The Polish government has decided to allocate almost $130 million for the education of Ukrainian children in schools
The Council of Ministers of Poland has decided to allocate 500 million zlotys (almost $130 million) for the education of new Ukrainian children in Polish schools. This July 16 decision is part of measures to support Ukrainian refugees and ensure their integration into the Polish education system. It is expected that with the beginning of the new academic year, according to this year’s changes to the special law on assistance to Ukrainians, 20-60 thousand Ukrainian children who have not previously attended Polish educational institutions will appear in Polish schools.
The Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy of Poland announced that funds will be allocated from the European Social Development Funds (FERS) for 2021-2027 to finance schools and teachers. These funds will go to:
- Employing intercultural assistants who will help students adapt to new conditions, diagnose adaptation problems and help solve them.
- Provision of educational and methodical materials for teachers who will work with students with migration or refugee experience.
- Prevention of mental disorders and psychological support of children and youth with migration or refugee experience.
According to the estimates of the Ministry of Education of Poland, at least 29 thousand new children from Ukraine will go to Polish schools from September 1. These changes are part of Poland’s overall strategy to integrate Ukrainian refugees into the local education system and provide them with equal opportunities for education.
Changes to the special law on assistance to Ukrainians also provide that social assistance under the programs “800+” (a monthly allowance per child in the amount of 800 zlotys) and “Good Start” (one-time assistance in the amount of 300 zlotys) will be provided to Ukrainian families only for conditions if the child attends a Polish school. The Polish government explains the introduction of this requirement by the need to equalize the chances of all children to obtain basic education.
Until now, Poland had a hybrid education system for Ukrainian children, where about 200,000 children attended Polish schools, while others studied remotely in Ukrainian educational institutions. The authorities noted that it is difficult for them to control the education process of children who do not attend Polish schools. Thanks to the new measures, an additional 60-80 thousand Ukrainian children are expected in Polish schools in the new school year.
Currently, there are about a million Ukrainian refugees in Poland who need various forms of support, in particular in the field of education for children.
