Tutoring Only for the Fastest? Parents Angered
Parents in the Żoliborz district of Warsaw express frustration over the limited availability of free tutoring programs for students preparing for exams.
In the Żoliborz district of Warsaw, Poland, a new initiative was launched in 2023 to offer free tutoring in mathematics and Polish to students preparing for their eighth-grade and high school exams. This program has garnered initial approval from parents; however, many are disappointed with the limited number of spots available for participants. With only four groups created—two for mathematics and two for Polish, each with initially 25 spots—it has become evident that the demand far exceeds the supply.
The lack of spots has raised concerns among parents, as they believe that the initiative, while well-meaning, is insufficient to meet the needs of all students seeking assistance. Gabriela Korczak-Florek, a specialist from the Żoliborz district's education department, noted that adjustments were made to increase the capacity slightly after obtaining consent from instructors, but many students are still left without access to these resources. The situation has sparked a significant reaction within the community, highlighting the challenges of providing adequate educational support in a timely manner.
This issue reflects broader concerns about the accessibility of educational resources in urban areas, particularly as families navigate the pressures of exam preparation. Parents are now calling for an expansion of the program to include more groups and resources to ensure that all interested students can benefit from tutoring, underscoring the necessity for community support and investment in education during crucial formative years.