Baltic Hub has closed applications for the fourth edition of the Busole grant programme and has selected seven initiatives which will be implemented over the coming year in the neighbourhoods adjacent to the terminal: Stogi, Przeróbka and Krakowiec-Górki Zachodnie. Their common aim is to support the local community in the areas of education, health, the environment and building social ties. The first projects will get underway as early as December 2025, and the total grant budget stands at 250,000 zł.
The latest, fourth edition of Busola demonstrated the strong potential of local partnerships. Between 1 September and 1 October 2025, Baltic Hub received 17 applications from schools and nurseries, community organisations and institutions operating right next to the terminal. The applications primarily concerned the education of children and young people, integration initiatives, the promotion of physical activity, health and environmental protection – areas which are priorities for Baltic Hub in terms of social responsibility.
Project: ACTIVE SENIOR WOMEN – HEALTH, STRENGTH, BALANCE
Aim and description of the initiative:
The aim of the ‘Active Senior Women – Health, Strength, Balance’ project is to improve the health, physical fitness and quality of life of women aged 60 and over from the Stogi, Przeróbka and Krakowiec–Górki Zachodnie districts. The initiative involves free exercise classes, health education and professional body composition analysis, which together will enable participants to take preventive measures against osteoporosis and lifestyle-related diseases, as well as improve their fitness and well-being.
As part of the programme:
Dedicated exercise classes for senior women will take place four times a week (Tuesday–Friday) at 10.00 am – for 11 months, excluding public holidays and days off.
The classes will be held in a safe, friendly atmosphere, tailored to the participants’ fitness levels:
Separate groups for physically fit women.
Separate groups for older women with mobility limitations (e.g. following surgery or with musculoskeletal conditions).
Each participant will also be able to attend other free classes offered at the studio.
Attendance will be confirmed by signing the attendance register.
The project also includes two body composition analyses (at the start and end of the project) with an individual discussion of the results – using a professional TANITA scale. The assessments will include, amongst other things:
bone density,
muscle mass,
body fat and visceral fat levels, and body hydration.
Benefits:
Improved physical fitness, balance and strength
Health education and greater awareness of one’s health
Strengthened prevention of osteoporosis and lifestyle-related diseases
Increased social integration and activity among older women
Access to classes without financial barriers
Beneficiaries:
Estimated number of female beneficiaries: at least 100 women aged 60 and over
Location: female residents of the Stogi, Przeróbka and Krakowiec–Górki Zachodnie districts
Participant profile:
Physically active older women (dedicated training groups)
Women with mobility impairments, back or knee pain, osteoarthritis, etc.
Project: “Environmental Education at the Young Gardener’s Academy at the Tadeusz Kościuszko Family Allotment Garden in Gdańsk”
The “Environmental Education at the Young Gardener’s Academy” project, carried out at the Tadeusz Kościuszko Family Allotment Garden in Gdańsk, aims to raise environmental awareness among children and young people through practical education conducted in a natural setting – an allotment garden.
The allotment garden is becoming a space not only for recreation but also for active educational activities. The project involves organising nature and environmental workshops, as well as purchasing the necessary equipment (a projector, a whiteboard, a loudspeaker with a microphone) so that the sessions can be run professionally, without having to borrow equipment each time.
Planned activities as part of the project:
Beekeeping workshops – a demonstration of the inside of a beehive and a discussion of the role of bees in the ecosystem,
‘First aid for hedgehogs and wild animals’ workshops – education on how to help wild animals in the city,
‘The Mysterious World of Ants’ workshops – learning about the habits and social structure of social insects,
Walks with an ornithologist along the garden paths – observing and identifying birds in their natural habitat.
The activities will take place both outdoors and in the allotment garden’s community centre – using the educational equipment that has been purchased. The workshops will be led by specialists in a friendly atmosphere that encourages learning and helps children from different institutions to integrate.
Beneficiaries:
Estimated number of beneficiaries: 500 people
Target groups:
Children and young people from nurseries and primary schools neighbouring the garden:
School and Nursery Complex No. 11 (Primary School No. 61 – Przeróbka),
Primary School No. 72 (Stogi),
MegaMocni Stogi Nursery,
Nursery No. 16 Gdańsk-Stogi,
Nursery No. 20 Gdańsk.
