Polish Education in France after World War II

Abstract

The Polish education in France started to develop rapidly immediately after the world war. The number of pupils was even higher than before the war. Soon, however, a crisis of Polish teaching began as a result of political reasons. By 1963 all the Polish schools had been closed by the Embassy of the Polish People’s Republic. Since then the French government has taken over the teaching of Polish. This did not affect, however, the schools that have been run by

various Polish social organizations and Catholic orders. Though far from being numerous, they appeared to be the strongest.

Before World War II only 20% percent of Polish children could attend the Polish schools in France. A few years after the war the percentage of such children was hardly none. It is due to various Polish organizations rather than the education itself that the majority of Polish emigrants in France have maintained strong links with the culture of the country of origin. Thanks to these organizations the young generation of old emigrants have not undergone assimilation but entered the process of integration, that is, their full participation

in the life of France with the simultaneous maintenance of some elements of their native cultural heritage.

Presently, the Polish language teaching is possible wherever a proper number of children has been registered. The French legislation presents good opportunities in this sphere now. The further development of Polish education depends only on those who are really interested in it.