The call for applications opens on 7 July this year. Schools receiving funding through the competition will use the funds during the next school year. The money may be allocated to selected objectives related to helping pupils return to classroom-based education, integration, building relationships and reducing the negative effects of the coronavirus pandemic, which the youngest residents of Lower Silesia felt particularly strongly.
– In recent months, children had no personal contact with school, their peers or teachers, so through this programme we want to make up for that in some way. I am convinced that this financial support will help prepare an interesting educational offer for our youngest residents. In this way, we will also take care of shaping and strengthening regional identity, as we plan to involve our cultural institutions in joint activities – says Cezary Przybylski, Marshal of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship.
Millions for Lower Silesian schools
Applications for funding may be submitted by the authorities responsible for running a given school. The total value of the competition is as much as PLN 25 million, and the money will come from European Union funds under the Regional Operational Programme of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship.
The regional government plans to involve the cultural institutions subordinate to it in implementing the activities. They will prepare a special offer for children, while Koleje Dolnośląskie would provide transport to interesting places in our region.
– After many months of isolation, we must face the challenge of returning children to school. Recent months have not encouraged effective work or interpersonal contact, which is so important for development. That is why we want to help expand the educational offer, as well as provide psychological support for the youngest, which is extremely important in the current situation – says Marcin Krzyżanowski, Deputy Marshal of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship.
What can the money be used for?
The use of the funding awarded will be decided by the headteacher and teaching staff of the school concerned. The range of possibilities is very broad.
– I encourage the authorities running primary schools to apply for funds from the project and allocate them, among other things, to organising various types of additional classes, field trips, interest clubs and laboratories. The money may also be used for additional individual classes for pupils with special developmental and educational needs, remedial classes or psychological care – says Marek Obrębalski, Deputy Chair of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship Assembly.
The programme's authors hope that the additional money will inspire teaching staff to organise classes and trips around Lower Silesia, so that pupils can change their surroundings somewhat and have the opportunity to spend time in nature.