Expected project outcomes:
Increasing environmental awareness among children and young people,
Promoting eco-friendly behaviour – a responsible approach to nature and the local environment,
Learning to identify plants, insects and birds and their role in the ecosystem,
Building links between educational institutions and the allotment garden community,
Strengthening intergenerational cooperation and social integration.
Project: Initiatives for the local community
The project combines two complementary initiatives aimed at different social groups in the Stogi district – the creative development of children and young people, and the promotion of physical activity amongst adults. It addresses the real needs of residents, as identified through an assessment of the local community.
1. Theatrical Adventures with Dance
This is a series of arts and movement classes for children and young people aged 8–17, which supports their emotional, physical and social development through theatre and dance. The sessions include:
creating stage sets from recycled and unusual materials,
work on stage movement, diction and role interpretation,
dance sessions developing a sense of rhythm, coordination and physical expression.
The programme will culminate in a final performance, which will be staged:
for the first time in April 2026 at the association’s headquarters, and then presented in May and June at local venues (schools, care homes, community centres).
2. Nordic Walking – Your first step towards an active lifestyle
This programme, aimed at adults (including older people), involves weekly walks with Nordic walking poles, led by a certified instructor. This form of activity:
improves respiratory and cardiovascular fitness,
strengthens muscles throughout the body,
reduces stress and supports mental health.
The walks will take place in the natural surroundings of Stogi Island, which further promotes integration among participants and builds a connection with the local community.
Beneficiaries:
Estimated number of beneficiaries: approx. 170 people
Group 1:
children and young people (aged 8–17)
Participants in theatre and dance classes:
Develop creativity, self-confidence and emotional expression
Learn about cooperation, responsibility and working in a group
Gain space for artistic development in a safe environment
Group 2:
adult residents of Stogi
Participants in Nordic walking classes
People seeking a gentle form of physical activity
Seniors, people recovering from illness, residents with limited access to sports activities
Indirect beneficiaries:
Audiences at the performances – local residents, neighbours, participants’ families
Venues hosting the performances – local cultural centres, schools
Project: Green Zone
The ‘GreenZone’ project aims to create a comfortable, aesthetically pleasing and welcoming relaxation area within the school grounds. It is a modern space for relaxation, socialising and recharging, combining nature with functional design, which will serve the entire school community – pupils, teachers, staff, parents and local residents visiting the school.
The designed zone will become a space that:
encourages rest between lessons,
reduces screen time,
strengthens peer relationships,
and supports pupils’ mental wellbeing.
Key elements of the GreenZone:
‘cocoon’ swings – enabling calm and relaxation,
mobile seating arrangements – easily reconfigured to suit needs,
planting reminiscent of a forest glade – natural greenery that promotes concentration and regeneration,
wood-effect acoustic panels – improving acoustic comfort and aesthetics,
a colour scheme inspired by nature – instilling calm and positive energy.
The GreenZone will be a place for conversation, rest, meals and spending time together offline – an alternative to digital distractions, supporting the development of social and emotional skills.
Beneficiaries:
Estimated number of beneficiaries: approx. 300 people
Main group:
School pupils – daily users of the zone, using it between lessons and during breaks
Teachers and school staff – a space for recharging and brief relaxation during the day
Parents and local residents visiting the school – during meetings, open days or local events
Outcomes for beneficiaries:
improved mental wellbeing and concentration,
strengthened interpersonal relationships and a sense of community,
reduced screen time and the promotion of offline activities,
enhanced aesthetics of the educational environment and greater comfort in day-to-day life.
Project: Maritime education for young people and regatta training.
The project involves the systematic training of children and young people from the Stogi, Przeróbka and Górki Zachodnie districts in competitive sailing and maritime education, held at the AZS COSA Górki Zachodnie sports centre. The aim of the initiative is not only to teach sailing, but also to foster sporting development, motor skills and an understanding of water safety.
Participants will be pupils aged 10–15 who have realistic access to the training sessions due to the proximity of the venue. Depending on their physical aptitude and level of proficiency, the young people will be assigned to appropriate training groups.
The training will be conducted in two racing classes:
Optimist – for younger participants,
29er – for older youths with greater sporting potential.
The sessions are led by experienced coaches, and the timetable includes both practical elements (on-water training) and theoretical elements – in the event of adverse weather conditions, participants attend lectures on sailing technique and safety.
