1. EQUAL OF EUROPE FOR AFRICA PROJECT;
Visit Report to European Commission and European Parliament
in Brussels between 28 & 29 February 2012.
Introduction.
The Barka Foundation since its formation in 1989 transformed the fortunes of
marginalized people, involved in rehabilitation of infrastructure, advancing concept and
philosophy of social enterprise, influencing policy as well as enacting of legislation in
Poland.
The Barka Foundation under Tomasz Sadowski has seen its programs and influence
spread across Europe with current presence in Poland, the UK, Germany, Ireland, France
and Holland. The Foundation achievements in Social Market Economy and Solidarity
Economy have received wide acclaim conferred recognition internationally with many
awards.
The Foundation was a key policy and service provider in the 2005 -2008 of the European
Equal project by the European Commission. The Barka Equal project of €2 mln euros
created six development partnerships, twenty social enterprises as well as a number of
permanent development institutions such as Social Integration Centres, Social
Cooperatives and Centres for Social Economy. The project was a great success and its
results have been described in the publication “New Beginning – Social Market
Economy: 1989 -2010” ( www.barka.org.pl ).
The outcome of the Equal initiative is captured in the opening of it’s review as:
“EQUAL has been the largest programme to support social innovation in the fields of
social inclusion and employment. It allowed accumulating and sharing good practice
throughout its six years of its implementation (2002-2008). Through and investment of
€3 bn euros, EQUAL helped to make the ESF a more effective, efficient and relevant
instrument for contributing to the Lisbon reform strategy to create more and better jobs.
EQUAL has provided evidence for innovative and adaptable policy strategies and delivery
mechanisms that bring greater inclusiveness to Europe’s diverse labour markets. EQUAL
innovation and achievements were the result of the work of 3,480 development
partnerships with more than 20,000 partners, reaching over 200,000 people in Europe.
The lessons from the EQUAL program have been taken up, adapted and used, across
Europe, by governments at all levels, social partners, non-governmental organisations
and strategic stakeholders and multipliers”.
Barka has been involved in the transnational visit program of the ESF on Social
Enterprise where several delegates visited its operations in Poland between 2010 and
2011 from Chara Trust based in Merseyside, UK with significant number being of African
origin.
The enduring interest and enthusiasm generated by the study groups created a bond of
partnership. The EESC publication REX/302 “Social Economy in Africa” (Brussels 28 June
2010) weighed heavily on Tomasz and in visit cohort of September 2011 proposed to the
group an idea of an Africa-wide “Social Market Economy” initiative based on the
contents of the EESC publication.

2. An action strategy was developed taking into consideration the EU and other
development partners in developing broad based vision and plan of action. There was
concurrence in all the opinions that empowering the marginalized rural communities is
among the avenues of social transformation in Africa.
In 9 February 2012 the first intervention at Kyunyu Village, Kathonzweni District of
Kenya, similarly field evaluation was carried out in Uganda and agriculture based
initiative under formulation in Ghana. An ongoing project in Cameroon is similarly in
operation.
Objective of Visit
Tomasz realized the significance of Sec. 1.5 of EESC REX/302 (“Social Economy in Africa”)
and drawback of sec. 4.2 and 4.4 but encouraged by 4.4.2 and 4.6.1. Based on his
participation as in influencing and delivering the EU Equal program he was convinced
that an “Equal of Europe for Africa” initiative taking the former as template for the latter
and provided for by European Commission would achieve similar impact and meet the
objectives or results contained in EESC REX/302.
The visit to both European Commission and European Parliament was therefore to seek
support for the intervention as well as create awareness for its need if current facilities
in operation do not have the enabling provision for such support.
The registration of Barka International Network for Social Economy composed of
organizations in various regions under progress through General Office Advices SPRL,
Place de L’Europe 13, 4260 Ciplet, Brussels would mitigate the drawback of sec. 4.13.
European Commission; DG for Development and Cooperation - European
Aid.
Dr. Celestin Murengezi, Programmes Assistant, External Relations for Civil Society &
Local Authorities.
Elena Asciutti, Civil Society & Local Authorities for Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Gaza and
Palestinian Authority (known to Tomasz through ceremony of Barka’s reception of Silver
Rose Award of 2003).
Mr. Godwin Bateren presented activities of Chara Trust in Merseyside empowering the
Black, African, Asian and other minority communities. Through ESF funded activities
conducted Transnational visits with Barka in Poland through which the African initiative
evolved.
Under Harambee (UK) CIC and Harambee (Uganda) CIC exploring projects in Uganda and
while there in past two weeks identified agricultural sites for immediate support
through funding raised by Harambee (UK) CIC. A short video featuring the needs and
issues was made.
Mr. John MacPhie offering consultancy services to Chara Trust clients bringing him in
contact with BAME communities as well as Barka in Poland. Teaming up with Godwin in
Harambee (UK) CIC and Harambee (Uganda) CIC both return from two weeks in Uganda.

