Education and recreation for the Polish diaspora from the Borderlands

The "Solidarni Razem" Association continues its long-standing tradition of organizing summer educational and recreational projects for children and youth from the Trakai District in Lithuania, especially students of Longin Komołowski Middle School in Polukny. This year, thanks to funding from the Senate of the Republic of Poland and the St. MM Kolbe Institute for the Development of the Polish Language, young people can once again spend the summer in Poland, developing their linguistic and cultural skills.

The first project – "Summer Polish Language Workshops on the Baltic Sea 2025" – takes place from July 17-27 in Szczecin. Thanks to funding from the Senate of the Republic of Poland, 50 students will participate in intensive workshops on Polish language, history, and culture. The program includes 105 hours of instruction, divided into three groups of 35 hours each. The workshops will be delivered in an engaging, interactive format, encompassing grammar, conversation, reading comprehension, and creative writing. Specialized literary workshops and meetings dedicated to Poland's modern achievements are additional highlights of the program.

The project also offers a rich cultural and educational program. Participants will visit the Maritime Science Center and the Przełomy Center, learning about the contemporary history of Szczecin and the region. They will visit the National Museum, the city's underground tunnels, and the cathedral. They will participate in an urban game in the footsteps of poet KI Gałczyński, and participate in a plein-air painting session at Jasne Błonia. A day trip to Międzyzdroje is also planned, where the youth will visit the Natural History Museum, the European Bison Reserve, and the Miniature Park, combining learning with relaxation. The camp is supported by the Regional Board of NSZZ "Solidarność" in Western Pomerania.

The next session will take place from July 27th to August 2nd as part of the "With Polish Language in a Backpack" project. Thanks to the support of the Institute for Polish Language Development and the Regional Board of the NSZZ "Solidarność" Trade Union in Western Pomerania, another 50 participants will take part in intensive literary and linguistic workshops. The program consists of two main modules. The first will focus on contemporary and youth literature, the second on practical language skills development through games, creative writing exercises, and public speaking training. Activities at the Maritime Science Center will further enhance knowledge of contemporary Polish achievements. There will also be time for relaxation and tourist attractions, such as a concert at Różanka and a trip to Międzyzdroje. These summer initiatives are a continuation of the Association's previous activities.

Autumn also promises to be a busy time – further educational projects are planned: "Autumn Speaks Polish – Book Inspirations for Children and Youth," funded by the Institute for Polish Language Development; the prestigious "Chroniclers of the Region 2.0 – Passion for Discovery" project for exceptionally gifted students, funded by the Ministry of National Education; and the "Understanding Poland: Language and Knowledge of the Country" project, thanks to the support of the Senate of the Republic of Poland. The "Solidarni Razem" Association consistently supports the Polish diaspora, continuing the work initiated by the late Longin Komołowski and the education and development of young people, combining learning with active recreation.

(CK)