22 listopada 2025 / 22 November 2025 In cooperation with Aktywny Dialog Poland
This series of Aktywny Dialog workshops, held on 22 November 2025 at the Polish Saturday School in Leicester, formed an important part of our educational programme dedicated to the 85th anniversary of the Soviet deportations of Polish citizens to Siberia. The workshops were designed to help young learners and their families understand the tragic history of the 1940–41 deportations, the suffering endured by the Sybiracy, and the importance of preserving these stories for future generations.
🇵🇱 Polska Szkoła Sobotnia w Leicester – warsztaty
W ramach projektu Aktywny Dialog przeprowadziliśmy trzy kolejne warsztaty edukacyjne, które miały na celu przybliżenie młodemu pokoleniu historii polskich rodzin wywiezionych na Sybir podczas sowieckiej okupacji. Uczniowie poznawali losy Sybiraków ludzi wyrwanych z domów, przewożonych w mroźnych wagonach bydlęcych, zmuszanych do niewolniczej pracy i walki o przetrwanie w nieludzkich warunkach.
Learning Through Storytelling, Memory, and Creativity
The workshops combined storytelling, historical materials, creative activities, and guided discussions. Children learned about:
- the deportations of 1940–41,
- the harsh realities of life in Siberia,
- the resilience and courage of Polish families,
- the importance of memory and truth in shaping identity.
By engaging with these themes in an age‑appropriate way, students developed a deeper understanding of their heritage and the sacrifices made by earlier generations.
Building Bridges Between Past and Present
These workshops also highlighted the strength of the Polish community in Leicester. Parents, teachers, and students came together to reflect on the experiences of the Sybiracy and to honour the memory of those who suffered under Russian aggression. The intergenerational conversations that emerged helped ensure that these stories — often painful, always important — continue to live on.
22 listopada 2025 / 22 November 2025 In cooperation with Aktywny Dialog Poland
This series of Aktywny Dialog workshops, held on 22 November 2025 at the Polish Saturday School in Leicester, formed an important part of our educational programme marking the 85th anniversary of the Soviet deportations of Polish citizens to Siberia. Workshops No. 05, 06, and 07 were designed to help young learners understand the tragic history of the 1940–41 deportations, the suffering endured by the Sybiracy, and the importance of preserving these stories for future generations.
👧👦 Workshops for Children in Leicester
On this special day, I spent time with the wonderful community of the Leicester Polish Saturday School (Polska Szkoła Sobotnia w Leicester), leading three lively workshops tailored to different age groups. The children were full of energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm each group bringing its own unique spirit to the learning experience.
Ages 4–6 (17 children)
A joyful 20‑minute session filled with:
- learning Wojtek the Soldier Bear song together
- drawing and colouring activities Their sweet voices singing along were absolutely adorable, and their creativity lit up the room.
Ages 6–9 (19 children)
A 30–40 minute workshop featuring:
- a short, age‑appropriate presentation
- another song to learn
- lots of enthusiastic questions Their eagerness to understand history — even at such a young age — was inspiring.
Ages 9–13 (27 children)
A 40–60 minute session for the oldest group, including:
- a more detailed presentation about the Sybiracy
- discussion about memory, identity, and resilience
- thoughtful reflections from the students Their maturity and engagement were truly impressive.
These workshops not only introduced the children to an important chapter of Polish history but also strengthened their sense of identity, belonging, and cultural pride.
Heartfelt Thanks
A huge thank you goes to Małgorzata Wiśniewska (pictured below in red), Director of the Polish Saturday School in Leicester, for her wonderful cooperation and for giving me the opportunity to run these workshops. Her support, warmth, and dedication made the day truly special.
I also want to express my deep gratitude to Barbara Czyżnikowska, whose kindness and connections made this collaboration possible. Barbara’s role in bringing us together was invaluable, and I am profoundly grateful for her support.
A Community Rooted in History and Hope
The Polish Saturday School in Leicester once again demonstrated its vital role in preserving Polish culture, language, and historical awareness. Through these workshops, children not only learned about the past but also strengthened their sense of identity, pride, and belonging.
Hashtags:
#AktywnyDialog #AktywnyDialogPoland #PolishSaturdaySchool #PolskaSzkola #LeicesterPolonia #Sybiracy #85Rocznica #DeportacjeNaSybir #PolishHistory #HistoryMatters #PolishHeritage #CommunityEducation #Pamiętamy #WeRemember #PolishUK #KulturaPolska