3. Baiba D. Mjidho presented profile of Kenya Community Association which is linked to
Chara Trust since its formation. Members visited Barka in Poland through Transnational
visits under Chara Trust. KCA famine response program launched on 9 Feb. 2012 a Social
Integration Centre in Kanini Kaseo, Kenya. Video and project file outlining benefits and
seeking funding support was presented.
Ewa Sadowska presented activities of Barka UK working with migrants experiencing
exclusion, homelessness, unemployment and various handicaps. Responsible for
services offered in Germany, Ireland and currently replicating them in Holland. These
services have strong support from host governments and local authorities.
Tomasz Sadowski, Gave an overview of work and scope of Barka Foundation in Poland
and the contribution it has offered over the years in advancing human capital. He was
highly involved in formation and delivery of the European EQUAL project. Being an EC
project its success is known to all with the Commission and Parliament.
The EESC publication REX/302 “Social Economy in Africa” inspired Tomasz to consider
similar intervention “EQUAL for AFRICA” supported by the Commission, regional and
national government through partnerships with African Union, regional and national
governments through network or partnerships associations, foundations and other
entities.
Tomasz emphasized the moral dilemma for all. What is there for Africa?. In empowering
Africa, Europe is empowering itself there will be less need for support. The initiative
needs immediate support to launch pilot projects in select regions of Africa.
Dr. Celestin Murengezi, gave comprehensive overview of the operations, structure,
selections process, funding constraints and possibilities. The details enumerated are on
the website and won’t be delved in detail for brevity.
Support is channeled through front line services providers such as civil society, local
authorities, people working on own initiatives, promoters of diversity such justice,
equality and poverty alleviation.
Community based initiatives; have two main pillars of support (1) Geographic
instruments and (2) Thematic instruments and programmes.
(1) Partner Countries: comprise of support for (a) concrete actions in developing
countries in Africa, elsewhere or within EU. (b) Concrete action in any of the 120 single
country envelop. (c) Network support comprising partners with community policy
design.
(2) Thematic instruments and programmes (a) Democracy and human rights (EIDHR) (b)
Nuclear safety cooperation (NSCI) (C) Environment and sustainable management of
natural resources including energy (DCI) (d) Non state actors and local authorities in
development (DCI) (e) Food security (DCI) (f) Migration and asylum (DCI) (h) Investing in
people (DCI) (g) Structuring sugar production – no funds available (DCI) (i) EU food
facility and (j) Instrument for stability.
Millennium development goals (MDG); Awareness of development actions that are
concrete and quantifiable. The only one exclusively managed in Europe

