The Warsaw High School Times

Dominika Muszyńska

Graphic provided by Daniel Atanasow

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In a bold move to celebrate and acknowledge the contributions of thousands of individuals and institutions dedicated to promoting economic and financial knowledge in Poland over the past century, the Senate of the Republic of Poland has declared the year 2024 as the “Rok Edukacji Ekonomicznej” (Year of Economic Education). This initiative is a collaborative effort among five major educational organizations involved in non-formal education in the field of economic and financial knowledge in Poland. The declaration aims not only to recognize past efforts but also to provide substantial support for current initiatives by both public institutions and non-governmental organizations.

Photo source: “Porwani przez ekonomie.pl”

Historical Significance and Foundations

The decision to establish 2024 as the Year of Economic Education holds historical significance, honoring the centennial anniversaries of five key events. These include the 100th anniversary of Władysław Grabski’s economic reforms, the creation of the Polish złoty, the establishment of the Bank of Poland, the inception of the Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego, and the publication of Janusz Korczak’s seminal work, “Bankructwo Małego Dżeka” (The Bankruptcy of Little Jack).

These milestones underscore the rich economic history of Poland and serve as a foundation for the current emphasis on economic education. Grabski’s economic reforms, in particular, laid the groundwork for the nation’s economic development and provide inspiration for ongoing initiatives in financial education.

Support for the Initiative

Since the announcement of the Year of Economic Education, a wave of support has flooded in from various sectors. Teachers, schools, academic institutions, scouts, entrepreneurs, local government officials, non-profit organizations, banks, and financial institutions have all pledged their support for this crucial initiative.

To express support for the Year of Economic Education 2024, individuals and organizations are encouraged to submit a signed declaration, including a clause on personal data processing, to the designated email address: deklaracje@ree2024.pl. Entities interested in obtaining the status of supporting partners are invited to directly contact the initiative at kontakt@ree2024.pl.

Target Groups and Outreach

The initiative recognizes the importance of reaching diverse audiences, and thus, the target groups include children, youth, students, seniors, teachers, local government officials, non-governmental organizations, and journalists. The comprehensive approach ensures that economic education reaches individuals across different age groups and professions, fostering a broad understanding of financial matters.

Timeline and Milestones

The Year of Economic Education follows a structured timeline to maximize its impact. The key milestones include:

1. September 2023: Senate of the Republic of Poland officially declares 2024 as the Year of Economic Education based on the proposal from REE2024 partners.
2. October 2023: Initiatives can be submitted within the framework of the Year of Economic Education.
3. January 2024: The project kicks off with an opening conference.
4. March 2024: The VIII Congress of Financial Education and Entrepreneurship takes place.
5. October 2024: The Day of Financial Education is celebrated.
6. January 2025: A closing conference wraps up the project, summarizing achievements and outlining future directions.

The Year of Economic Education 2024 is a commendable initiative that not only pays tribute to the economic history of Poland but also serves as a catalyst for contemporary efforts in economic and financial education. With broad support from various sectors, this initiative has the potential to create a lasting impact on the knowledge and understanding of economic principles among diverse segments of the Polish population. As the year unfolds, it will be interesting to observe the events, initiatives, and educational programs that contribute to the overarching goal of enhancing economic literacy and awareness in Poland.