Beneficiaries:
Estimated number of beneficiaries: approx. 50 people
Main group:
Children and young people aged 10–15
Primary school pupils from the following districts: Stogi, Przeróbka, Krakowiec–Górki Zachodnie
Those willing to participate regularly in sailing training
Outcomes and benefits:
Development of physical fitness and motor coordination,
Building perseverance, teamwork and sporting discipline,
Increased awareness of water safety,
An introduction to competitive sport and the opportunity for further development in elite classes.
Project: ‘The 21st-Century Library – a centre for culture, knowledge and passion at Primary School No. 72’ – Part I
The “21st-Century Library” project, being carried out at Primary School No. 72 in Gdańsk, involves a comprehensive modernisation of the library space, with the aim of transforming it into a modern, multi-functional educational and cultural centre, open to the needs of pupils, teachers and the local community.
The new library will combine the traditional functions of a library with the possibilities offered by 21st-century technology – enabling the development of reading, digital and social skills in an inspiring and comfortable environment.
The main objectives of the project:
to create a space combining books with modern educational tools,
to promote reading and culture,
to support creativity, learning and social integration,
to enable the delivery of innovative classes and workshops,
Opening the school to the local community – as a culture-creating space that is welcoming to every resident of the neighbourhood. Scope of activities and planned equipment
1. Modernisation of the space:
ergonomic furniture, pouffes, tables and modular shelving,
division into zones: reading room, multimedia zone, relaxation corner, exhibition space,
aesthetic finish, soundproofing of the room, modern lighting.
2. Multimedia equipment:
computer workstations with internet access,
multimedia screens and projectors,
e-book and audiobook readers,
VR headsets – enabling among other things virtual educational trips (e.g. history, geography, art),
a 3D printer – as a tool for developing pupils’ creativity and technical skills.
Beneficiaries:
Estimated number of beneficiaries: 464 people
Target groups:
Pupils at Primary School No. 72 – will gain access to a modern space supporting learning, the development of interests and digital skills,
Teachers and school staff – will receive support in implementing modern teaching methods and the opportunity to conduct lessons using new technologies,
Parents and carers – will gain a space to participate alongside their children in cultural events, workshops and projects,
The local community (Stogi) – the new library will become an open venue for meetings, exhibitions, reading clubs and events that bring the neighbourhood together,
The school as an institution – will strengthen its position as an open and modern educational and cultural centre for the neighbourhood.
The ‘The World Is Ours’ Project
The ‘The World Is Ours’ project, being carried out at the ‘Ostoja’ Social Care Home, is an innovative initiative aimed at improving the quality of life for older people through the use of VR (virtual reality) technology in therapeutic, educational and social integration activities. This is the first project of its kind in the region, combining modern technology with long-term care and intergenerational integration.
In a specially adapted space on the premises of the “Ostoja” Social Care Home, regular therapeutic sessions using VR headsets will be launched, including:
reminiscence therapy (memories, images from years gone by),
physical and rehabilitation activities,
relaxation and breathing exercises,
digital literacy for older people,
bedside therapy for bedridden residents.
Modern technologies will also be used as a tool for intergenerational integration – children and young people from local schools will take part in the project, creating shared educational spaces for interaction, the exchange of experiences and learning.
In addition, the project includes practical activities bridging the virtual and real worlds:
a one-day sightseeing trip for older people from the care home and the local community,
an intergenerational integration festival for residents of the Stogi, Przeróbka and Krakowiec–Górki Zachodnie districts.
Beneficiaries:
Estimated number of beneficiaries: 250 people
Main target groups:
Seniors from the ‘Ostoja’ Care Home, including bedridden residents – using VR bedside therapy as a ‘window to the world’,
Seniors from the local community – invited to take part in joint VR activities and integration events,
Young people and children – participants in intergenerational workshops and the festival, learning about empathy and the digital skills of seniors,
Seniors’ families and the local community – participants in open events.
Scope of project activities:
January – March 2026
Purchase of equipment: VR headsets, apps, multimedia programmes,
Preparation of the therapy space at the care home,
Training of staff in the use of the technology and in running VR sessions.
March – October 2026
Regular therapeutic and educational sessions using VR for older people,
Reminiscence, psychomotor, relaxation and cognitive sessions,
Bedside therapy for people with limited mobility.
June 2026
A one-day integrative coach trip for elderly residents of the care home and invited local residents.
June – August 2026
Organisation of an intergenerational integration festival promoting intergenerational bonding and the shared use of technology.