Serwis Regionalnego Programu
Województwa Śląskiego
RPO WSL 2014-2020

The Municipal Social Welfare Centre (MOPS) in Katowice has identified the most common problems leading city residents to social exclusion. The MOPS employees undertook a difficult task - the implementation of a project that will support and activate representatives of various social groups, from the homeless, the unemployed, the helpless, the disabled, to teenage mothers. All these people have attempted to "re-activate" themselves into social and professional life.

The nursery school in Marklowice Górne was characterized by high heat transfer coefficients. The building did not meet the established standards in this respect, and it was necessary to insulate walls, windows, doors, and the roof. The outdated central heating installation was also of poor efficiency, and the cast iron radiators were not equipped with thermoregulation. Excessive heat losses were reflected in the amounts of fuel burned during heating the building and the costs incurred. The answer to this problem was the thermal modernization project of the facility, which received support from European Funds.

When entering the representative hall of the main hospital of the Pulmonology and Cardiothoracic Surgery Centre in Bystra, patients will see a large 40" monitor displaying the results of "green energy" production. From the information broadcast on the monitor one can find out how much energy from renewable sources the Centre has produced during the last day, week, month, year and since the beginning of the installation. To better illustrate the scale of production, the system calculates and reports the number of trees planted, which corresponds to the amount of "green energy" generated in the Bystra centre. This system was created as a result of the implementation of the project from European Funds, due to which the hospital uses solar energy for the needs of its activities.

The Bud-Expert company, specializing in laser processing of metallurgical products, has undertaken a project co-financed from European Funds to improve its competitiveness on the market. The company has gained an advantage over direct rivals from the industry thanks to investments in modern and innovative technologies that significantly expand the range of services provided by the company. The unique method of cutting metal sheets with a high-pressure water jet enables the beneficiary to carry out orders in an economical, flexible, extremely precise and waste-free manner.

In the area of Koniecpol commune, located in the Częstochowa poviat, a phenomenon of threat of social exclusion was observed, especially as a result of poverty and unemployment. Persons at risk of exclusion have a constricted access to social services – they cannot afford to buy or rent accommodation at a proper standard. The situation causes a demand for social flats which until recently in Koniecpol were not accessible at all – at that time up to 12 families awaited the allocation of social flats was. But the commune found a way to solve the situation through revitalisation of wastelands.

The project aims to increase the potential of the social economy and enhance the employment chances of persons excluded and in danger of social exclusion in the Western Subregion of the Silesian Voivodeship. The Social Economy Support Centre provides animation and support services and facilities development of new social enterprises and the functioning of these already existing.

In the era of constantly developing IT software systems and increasingly advanced computer and mobile equipment, the society expects modernization of procedures applied in administration, in a way that would enable their realisation with the help of the Internet. The project is an answer for the residents’ needs, using, among others, structural documentation or interested in the historical acts of the Municipal National Council of 1973-1990. Within the framework of the project, cumulatively, the Town Hall in Katowice digitalised 782 documents comprising in total 8,885 pages, incl.: 215 pages of structural projects, 4 plans/maps and 8,666 pages of protocols and acts of the Municipal National Council.

Within the areas located along the right riverbank of Koszarawa and further long the right bank of Soła and the Żywieckie Lake one may encounter precious natural habitats of protected species. This area was however strongly exploited which caused a growing degradation of its natural values. Degradation of the environment was also impacted by the acts of vandalism which might have occurred due to low ecological awareness of the inhabitants. The city of Żywiec, with assistance of the European Funds, undertook realization of the project the effect of which was to be the protection of areas against further degradation, managing the neglected area and efficient ecological education of the local inhabitants.

In recent years Częstochowa witnessed a deepening phenomenon of homelessness. In 2010, within the city area, 374 homeless individuals were registered, in 2014 there were as many as 591 individuals which means, that within only 4 years the number of homeless people in Częstochowa  increased by over 58%. Homeless individuals in Częstochowa encounter problems such as poverty (91% of the homeless), unemployment (78%), alcohol addiction (61%), disability (35%) or chronic diseases (15%). Additionally, 8% of them found themselves on the streets of Częstochowa after being released from prison. The enumerated problems are rarely encountered in isolation, they usually coexist and overlap, making it difficult for homeless individuals to change their adverse situation. The city decided to address the issue and create a place, where the homeless will be able to get necessary support which can reunite with the society.

