Polish Educational Society in Great Britain (1953-1983)

Abstract

After the second world war about 130 thousand Poles .settled in Great Britain. Since then, the problem of education has been the most important for the Polish community. Thus, the Polish Educational Society was refounded in Great Britain in 1953 (the same organization existed in Poland in 1916-1939).. Its aim is to maintain and teach the Polish language and culture in a number of Saturday schools. The Society publishes various teaching and learning aids. Periodicals, which frequently replace proper handbooks, appear to be the most important. Besides, the Polish Educational Society runs a correspondence course of Polish, organizes school competitions and teachers’ conferences, gives rewards for the best pupils etc. It also cooperates with the University of London. The Polish Educational Society is a purely social organization which is financially supported by the voluntary action of the Polish community.