Councillors discussed the relocation of the kindergarten for nearly an hour and a half. They spoke with parents and staff from both institutions because protests had arisen over the operation of two kindergartens in one building.

Kindergarten No. 7 is in a deplorable condition. The wooden barrack is falling apart and is not watertight. The kindergarten was originally intended to operate for ten years—it has already been functioning for 23 years. For four years, the Sanitary Inspectorate had conditionally permitted its continued operation, up to March this year. Now it has said no.

The Social Affairs Department of the City Hall proposed relocating the kindergarten to the newly renovated Kindergarten No. 8 building. Parents of children from No. 8 protested, arguing that this was not their problem and that they did not want additional children at their kindergarten. According to the protesters, the classrooms would become too crowded.

Krystyna Boratyńska, Head of the Social Affairs Department, claims that things will be the same as in other kindergartens. "The only loss is the loss of the gymnasium. There is no obligation for such an institution to have a gym. I believe that this room will already be available next year, when the number of children in kindergartens decreases," says Krystyna Boratyńska.

However, the parents of children from No. 8 believe that the groups from No. 7 could have been divided and placed in different institutions, following the example of their renovated kindergarten.

The Head of the Social Affairs Department explains that it was good that No. 7 was not divided. "Kindergarten No. 7 has exceptionally well-educated staff. Apart from one person who is studying, everyone has higher education. Some are certified teachers. If we divided up such a team, what motivation would we give others to study?" asks Krystyna Boratyńska.

After earlier discussions in committees, the councillors decided to relocate Kindergarten No. 7 in its entirety.

It is already known that the No. 7 building will either be leased or demolished. The city will not renovate it. Kindergarten No. 7 will therefore permanently move into a building that is new to it and was modernized in 2004–2005.

The renovation included, among other things, installing the façade and heating system, replacing the water and sewage systems, replacing windows and floors, and painting. In addition, the ground floor was adapted for people with disabilities, the catering facilities were modernized, and damp-proof insulation was installed. The renovation of the kindergarten cost approximately PLN 1.6 million. It was the largest kindergarten renovation carried out in recent years.

Readers’ opinions

Maybe the mothers from No. 7 could put themselves in our position. Six months away from their favourite institution, followed by constant stress because everyone twists what we say. We are not forbidding you from coming to us. Come, but not in such numbers. I wonder how you would react if one hundred additional people were put into your "barrack," as Mrs Boratyńska calls it?! Would you like that? Nobody here wants quarrels or slander.

Thinboy – parent from No. 8, Bolesławiec

People, you do not understand the problem. What, are the children from No. 8 worse?

Kasia

Dear parents from No. 8. Let me remind you that this is not your privately owned kindergarten, but public property. You did not contribute a single zloty to the renovation. I cannot understand the outrage. Why are you so angry with children and other parents whom you do not know? The children will also benefit from this merger, because a wonderful teaching staff will come to No. 8. That is something to be happy about, rather than complain and be angry with everyone. No. 8 is not close to me—in fact, it is the end of the city for me—but because of the atmosphere, friendships and teachers, I decided not to transfer my daughter to another kindergarten. I am tolerant of others and do not write anyone off at the outset. I wish the same for all of you.

Parent from "7," Bolesławiec

I was just going to send my child to the reception class in September. I chose No. 7. Pleasant, intimate, and the staff—according to friends—excellent. And it is close. But as usual, something bothers someone in this city; it gets under their skin, and so on. I remind the mothers from No. 8 that even at preschool age, friendships should not be destroyed. And if the children learn to live in a large group, it will only do them good. And anyway, why is nobody dealing with the fees in kindergartens? A pile of money for nothing!

Mała, Bolesławiec

What do you think? You painted your little house, bought new furniture and replaced the windows, and during the renovation you lived with your mother-in-law. When you returned, you found a beautifully renovated home. Two weeks later, Mr Kowalski comes to you and announces that he has to move in because his apartment is already old. Isn’t that a little confusing? Or perhaps his apartment is not as old as he says?

Adrian, Bolesławiec

It seems to me that the land left after Kindergarten No. 7 will probably be sold to someone. It is probably the next scam! I wonder which of the "chosen ones" will buy the land?!

Count, Bolesławiec

The money from selling Popiełuszki Square would come in handy now for the renovation... But no, the Bolesławiec buyers are more important than the children.

Maciej, Wrocław