Support from European Funds in almost 15 million PLN has contributed to Katowice being able to replace the ineffective street illumination with energy-efficient LED lamps. Realization of this project considerably reduces the power consumption which directly translates to savings in the city's budget. The LED illumination is improving the visibility on roads and pavements which  positively affects safety of all road users. The project also helps to limit the so-called phenomenon of "light pollutant", which is present in firmly urbanised areas and which negatively influences both the flora and fauna, as well as human health. Thanks to such solutions as making the hour of turning the lighting on and off dependant on sunrise and sunset, as well as making the intensity of traffic influence the intensity of night lights – Katowice is proving that it is a city, which is investing in ecological solutions not only in the area of public transport and improvements of the air quality, but also in the scope of efficient illumination.

The area of the Grabek Park in Czeladź has for years stayed significantly under-invested because of the budgetary constraints of the city. For this reason, the park didn't display bigger natural landscape values. With the help of European Funds it was however  decided to significantly raise natural and recreational values of this area, mainly through revitalization of the body of water with simultaneous forming of settlements of the marsh, water and surface flora, as well as actions in order to care for the area of trees in the park and building "a spring" - cascades along with forming of flows and water cascades.

The project constitutes a good example of mutually complementing actions of European Regional Development Fund and the European Social Fund. Katowice chose two strategic aims - counteracting social exclusion through the activation and improvement of the image of the city centre, through architectural revitalization of degraded buildings. The authorities  of the city made a decision to allocate one of such objects as a place of supporting individuals with disabilities. This decision caused, that today disabled individuals have a nicely restored building at their disposal, where they can be involved in therapy and rehabilitation classes, thanks to which they are becoming an active part of the local community.

In 2015 the Kłobuck commune was inhibited by approx. 540 children up to 2 years of age and over 1000 children of 4 years of age. Unfortunately, at the same time, the commune did not have at its disposal a single nursery, after the last institution of this type had been closed in 2013 on account of not-meeting norms and conditions for centres of childcare. This situation also affected parents who could not find proper care for their children, which frequently made it difficult for them to return to the labour market. However, in 2018 thanks to the support from European Funds, day-care is once again functioning in Kłobuck.

The main problem of the Complex of Special Schools (ZSS) in Pyskowice, was the fact that for a school which is attended by pupils with disabilities, the building was not adjusted to the needs of disabled individuals. Moreover, the Complex of Schools struggled with insufficient educational base for practical education. Pupils gained theoretical knowledge and attended practical classes only on an interim basis and in a very narrow range, because of the restrictions which stemmed from the lack of appropriate studios and equipment. Presently, the situation of ZSS in Pyskowice drastically changed, among others, thanks to the support from European Funds.

VFD (Volunteer Fire Department) Gnaszyn is on the second place in terms of the number of emergency departures in the area of the city and district of Częstochowa (statistics from 2015). Despite systematic actions undertaken by the city, local units of TSO are still struggling with many problems mainly connected with the state of equipment, and the  finances at disposal make it difficult to meet all needs. The main issue, which requires urgent intervention  is poor condition of fire trucks used by the units from the area of the commune. Thanks to the support from European Funds, a new vehicle was obtained, among others, by the unit of Volunteer Fire Department of Częstochowa-Gnaszyn.

The school building and workshops comprising the School Complex No. 1 in Kłobuck were opened for use in 1970. The majority of equipment of the workshops originated from the 60s and the 70s (conventional equipment), whilst equipment of the CNC studio from  2006 (CNC machine tools) and from the following years (computer systems and software). CNC studios didn't also meet the quality standards in the building, electric and installation scopes. For this reason, the project implementation was carried out, which was designated to increase the educational potential of the School Complex No. 1 in Kłobuck, through the modernization of the complex of CNC studios, constituting the didactic base of school workshops.

Contemporary society showed a large deficit of knowledge in the field of communing with nature, and even a kind of ignorance regarding pro-ecological attitudes. Fortunately, this tendency is being gradually reversed, which is due to places such as the J. Iwaszkiewicz School Complex No. 2 in Katowice-Murcki. The school noticed the need to educate its pupils in such a way that children from an early age would deepen their knowledge of nature through direct contact with it. The culmination of the school's activities is the Ecological Education Centre established within its framework, which deals with the promotion of ecology and biodiversity in the city.

