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Starting this school year, a new mandate from Education Minister Barbara Nowacka requires all Ukrainian children residing in Poland to attend school. This significant policy change aims to fully integrate these students into the Polish education system, offering them a dual curriculum that includes both Polish and Ukrainian studies. With estimates suggesting between 20,000 to 160,000 Ukrainian children may be enrolled, the initiative represents a crucial step toward fostering social cohesion and supporting the educational needs of refugee students.
The move ensures access to a Ukrainian curriculum alongside the Polish one, with penalties for non-compliance including fines and potential loss of social benefits.
Previously, Ukrainian students could opt for distance learning in their homeland or follow a mixed model. However, this change integrates them fully into the Polish education system. Minister Nowacka highlighted that estimates vary widely, from 20,000 to 160,000 Ukrainian children potentially enrolling in Polish schools.
“We really don’t know how many students from Ukraine will end up in Polish schools because this data was never tracked,” Nowacka noted. She added that according to Polish estimates, this number will be between 20,000 and 40,000. “In discussions with the Ukrainian side, numbers as high as 160,000 have been mentioned, but I absolutely don’t believe that,” she said.
Nowacka emphasized the need to monitor the education of Ukraine children, especially for those receiving social benefits.
The decision has drawn some political debate. Former education minister in the conservative government, Przemysław Czarnek, expressed concern about Ukrainian content in Polish schools, arguing against the formation of “Ukrainian schools within Polish schools.”
Nowacka countered by saying that the integration aims to support both academic achievement and social cohesion, ensuring Ukrainian children learn the Polish language, history, and culture while maintaining access to optional lessons in Ukrainian language and heritage.
In addition to mandatory Polish studies, Ukrainian children can voluntarily attend classes in their native language, literature, and history if there are available Ukrainian teachers. The optional courses, funded by the Ukrainian government, aim to preserve their cultural identity while helping them adapt to life in Poland.
“The overall goal is to prevent isolation and ensure Ukrainian children are fully integrated into Polish society while respecting their heritage,” concluded Nowacka.
The recent mandate for Ukrainian children in Poland marks a significant shift in educational policy, emphasizing the integration of Ukrainian students into the Polish school system. Here are some key points regarding this development:
Mandatory Attendance: The new policy requires all Ukrainian children residing in Poland to attend school, which aims to provide them with both Polish and Ukrainian curricula. This integration is intended to help Ukrainian children adapt while preserving their cultural identity.
Estimates of Enrollment: Education Minister Barbara Nowacka noted that estimates for Ukrainian student enrollment vary widely, with Polish authorities suggesting between 20,000 to 40,000 students, while discussions with Ukrainian officials have mentioned figures as high as 160,000. The lack of tracked data makes it challenging to ascertain the exact number.
Curriculum and Benefits: Under the new rules, Ukrainian students will study Polish language, history, and culture, but they will also have the option to attend classes in their native language and literature, provided there are available teachers. This dual approach aims to prevent cultural isolation while facilitating integration.
Political Debate: The decision has sparked political discussions. Former Education Minister Przemysław Czarnek raised concerns about the potential for a "Ukrainian school within Polish schools," fearing it could dilute the Polish educational framework. In response, Nowacka emphasized that the program is designed to achieve social cohesion and academic success for the students.
Support and Funding: To support the optional classes in Ukrainian, funding will come from the Ukrainian government. This initiative is meant to help maintain the children's cultural heritage and ensure they feel included in Polish society.
Monitoring and Compliance: The government plans to monitor the educational progress of Ukrainian children, especially those receiving social benefits, to ensure they are integrated effectively and are making adequate progress in their studies.
This policy reflects Poland's ongoing commitment to support Ukrainian refugees while balancing the integration into its own educational framework. If you have specific questions or need more details on any aspect, feel free to ask!
