The 1st Worldwide Congress on Polish Education and Science Abroad was held in Jachranka near Warsaw on 5–8 July 2023. On 7 July, the event was attended by the Institute of National Remembrance represented by the IPN History Point Office, the IPN New Technologies Office, the IPN Archive, the IPN Publishing House and the IPN Office of International Cooperation.
The event’s aim was to integrate Polish communities abroad and promote the exchange of experiences among educators and scientists. It offered discussions, lectures, workshops, and meetings with experts. Organized by various institutions, it was held under the patronage of the First Lady of Poland Agata Kornhauser-Duda. The participants included teachers, diaspora leaders, parents, volunteers, university representatives, and scholars. Nearly 500 participants from 40 countries took part in the event.
The congress was a unique event, promoting integration, knowledge exchange, and networking among Polish diaspora communities worldwide. It gathered 500 people from 40 countries. Educators, animators, and lecturers from Polish educational institutions were also invited. The Institute of National Remembrance was present, showcasing its multimedia exhibition and discussing publishing initiatives.The program included workshops, methodological trainings and discussion panels.
For all congress participants, the New Technology Division prepared the New Technologies Zone, presenting our projects: "Cyphers Game" about the Polish-Bolshevik War and the achievements of Polish cryptologists, "Szybowcowa '87" about the underground activities of Fighting Solidarity, as well as holograms and educational materials (podcasts, quizzes, history lesson scripts) supporting the teaching of Polish history. The diverse projects developed by the New Technology Division demonstrated ways of talking about Polish history in an engaging and modern way. On 7 July the Office Director Magdalena Hajduk outlined the broader context of the IT revolution from the perspective of the activities of the IPN. She also presented the most important educational activities of the IPN's New Technologies Office such as educational games and applications, HISTHACK marathon, Digital Heroes project and a package of educational materials for teachers.
The International Cooperation Office represented by its Director, Agnieszka Jędrzak and Mateusz Marek, Ph.D.,presented its activities as part of the "Trails of Hope. The Odyssey of Freedom" project, as well as its reactions to examples of defamation as a model of effective memory policy.
The attendees had the opportunity to explore a multimedia exhibition presenting selected acquisitions obtained through the Archive Full of Remembrance project. Additionally, a fragment of the exhibition "‘Strengthen Your Arm – Serve Your Homeland.' 135th Anniversary of the Polish Falcons in America" was showcased, featuring original artifacts received from the Polish Falcons of America in Pittsburgh, providing insight into the activities of this esteemed Polish diaspora organization.
The Institute of National Remembrance also presented its publishing offer in a mobile bookstore and outlined the activities conducted by the IPN’s History Point Office.
***
The 1st World Congress of Polish Education and Science Abroad was organized by the St. Maximilian Maria Kolbe Institute for the Development of the Polish Language along with the Chancellery of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Education and Science and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.