‘Kids tell their parents that they love the activities we offer. For us, this is the best proof that such events are worth organising’, Family News Service was told by Deputy Director of the Study Centre for the Polish Community and Poles Abroad of the Catholic University of Lublin (KUL) Dr Wojciech Wciseł. In the ‘KUL Summer’ project, the University invited children living abroad to its Creative Work House Rajchertówka in Kazimierz Dolny, where the third edition of the event is taking place on August 3-11.

Arriving in Kazimierz Dolny are young Poles from 9 countries: England, Scotland, Belgium, Spain, Germany, Italy, Hungary, Belarus, and Lithuania. Dr Wciseł highlighted that the meeting of 25 young Poles at the Rajchertówka does not mean yet another set of school activities, but an active holiday relaxation. As he said, ‘The kids enjoy their holidays. We do not wish to offer them additional lectures or classes but want them to rest and fruitfully spend the time’. The University has designed a number of attractive projects, such as workshops in film-making, journalism, photography, and arts, as well as sports and artistic events, a tour of the University, and the sightseeing of Lublin. Each participant can find something interesting here.

The participants of the meeting in Kazimierz Dolny are primarily children of Poles born abroad, although some come from mixed families. For many, it is the first camp of its kind and a form of spending free time and holidays in Poland. For all, this event provides a unique opportunity to learn more about their parents’ and ancestors’ country of origin. ‘Even if their command of the Polish language varies, the kids love to learn about Polish history and culture,’ pointed out Deputy Director of the Study Centre for the KUL Polish Community and Poles Abroad Dr Wojciech Wciseł, the project organiser, in an interview with the Family News Service.

The visit of young Poles from different countries to Kazimierz Dolny is a chance for them to learn from one another. They also invite one another to their countries of residence. This meeting is valuable not only for the participants but also for their guardians. As Wojciech Wciseł pointed out, adults can learn from children how to enjoy the present moment, be together, and appreciate things that are not always present everywhere in the world, such as the absence of war and clean, well-maintained area.

The three editions of the ‘KUL Summer’ project have attracted 75 children from over ten countries. For years, the Catholic University of Lublin has come up with a variety of projects targeting the Poles abroad. It has set up the Study Centre for the Polish Community and Poles Abroad, which holds e.g. the Study Programme for the Polish Community and Poles abroad. The programme has had over 2,000 graduates. Upon its completion, the graduates receive a certificate in Polish and English as well as attendance certificates in the KUL Study Programme in Polish and the language of their country of residence.

Family News Service

Photos: Wojciech Wciseł

Study Centre for the KUL Polish Community and Poles Abroad