exchange of experiences provide inspiration that cannot be replaced by theoretical instruction alone.
Cross-border cooperation itself was also evaluated very positively. Participants highlighted the establishment of new contacts, the opportunity to learn about the different approaches of both countries, and the motivation to continue joint activities in the future. 

It was noted that such meetings help foster a better understanding of the needs of partners across the border, broaden horizons, and encourage the development of further joint initiatives.
The meeting in Opava thus confirmed the importance of cross-border dialogue and practical cooperation, thereby marking another important step toward strengthening ties between institutions and people in the Czech-Polish border region.



Together for Integration – Sectoral Cooperation for Stronger Border Communities/Razem dla integracji – współpraca sektorów dla silniejszych społeczności pogranicza
Project Registration Number: P.051.04.0168
 
Small Projects Fund of the Praděd Euroregion
The project is co-financed by the Interreg Czech-Poland Program