4. Structural dialogue; mainly in Europe challenging established current established policy.
Main beneficiary is Concorde combining mostly civil society within Europe with over
1,000 members.
Disbursement of funds/support; Due to the multiplicity of actors and genuine needs
funding is through call for proposals which is done once per year. 2012 calls closed in
early February 2012 and 2013 call will be at year end. Within Europe, Concorde has
monopoly with direct grant allocation.
Local Authorities; Have political value and thus empowered. There are 40 beneficiary
countries outside Europe.
African/European partnerships support; is enduring and value adding
African networks; could be more empowering.
REVES offers services in Europe. Platforma operates outside Europe.
Immediate Support; Dr.Murengezi could not identify any avenue of immediate support
for the “African Initiative” – EQUAL FOR AFRICA as all calls have been closed. There
could be opportunities in individual Country Delegation. Kenya is served by Delegation
of the European Union to Kenya with Lodewijk Briet – Head of Delegation and Marjaana
Sall as Deputy.
Dr. Filip Kaczmarek, MEP
Dr.Filip Kaczmarek has been keen supporter of the initiative since from its inception in
September 2011 when the Transnational exchange group to Barka Poland, called in his
office in Poznan while on official duty to Nairobi. He is highly acquainted with pathetic
situation if Africa and the need for intervention as proposed.
Dr. Kaczmarek was delighted by the extensive progress made through reports on
Uganda, Kenya, Cameroon and potential in Ghana. He was presented with report and
video of Kanini Kaseo pilot project in Kenya. Tomasz briefed him similar to presentation
of Dr. Murengezi.
While he concurred with advice to explore funding by delegation in Nairobi he had
reservation on the outcome. He pledged support.
Reves Network.
Tomasz and Ewa attended the Reves Network Board meeting accompanied by Baiba
where Barka’s application for membership was considered. All delegates present voted
for admission and Barka participate in the proceedings that followed. This way Barka
became officially a member of the Reves Network.
During Dinner that attended by the Barka Team, Mr. Luigi Martignetti, secretary General
– Reves, Mr. Jan Olsson -Chairman – Reves and Mr. Jens Nilsson, MEP and South Africa
EP delegation member. There was overwhelming support and agreement on the need of
the EQUAL FOR AFRICA project. Tomasz suggestion that Reves accept Africa members
was accepted. The Africa team was thus challenged to scout for suitable candidates.

5. Mr. Jan Olsson secured an appointment with Mr. Luca Jahier autor report at 12:00
noon on learning of his connection with the EQUAL FOR AFRICA proposal.
General Office Advices SPRL.
Tomasz, Ewa accompanied by Baiba consulted Mr. G. Gerrd, Mrs. C. Peeters and Ms I.
Gerard of General Office Advices SPRL in respect to registering Barka Network for Social
Economy to be based in Brussels that would coordinate Barka’s affairs within and
outside of Europe. It would create capacity to supervise and manage Africa.
Mr. Gerard recommended the network be an Association rather than Foundation, which
would suit the intended network of member organizations (members can be civil society
organizations as well as local authorities). Draft governing document would be delivered
in one week and the full registration process be completed with two weeks.
The Kenya Community Association and Harembee UK & Harambee UK were offered
opportunity of being among the registered founding members.
Prof. Jerzy Buzek, Immediate Past President-President European
Parliament.
Prof.Buzek gave the delegation warm and friendly reception. He was interested and
captivated by motivating factors of the idea, steps taken, immediate plans and future
outlook.
Both Godwin and Baiba presented profile of Uganda and Kenya. Baiba also presented
Pro. Buzek file and video on the Social Integration Centre project in Kanini Kaseo, Kenya.
Tomasz provided Prof. Jerzy Buzek with a review of Barka operations in Poland, UK,
Germany, Ireland, France and Holland. Tomasz explained the vision and content of the
EQUAL FOR AFRICA project in details with its origin being EESC REX/302 (“Social
Economy in Africa”) - whose Rapporteur Mr. Luca Jahier we were meeting soon after the
meeting with Prof. Buzek.
While the project would significantly alter the fate of Africa transforming it into
continent of abundance it would likewise reduce its burden to Europe and become a
partner in provision of aid. Underscored also was the reality that no clear provision
existed within the intervention mechanism of the Commission and Parliament that
would financially facilitate this innovative, ground breaking and empowering initiative.
The support and goodwill of Prof. Buzek would be pivotal.
Tomasz further explained admission of Barka Foundation to REVES as well as formation
of Barka International Network for Social Economy under registration whose operations
would be based in Brussels. Tomasz also spoke about the innovative Social Economy
Centre of Wielkopolska Region, a new public liability company under creation in public-
private partnership between the Wielkopolska regional authorities, Poznan city council
and two civil society organizations. The Centre will manage social economy projects
within the cohesion policy.

