From the UNAWEZA Foundation of Martyna Wojciechowska through rural women's associations to the Catholic Schools Council – such different organizations have been included on the list of those that will support Polish schools from September. On what principles will they be able to operate now, and how was it under Minister Czarnek?
Non-governmental organizations are rolling up their sleeves. – This is definitely a step forward. This is something that has not happened before – emphasizes Igor Maliński from the Polish Youth Parliament and a member of the Young Democrats. – I hope that our experiences can be used in practice – adds Martyna Wojciechowska, president of the UNAWEZA Foundation and implementer of the “Young Heads” project.
At the end of June, the Minister of Education appointed a team for cooperation with non-governmental organizations. Now she has announced the results of the open recruitment.
– One of the basic assumptions of the functioning of the Ministry of Education, which I established for myself and my colleagues, is a broad dialogue – emphasizes the Minister of National Education from the Civic Coalition, Barbara Nowacka.
30 organizations to start with
The Minister will initially cooperate with 30 organizations. Starting with the Polish Scouting Association, through foundations dealing with the mental health of young leaders, child safety and environmental protection. The list also includes the rural housewives' association from Bystrzyca, the Catholic Schools Council and Menstruation Action.
– This team includes organizations that a year ago would not have been able to consult certain decisions in the ministry – says Paula Wasiluk from the Akcja Menstruacja Foundation. – It's fantastic that such a team has been created. I would say: finally – comments Dr. Iga Kazimierczyk, president of the Przestrzeń dla Edukacji Foundation, the “Wolna Szkoła” initiative.
How did the PiS authorities cooperate with the organizations?
In previous years, there was no such team. Instead, there were programs of cooperation with NGOs, which – as Dr. Iga Kazimierczyk points out – were a statutory requirement anyway.
One of the most striking examples of how cooperation with non-governmental organizations was treated under the previous government were the various versions of the so-called lex Czarnek laws. Activists, experts and teachers took to the streets and raised the alarm that the regulations would make it difficult for non-governmental organizations to enter schools. The president vetoed two laws.
– Through lex Czarnek, the authorities decided to limit the influence of non-governmental organizations on education – says Dorota Łoboda, chairwoman of the parliamentary special committee for termination of pregnancy.
The new education minister talks about the large social capital that she wants to use. Especially since the mental health crisis of young people is in the foreground. And two new subjects have appeared on the horizon: health education and civic education.
– Such actions to counteract violence will be important – announces Wiktoria Kinik from the Empowering Children Foundation.
Minister of Education Barbara Nowacka met with traveler Martyna Wojciechowska and representatives of the UNAWEZA FoundationPlatform X/MEIN_GOV_PL
– Certain things cannot happen quickly, but what can really be done here and now is prevention – says Martyna Wojciechowska.
The team will meet for the first time in early September. It has been called an “auxiliary body”. – Of course, we will know by the fruits. We will see how the effects of this team's work will be consumed by the ministry – says Iga Kazimierczyk.
Due to the high level of interest, the ministry is planning additional recruitment. The team will then grow to include 15 organizations.
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