Żabie Doły (Frog Holes) in Bytom is a nature and landscape complex providing shelter and place for nesting to numerous species of birds and other small vertebrates. The reeds that grow there are characterized by the properties that cleanse ponds from excess biogenes, which is extremely important for the conservation of habitats of bitterns and little bitterns - endangered bird species. For the good of the animals living in these areas, it was important to channel the tourist and educational traffic taking place there in such a way as to protect the habitats against human interference, and at the same time provide visitors with favourable conditions for observing wildlife.

On November 1, 2015, the bus fleet in Bielsko-Biała included 125 vehicles, 16 of which did not meet any emission standard, and as many as 2/3 of the entire fleet were vehicles that were classified as significantly reducing air quality and raising noise levels in the city. In addition, the average age of the bus fleet was over 12 years, and the mileage of about 50 buses exceeded 1 million kilometres. Three years later, thanks to the support from European Funds, Bielsko-Biała gained an Intelligent Transport System supported by 50 modern low-emission buses, which significantly reduced the level of exhaust emissions by public means of transport, as well as increased comfort and safety of travel.

Due to the specific spatial nature of Rybnik (relatively large area of green areas, many rural districts), Rybnik volunteer fire departments (VFD) play an above-standard role in ensuring security in the city. The city's local authorities, as units responsible for financing the operations of the VFD, support their activities annually by financing purchases of equipment increasing the speed and effectiveness of interventions. These are purchases of new fire trucks and other equipment used in the activities of the fire brigade. The VFD Gotartowice also benefited from this type of support, due to which the unit met the requirements of the National Rescue and Fire-Fighting System.

In the Bieruń commune, the prevalence of pre-school education was not very high, but every year the level of interest of residents increased, despite the poor infrastructure of Nursery School No. 2, which due to the poor technical condition of the building could no longer function in this form. Finally, it was decided to build a nursery school from scratch in a new place - safe and friendly for both children and their parents.

Photographic technician is a service profession, combining technical skills and aesthetic sensibility. At the same time, its representatives do not belong to the most numerous professional groups in the voivodeship, but their competences allow them to perform tasks not only connected with photography, but also to related fields – information technology, hardware, applications, software and computer graphics. However, for graduates of the Technical and General Secondary School Complex No. 3 in Katowice to enter the labour market with a broad knowledge of modern technologies and multimedia, they need a phototechnical workshop that meets modern standards. The help has come in the form of European Funds.

Millions of tons of soil and aggregates and 2 thousand m³ of concrete and more than 200 tons of steel – these are the resources that were needed to build the latest route N-S section along with the viaduct. The project was a continuation of the road project which began in the financial perspective 2007-2013. Then from the Regional Operational Program of the Silesian Voivodship, we co-founded the first section of the route emerging in Ruda Śląska that ultimately will combine two of the most strategic roads in the region – the A4 motorway with the DTŚ Route Bypass. The goal will be achieved at the time of completion of the II phase of the project.        

According to the data of Central Statistical Office for the year 2016, Siemianowice Śląskie was on the 18^th place in terms of length of cycle paths, out of the nineteen cities in the communes of Silesian Voivodeship – with 2.2 km of cycling paths. This situation has significantly improved thanks to the implementation of the project, in the framework of which, 17 km of new bike trails were created, located by the key green areas and connecting the main districts of the city.

So far the foster care tasks in Kłobuck region were implemented by only two 24-hour facilities, one of which (the orphanage in Kłobuck) exceeded the number defined in the act – by 14 spots for  pupils. After examining the needs and possibilities, it was decided to meet the requirements for the optimal number of places through the creation of new, smaller facilities. For this purpose, the building of the former School in Waleńczów was adapted, where soon up to 14 children will find their safe haven there.

In March 2017, the agreement on the funding of the construction of ecological energy source for a wastewater treatment plant in Wojkowice was signed. The project will enable the improvement of the energy efficiency of the Municipal Economy Plant in Wojkowice by reducing the cost of energy purchase. A new source of renewable energy production will emerge there, together with the transmission infrastructure that will affect the overall reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and PM10.

The bus station in Czechowice-Dziedzice has required a thorough remodelling for a long time. As a visiting card of the city, the first place visible for the visitors after leaving the bus, the square deterred with its archaic, damaged appearance. The plate of the station was covered by old, concrete paving blocks – severely damaged in numerous places – unfortunately, the expected cost of the renovation was too high for the city budget, as well as also the whole underground infrastructure, especially gas networks and waterworks would require replacement. Thanks to the support from the European Funds it was managed to perform restoration works, which not only improved the overall visual effect of the square but also increased the level of pedestrian safety.

