The closer we are to those in need, the more we want to help – discover how Michał, Test and Analysis Engineer at Sii, used his problem-solving skills to help effectively 

Michał believes that the desire to help others is in our blood, and the main challenge lies in devising a solid plan and executing it effectively. He demonstrated his capability by conducting two successful charity events as part of the Sii Power Volunteers program.  

Before joining Sii, did you have experience helping people in need?

I always tried to support various organizations, but initially, it was limited to donating to a charity bank. When I focused on a particular foundation and got to know its employees and charges better, I also wanted to donate my free time to them. The visible outcomes of the action were also crucial, as they greatly motivated me to keep working.

You conducted your first action for the Tak Dla Samodzielności (“Yes For Independence”) Foundation. How did you come up with the idea? 

The “Sii for Independence” action was about the foundation’s training apartment, where people with intellectual disabilities learn independent living skills under the guidance of housing trainers. The idea appealed to me – fostering self-reliance, resourcefulness, and a sense of agency in the charges. I’m glad we lent a hand in creating this place.

What did your assistance consist of? 

Thanks to a grant from Sii, we purchased several household appliances selected by the foundation, which are still used by the residents: a refrigerator, dishwasher, electric stove, and two vacuum cleaners. The project also involved renovating the apartment, with the participation of six Sii Power Volunteers, housing coaches, and the foundation’s charges – a total of a dozen people. With our joint efforts, we refreshed the office and the largest room of the apartment – the living room with a kitchenette. Additionally, we insulated the door leading from the office to the courtyard.

Where did you start preparing for the project?

I wanted our assistance to respond aptly to the needs, so I initiated the activities several months before the campaign by learning about the foundation’s program and consulting housing coaches. We determined what would be most helpful and started writing the project and a detailed plan for the action, with support from people responsible for the CSR at Sii to promote the event. A week before the renovation, we went shopping for tools, paint, and groceries with the participants.

And the renovation action itself?  

On the day of the project, from early in the morning, we prepared for the renovation with the residents and awaited the arrival of Sii’s volunteers. We spent the next few hours wrapping, painting, and cleaning the apartment. Conversations, socializing, photos, and refreshments passed the time during the many hours of physical labor, which was very hard at times. After a solid effort, we relaxed at a joint barbecue – yet another opportunity to get to know each other better.

What did you enjoy the most?  

I very much appreciated the involvement and cooperation with the residents and staff of the training apartment. When I arrived on site the day before the action to fill in the defects in the walls, the apartment was already prepared for painting – disturbing items had been moved to other rooms, and furniture had been relocated. Such a good organization saved us a lot of work. I also liked how two seemingly different communities could come together and unite while working and relaxing. I still keep in touch with some of the people to this day.

Your second project, KomputerSii, closely combines your passion for IT with helping others. How did it start, and why did you decide to support the Amikus Foundation?

It came out naturally from one visit to the foundation – I felt a bond with the people who created it, and after the first visit, I knew I wanted to get involved for the long term. The lack of equipment in the Amikus occupational workshop’s computer lab made it much more difficult to conduct classes, and this problem inspired me to apply for a project in the Sii Power Volunteers program. Sii approved my idea, and we purchased computer equipment, desks, and chairs, improving the comfort of workshop attendees.

We held the action at the foundation’s headquarters but invited the participants to visit us as well. We showed the charges around Sii’s Poznań office and shared our knowledge during a training session on the safe use of the network.

Speaking of the Sii office – what do you value in your work as a Test and Analysis Engineer? What qualities that are helpful at work do you also use in your charitable activities?

At work, I am motivated by new challenges and areas of knowledge I can explore – the fact that I continue to develop in railroad automation and IT. The greatest satisfaction comes from solving problems, which I also find in charity projects.

Seeing the results gives me wings. When we achieve our plan, I see satisfaction and smiles on the participants’ faces, sometimes despite their fatigue.

What do you value most about the Sii Power Volunteers program? Are you planning projects in the following years? 

The Sii Power Volunteers program is a great platform for helping others. A solid plan and understanding of the needs of the people we aim to help are a base, but the support and funds provided by Sii are invaluable. Thanks to them, many fantastic actions have taken place, making the world around us better. I look forward to continuing and expanding the program.

I’m also happy to see the Workers’ commitment – it would have been hard to bring both initiatives to a positive conclusion without them. Their enthusiastic response is an additional driving force for me to act. The final stage of the last campaign is underway, so I have yet to have time to focus on new projects, but I will try to submit them in the next calls.