Barbara Nowak has raised concerns regarding the recent implementation of health education as a new subject in Polish schools, stating that it needs to be made mandatory rather than optional. Currently, only about 30% of eligible students participate in these classes, which has led to what Nowak perceives as a failure in attendance. The Ministry of National Education (MEN), led by its head, asserts that the low participation is not a reflection of the curriculum’s quality but rather the elective nature of the classes.

In response to Minister Nowak's comments, Barbara Nowak appeared on Radio Maryja's program 'Aktualności dnia,' where she accused MEN of having predetermined the outcome of this issue. According to her, the actions taken by the Ministry appear to be superficial, and she alleges that there is a hidden agenda behind the Ministry's statements. Nowak's claim centers on the belief that the Ministry has already orchestrated a plan for making health education a compulsory subject, despite their assertions that they are open to input from various organizations about its status.

This debate over health education in Polish schools highlights broader issues of educational policy and public health. With the Polish government grappling with how best to educate youth about health matters, the tension between voluntary and mandatory education forms a critical part of the discussion. As the deadline for decisions approaches at the end of March, the outcome could significantly impact how health education is delivered in the future, reflecting the ongoing dynamics of educational reform in Poland.