Hear Young People Before It’s Too Late

8 June 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

A Lublin forum promotes empathy-based school programmes to support youth mental wellbeing in Poland and train teachers and parents.

Young voices need space now, not later. The forum in Lublin will gather teachers, parents, specialists and youth workers to discuss youth mental wellbeing in Poland.

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What is happening at the forum

The event will showcase the “Aktywni” Model. Moreover, organisers will present the “School with Empathy” programme. The model trains students, teachers and parents in nonviolent communication. Consequently, schools teach young people to name emotions and manage conflicts without aggression. In addition, workshops will contrast the so-called “giraffe language” with the “jackal language.” The giraffe language builds dialogue and trust, while the jackal language relies on criticism and blame. Therefore, students learn calmer, more respectful ways to talk.

Supporting youth mental wellbeing in Poland

The programme runs as a pilot in Lublin Voivodeship since 2024. Moreover, the initiative already reached hundreds of students and nearly 200 teachers. Teachers report better skills in crisis response and relationship building. Parents attend sessions about emotions, boundaries and supporting adolescents. Consequently, the project received a recommendation from the Lublin Education Superintendent in 2025. The project team highlights that young people need more than grades today. They need adults who listen and respond with empathy. Therefore, one caring sentence can outweigh a long lecture.

Why this matters for expats and the local community

Schools influence daily life for expat families. Moreover, language and cultural differences complicate parenting. Therefore, forums like this help professionals include diverse students. In addition, the programme trains staff to spot emotional distress early. Consequently, it can reduce crisis escalation and improve school safety. The project receives funding from the National Institute for Freedom. It runs under the “Wspieramy FAO!” initiative until mid-2026. The organisers limit places, so participants must register quickly.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: In Poland schools fall under the Ministry of Education and local school superintendents. Consequently, many decisions happen at regional level. If you are an expat parent, register with the school and ask for a PESEL only if needed for administrative tasks. Moreover, the Polish health system (NFZ) covers some mental health services. However, private psychologists work widely and often offer English sessions. Therefore, keep communication with teachers open and request an interpreter early when needed.

The forum will take place on June 11 in Lublin, and the Foundation provides sign-up details online. Moreover, organisers stress that the programme focuses on long-term culture change, not quick fixes. Therefore, they aim to expand beyond pilot schools in the coming years. Parents and teachers who attend can apply practical tools the next school day.

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