Restart of RiO Centrum – new goals, space and grand opening
On September 3, 2025, the RiO Center officially began a new phase of its operations. Previously operating as the RiO Edu Center, the center changed its focus and expanded its goals, focusing primarily on supporting children and youth at risk of social exclusion. The ceremony was an opportunity to present the center’s new programs, interiors adapted to creative work with children, and to honor its founder, Omena Mensah, with the prestigious Order of the Smile—a distinction awarded by children for nearly sixty years.
A new stage of the RiO Centrum's activity
For years, the RiO Center has been involved in providing assistance to children and families facing difficult life circumstances. Previous work has focused, among other things, on supporting Ukrainian refugees, for whom the center provided a safe place, meals, education, and psychological support. This new phase of its activities focuses on supporting children and young people in Poland who, for various reasons, require additional care, opportunities to develop their talents, and build self-confidence. At the same time, the RiO Center continues to support refugees and focuses primarily on the local needs of children and young people.
The grand opening gathered representatives from the worlds of media, education, and art. The event was held under the honorary patronage of the Children’s Rights Ombudsman , Monika Horna-Cieślak , and hosted by Joanna Racewicz and Vito Casetti , accompanied by Marlena Sołtysińska, a Rafał Brzoska Foundation scholarship recipient, and Magdalena Krasińska , Mental Health and Education Manager at Omenaa Foundation and Rafał Brzoska Foundation. Guests had the opportunity to tour the center’s newly designed interiors: bright, spacious classrooms for educational activities, art studios, rooms for individual psychological support, and creative zones where students can develop their talents. The interiors are decorated with works by artist Bruno Neuhamer , creating an inspiring atmosphere conducive to learning, creativity, and building self-confidence.
RiO Centrum also introduced new ambassadors who will support educational and artistic activities and lead workshops and projects for its students. They include:
- Kamila Szczawińska (RiO Vibe) – leading initiatives supporting the development of social and psychological competences of young people,
- Joanna Kryńska (RiO Meet) – responsible for inspirational meetings and youth mentoring,
- Dr. Adam Mirek (RiO Edu) – expert in the field of natural sciences and creative educational workshops,
- Michał Borowik (RiO Art) – artist and educator leading creative workshops and artistic projects.
The ambassadors will not only engage in educational activities but also serve as mentors, inspiring young people to discover their talents and consciously plan their career paths. Thanks to their support, the center’s students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of projects, from scientific experiments to artistic endeavors, that foster creativity, interpersonal skills, and self-esteem.
The new profile of RiO Centrum is based on four pillars:
- RiO Edu – education through play and experiments, activities for the youngest and creative and scientific workshops for older children,
- RiO Vibe – psychological support, development of social skills, individual and group therapy, interpersonal skills training,
- RiO Art – art therapy and creative projects, from drawing and painting to zero-waste fashion design,
- RiO Meet – meetings with inspiring people who help young people discover talents, develop passions and plan career paths.
Founder the RiO Centrum with the Order of the Smile
During the inauguration, Omenaa Mensah was honored with the Order of the Smile , which has been awarded to adults exclusively at the request of children since 1968. This distinction underscores the center’s founder’s long-standing commitment to helping children, and also combines the celebration of the RiO Center’s new beginning with the values that guide the center’s daily work: safety, support, developing talents, and inspiring young people to develop consciously.
“Being honored with the Order of the Smile, awarded by children since 1968—over half a century ago—is a tremendous honor and commitment. Knowing that I have been recognized for my work on behalf of the most needy children in Poland, Europe, and Africa is the greatest reward. This distinction also proves that our work truly makes sense. I promise to persevere and help even more and more effectively, because there is nothing more precious than a smile on a child’s face and the knowledge that they are safe and well cared for — ” says Omenaa Mensah.
The event, combined with the presentation of new spaces and programs, created an atmosphere of openness, creative energy, and joy. Guests could observe demonstration classes, tour artistic and educational studios, and learn about the center’s new initiatives, which now offer even more opportunities for support, talent development, and creative activities for children and youth in Poland.