The "Lelenfant Host Families" program offers Wrocław families a chance to experience cultural diversity and support young artists up to 17 years old by offering them a safe, friendly place to stay during their visit to the capital of Lower Silesia, the organizers write.
In previous years, nearly 60 people joined this campaign, providing not just a room in their homes but, above all, heartfelt hospitality and friendship.
- Spending time with children from different parts of the world is a great adventure, and getting to know them and their cultures feels like traveling to their countries - says Beata Mikołajczyk, who hosted two girls from Tanzania and a Czech girl in 2024. - Our 13-year-old daughter became so close with them that there were tears at the farewell. We were happy to see her open up to the world and broaden her horizons - she adds.
In this year’s edition, which will conclude on July 30 and 31 with performances at the Capitol Musical Theatre, young artists will participate not only in creative but also social activities. Among the invited groups are children with street-life experiences from Rwanda, Indigenous Alaskan youth specializing in theater, children from the Hungarian minority in Serbia, artists from Italy, dancers from Palestine, and a family of griots from Gambia.
- The children invited to the project are affiliated with long-standing cultural centers, such as the Popular Art Centre (PAC) in Palestine or Red Eagle Soaring from the USA, as well as smaller grassroots initiatives, such as the program run by the Rwandan couple Bosco in the Akagera hostel - explains Ewa Sawka, co-founder of the Foundation and coordinator of the Host Families program.
- Young artists aged 8 to 17 will come to Wrocław in small groups, each accompanied by an adult leader – either an artist or an educator. Typically, Wrocław families host two children from the same country - she adds.
What Does Participation Involve?
Host families commit to providing a room from July 12 to 21, 2025, along with breakfast and dinner, and transport for the children to daily art workshops. These workshops take place Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM at two locations:
- Złotnickie Meeting Center (ul. Wielkopolska 7)
- Library and Cultural Center (ul. Bolesława Krzywoustego 286)
Afternoons and weekends are spent with host families, which fosters relationship-building and mutual understanding.
About the Foundation
The Friendship Art Education Foundation has been active since 2021, bringing together cultural managers, artists, and educators. It runs international and local artistic and educational projects for children and youth, funded by the City of Wrocław, the Ministry of Culture, and EU programs. The foundation also operates a private kindergarten and nursery in Oborniki Śląskie. So far, over 200 young creators from countries such as India, Tanzania, Iran, the Czech Republic, and Morocco have participated in the Lelenfant project. The final performances on Wrocław’s largest stages draw audiences of over 1,000 people annually.
Lelenfant Host Families – How to Apply
Those interested in participating in the host program can apply via:
- Online form
- Email: rodziny[at]lelenfant.org
- Phone: +48 535 548 353 (Ewa Sawka)