6. Prof. Buzek acknowledged and was equally pleased with the exciting outcomes and life
changing activities of Barka and its networks within Europe whose success was highly
commendable.
There was no doubt the African intervention would yield the same success was in
Europe and therefore was willing and available to assist in any way possible. He
requested Tomasz to keep him updated and provide any information that would
facilitate his assistance to the initiative.
Video and booklet on the Kenya Social Integration Centre was handed to Prof. Buzek.
The further materials on UGANDA projects and the GHANA initiative were promised to
be provided at the earliest convenience. These projects form the beginning of the
intervention “Equal of Europe for Arica”.
Mr. Luca Jahier, EESC Vice President Group III and Rapporteuer REX/302
“Social Economy in Africa”.
Mr. Luca Jahier hosted the delegates to unscheduled meeting to discuss the EQUAL FOR
AFRICA project based on the EESC opinion: Social Economy in Africa: “What role and
perspective for Africa’s social economy in development cooperation?”. While Mr.Jahier
was pressed for time, quality discussion and exchange was made. Mr. Gerhard
Braeunling, EU Policy Coordinator –Youth Employment, Entrepreneurship and Micro-
Finance joined the discussion.
After introducing the delegates, Tomasz expressed his thanks for scheduling meeting at
extremely short notice. The group was honored by meeting the person, who authored
the opinion on whose basis the whole project was based. He further made short
overview of the Barka operations in Poland and other countries of Europe.
Of critical importance to meeting, which forms the essence of the visit to both European
Commission and European Parliament, was seeking support for Africa similar to the
provision of European EQUAL of 2002 – 2008 in which Tomasz and Barka Foundation
were intensely involved.
Tomasz explained the formation of Barka International Network for Social Economy
under registration which would coordinate among others the African initiative whose
office would be based in Brussels.
Mr. Jahier was highly touched by these developments and by the response to his
opinion and the fact that opinion elicited action from among other Barka and its
associates with action already ongoing. It was however Jahier’s view that currently he
was not aware of any platform of the EU from which such support would be given.
Mr.Braeunling expressed optimism that based on his personal experience and success of
the European EQUAL project, Africa would equally benefit from similar intervention and
support in lobbying for resources commended.
Mr.Luca Jahier pledged his support.

7. Short term actions:
1. Basia and Tomasz to prioritize fact finding tour to Africa that would enable them
create an effective organ for the initiative with clarity of vision and
understanding of the African view. Basia and Tomasz (and possibly Ewa) will
make such a visit in May 2012. This visit does not replace the earlier planned visit
of study group to 5 African countries.
2. KCA within its meager resources consider making a donation towards expenses
of scheduled Basia and Tomasz trip to Africa.
3. Registration of the Barka Network International for Social Economy being
handled by General Office Advices SPRL be prioritized. Baiba to assist Ewa where
such assistance is called for. Kenya Community Association and Harambee UK &
Harambee Uganda have been invited to be founding members of the Network.
They have in principle accepted the invitation. Formal KCA and Harambee
Uganda & Harambee UK Board resolutions to be sent to Barka for record
purposes.
4. REVES would be willing to accept cities, counties or regions that meet its criteria
for membership. The African networks associated with Barka to facilitate same.
5. Efforts be made to secure additional £3,000 for completing land preparations by
the Kaseo Kanini Social integration Centre in Kenya and additional activities of
the projects such as the feasibility study of Makueni Sustainable Irrigated
Agriculture (MaSIA) Project.
6. KCA Kenya based Trustees to follow up invitation extended to the Israel Embassy
in Nairobi. Press release of visit to Brussels by Wielkopolska Regional office be
brought to the attention of HE Gil Gaskel.
7. KCA ensure that press release is featured in the Kenyan press with assistance of
the DC Makueni and also post it on its website.
8. Exciting news of Kenya launch and Brussels encounter brought to attention of
Mr. Ken Perry of Plus Dane Group for information and attention that would
incite further possible support.
9. A broad based consortium of African Association in Merseyside have declared
willingness to join and support the initiative as well as to create broad based
foundation and support of Africans here in Europe and within Africa.
10. Tomasz and Barka Network use its wide contact base to drum up support and
public awareness to the intervention. The intent and scope of the project be
provided to international organizations and foundations whose contributions
and support can sustain operations. The priority is to continue lobbing European
Commission and Parliament as main actors.
11. Close scrutiny of both European Commission and Parliament operates,
committees, delegations and decisions of funding (eg. Projects like the one of
Concordie).
Long term Actions

8. 1. Urgent building and strengthening of Barka Brussels office to be the hub and
centre operations in the various regions of Barka’s presence.
2. Start to define content, scope and nature of intervention.
3. Define structure, linkage, interrelationships between Network for Africa, African
representative institutions in Europe and country operations in Africa.