The Bolesławiec County, as in the previous year, took part in a government competition for a program aimed at equalizing opportunities for children and young people. In 2007, the office secured nearly PLN 181,000, while this year it obtained almost PLN 187,000 (100% of the amount it had applied for). The project “County of Open Opportunities – a Program for Equalizing the Educational Opportunities of Children and Young People in Bolesławiec County in 2008” was prepared by Alicja Krzyszczak, head of the Department of Education, Culture, Physical Education and Sport, and Dariusz Kwaśniewski, a member of the Bolesławiec County Board.

“The project provides coordinated support for students and pupils from all schools and institutions in the county, taking their needs and aspirations into account. All educational institutions presented us with lists of their needs,” says Alicja Krzyszczak.

The program is intended to equalize the educational opportunities of students living in rural areas. Particular emphasis will be placed on teaching information technologies, foreign languages and natural sciences, while in the educational sphere the focus will be on developing active and entrepreneurial attitudes. The whole program has been divided into four thematic areas:

  • Art Education for the Little World – activities supporting the development of preschool children and pupils in grades I–III (MDK)
  • Open Opportunities Education – equalizing educational opportunities and increasing the effectiveness of education and upbringing
  • Entrepreneurial and Active – developing entrepreneurial attitudes and educational and professional activity
  • Healthy and Aware – developing health-promoting attitudes (sports and therapeutic and preventive activities).

“The money for implementing the program comes from two sources: over PLN 80,000 – 30% of the project’s total cost – from the county budget, while the remaining 70%, or almost PLN 187,000, comes from the grant we secured through the announced competition,” says Dariusz Kwaśniewski. “By mid-December this year, nearly 3,800 students and pupils will take part in more than 3,800 hours of various activities. We are very pleased about this. Next year, we will try to secure additional funding. Our effectiveness so far allows us to remain optimistic,” he adds.

(information from the Bolesławiec County Office/ii)