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UNESCO DEPARTMENT
Prof. Adam Frączek
Rector of Maria Grzegorzewska Academy of Special Pedagogy
The UNESCO Department was founded on 13th October 2004, as one of eight UNESCO departments operating in Poland. Its foundation was initiated by Prof. Adam Frączek, the rector of the Academy of Special Education
Umowa
Agreement
Janusz Korczak - a leading figure in Polish, European and world pedagogy - was chosen as the department's patron. He is also a symbol of total respect towards all human beings, especially the children.
Historically, Korczak was affiliated with the Academy of Special Education - former National Institute of Special Pedagogy, where he ran courses for teachers (1922 - 1939).
Janusz Korczak has been included among the greatest moral authorities. His legend has inspired numerous initiatives all over the world: associations, schools, hospitals. Their goal is to build social harmony and peace, enhance tolerance to diversities, initiate and consolidate dialogue and cooperation between cultures, nations and religions.
These efforts are an attempt to restore the socially marginalized and stigmatized groups' right to full participation in social, civic and cultural life. Work with children and adolescents, restoring their right to be respected and the right "to be appreciated for what they are" is considered to be crucial in these initiatives.
Today's world - troubled by tragic events and expanding moral relativism - is seeking values which would permanently unite people in support of common wellbeing. Janusz Korczak's life is a source for such inspiration; and he himself remains a teacher and guide of such endeavours .
Department's Mission
The UNESCO - Janusz Korczak Department of Social Pedagogy concentrates its activity on:
- identification of social conditions fostering the development of individuals and groups and respect for their rights,
- supporting theory and practice aimed at social and cultural integration of various groups, societies and nations,
- analyses of social phenomena of stigmatization and marginalization in the perspective of social education and social work,
- development and promotion of the inclusive education idea,
- research and publicizing of child and family's social problems.
Department's range of activity:
The activity of Janusz Korczak Department of Social Pedagogy encompasses three fields:
- research on developing social pedagogy theory and methodology, set in the European perspective of respect and rights of children, women and other marginalized social groups,
- participation in Polish and European activities, projects, organizations and associations promoting the idea of rights, as well as social and cultural integration of various groups, societies and nations,
- European didactic cooperation with students, postgraduates and other people who are interested in UNESCO Department's research.
Department's duties include:
- preparation of curricula (lectures, courses, seminars) based on Korczak's pedagogy, for the students of the Academy of Special Education and the Department of Pedagogy at University of Warsaw) ,
- collection and interpretation of didactic experience related to Korczak's legacy (gathering information on MA and PhD dissertations pertaining to Korczak's philosophy; international exchange of didactic programmes and materials on Korczak's pedagogy),
- running student seminars (Polish and international) devoted to the rights of children, women, the disabled, and other social groups,
- international exchange of students and scientific workers from Poland, Europe and Israel,
- providing experience to foreign scientific workers, combined with research programmes and visits to Korczak centres in Poland
- preparation of Polish and international conferences on recognition of Korczak's pedagogy and the rights of children in Poland, Europe and the world,
- edition of publications and didactic analyses on Korczak's educational ideas as perceived by Polish, German and Israeli students.
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Assoc. Prof . APS Barbara Smolińska-Theiss - The head of the Department
Lectures
