The Polish Minister of Education has rejected the idea of compensating local governments that have decided to provide additional religious education beyond the mandated weekly class.
Starting in September 2025, there will be changes to the organization of religious classes in Polish schools, which are currently held for one hour per week. Barbara Nowacka, in an interview, emphasized that there is no room for compensations for local governments that have organized additional religion classes using their own funds. The stance from the Ministry of National Education (MEN) is clear: those municipalities that choose to finance these extra classes will not receive any compensation from the government.
This decision is part of a broader discussion concerning educational subjects in Poland, including the ongoing debate about mandatory health education. The Minister of Education believes that health education should be made compulsory, as it is currently optional, with only about 30% of eligible students participating. The future of this educational requirement is under review, and a decision on this matter is expected soon.
The implications of these developments may impact how religious and health education are structured in Polish schools going forward. As local governments explore ways to enhance their school programs, the lack of financial support from the national government could limit their initiatives. Furthermore, the controversy surrounding these educational policies reflects broader societal discussions about the role of religion and health in education in Poland.