Ruda Śląska has set itself a target of promoting and sharing its historical monuments and buildings for the largest possible audience. It was achieved thanks to the implementation of the project co-funded by the EU. The Internet website "Wirtualna Ruda" is a place where the base of historic objects from all over the city is fitted (along with their specifications). Among them, you will find the objects that have been entirely scanned and their 3D models can be visited online.

Kalety is a small town combining urban innovation with rural naturalness. The municipality relies primarily on ecology, creating a bee-friendly space, maintaining green areas and numerous bike trails and building the tourist brand. However, it often meets its goals through the use of modern means. Thanks to EU support, Kalety were able to realize one of the biggest projects based on renewable energy sources in our voivodship. As a result, the roofs of numerous buildings were covered in solar panels and photovoltaic cells, significantly contributing to the reduction of emissions of harmful gases and dust, thus contributing to the protection of the environment and of human life, affirming that Kalety indeed deserve their title – the Forest corner of Silesia.

One of the priority objectives of the governors of Żory town is to provide the best conditions for the development of its youngest residents. Hence, there is an increased level of investment in modern and well-equipped kindergartens and schools. One of the most important events in this regard was the opening of the new headquarters of Kindergarten no. 4 – modern and one-storey building, distinguished by the so-called "green roof", enabling outdoor activities.

The projects include actions targeted at equalization of professional and social chances of parents of children up to 3-years-old in the scope of possibility to return to the labour market through establishment and maintenance of 4 spots of daycare in the city. Each of the newly opened spots assumes care of four children aged up to 3 years. The total number of new children covered by the service of daycare guardian in Rybnik has within 12 months amounted to16 children whose parents, due to lack of ability to provide care for children, have limited opportunities to return to the labour market and the development of the professional aspirations.

Before project realization the building of Primary School no. 1 in Chybie was uncoated and energetically inefficient, resulting in increased CO₂ emission to the atmosphere. The solution to the problem was comprehensive thermal modernization with an exchange of energy source and mounting of solar installation.

The project will allow to obtain savings on account of purchase and delivery of electricity in line with the principles of sustainable development and natural heritage. The project will enable generating electricity from renewable energy sources (RES) in order to cover the needs of maintaining objects which are the property of Eco Team Service-communal partnership with 100% share in the commune of Łodygowice.

Pawłowice is a small municipality in the southern part of the voivodeship which lies on the communication link connecting Katowice and Wisła. Road investments are thus a substantial element within the municipality's development, contributing to the improvement of quality of communication and decreasing the intensity of traffic within the territory of the municipality. Such an investment has been planned for Pawłowice in the form of a bypass connecting the voivodeship roads no. 938 and 933 with national road 81.

In order to increase attractiveness of the presentation, in particular through targeting the younger recipients, the Museum “Upper Silesian Ethnographic Park in Chorzów” introduced to its offer a new mobile application using virtual reality and the so called expanded reality. For the purposes of the project combining tradition with modernity the Museum digitalized and made available online almost 400 documents concerning the Silesian cultural heritage.

School of Ruda Śląska created conditions for conducting courses in the profession of recording and sound engineer. Now 40 students can learn the profession in professional-like conditions.

22 electric buses were picked up and put into permanent use in the city of Jaworzno. Full technical facilities along with infrastructure ensuring charging of vehicle batteries have been provided. The central bus charging and maintenance station is the first facility of this type in Poland.

As part of the project, we managed to adapt and develop the old school block. A comprehensive center was created - a center of social services. A Day-Care Center, a psychological support center, an environmental care center and rehabilitation center are located in the part adapted to the public's disposal. The Day-Care center is open for the people dependent due to their old age, disabilities, who need care support because of lack of their family or temporary absence of their family. 15 people can benefit a short-term care (up to 3-4 months) of the center at the same time.

The subject of the project was modernization of street lighting system in Ruda Śląska, based on the application of energy-saving LED lights, in the following locations: Lwa Tołstoja, Kościelna, Żelazna, Konstytucji, Ustronna streets (Stage I) and Piotra Niedurnego, Weteranów, gen. Hallera, Obrońców Westerplatte streets (Stage II). In accordance with the binding standards, modernization of the existing over 150 sodium lamps and purchase of new poles and lighting points in the area of selected streets in Ruda Śląska, creating through this the network of modern lighting points in LED technology. Through the assembly of energy effective street lights not only will the energy-efficiency of the public sector be increased and the demand for energy within the area of the city of Ruda Śląska, but also safety of the vehicle and pedestrian traffic will be reinforced.