Postcards to the Front (Canada / Канада)

Canadians sending postcards with messages of support and encouragement to Ukraine’s frontline Defenders.

Polish Students Visit Canada

Nov 23, 2024

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Several times each year, for about seven or eight years now, Jean-Michel and I meet with Polish high school students visiting on a Canada Study Tour for an intensive leadership training program organized by Polish Academy of Canada (PAC). They take time from their regular studies to learn about Canada, about Canada’s roles and relationships in the world, and to develop distinct leadership skills.

Alina, founder of PAC, explains when asked, “Why Canada?” –

As we continue to assess the political challenges around us today, it is important to remember the good that has (and can) come from our future leaders. Canada has earned its reputation as a country focused on making positive changes around the world. Canadians are making an impact with their EXCELLENT LEADERSHIP and GENEROSITY.

PAC encourages students to nurture their unique abilities, as well as encourages them to develop leadership skills so each can make a difference in the world.

And so, we conduct workshops for the Polish students that focus on Canadian identity, education, and career pathways. Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we have added another dimension to our workshops: global citizenship, from a Canadian perspective. We now include discussion about the impacts of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine on Europe as well as global socio-political and economic ramifications.

Never doubt that the youth of the world are interested in global events. They most certainly care about others, beyond their personal needs, desires and aspirations. They have questions and they want to make a difference in their own lives, as well as in the lives of others.

Thanks, once again, to Boston Pizza in Oshawa, Ontario for carving out space for our afternoon workshop, and for terrific hospitality! It always feels like home to us and to our Polish visitors. And thank you to the students who wrote beautiful messages of love and support to Ukraine’s Defenders! Dziękuję bardzo!