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The goals of the program are:
1.
Create a forum where Polish-Canadian and
Polish-American youth can expand their knowledge about their heritage and
gain an understanding of contemporary issues;
2.
Bring Polonia youth from across the
continent together and counteract tendencies amongst our youth to sever
ties with organized Polonia once they become adults;
3.
Promote the benefits of integrating
aspects of one’s Polish heritage into one’s North American life (i.e., in
business, community service etc…);
4.
Help find and develop Polonia leaders of
the future;
5.
Help find and develop North American
leaders of the future who will not be indifferent to issues bearing on
Poland;
The predominant goal of the program is to raise the
“Polish consciousness” of youth of Polish descent and display to them the
value of embracing their Polish roots including playing an active role in
their Polonia communities.
As much as possible, we will take advantage of our
mountain setting both in the program, e.g., campfire as opposed to
“classroom” discussions, and in leisure activities, e.g., hikes in the
Rockies as opposed to wine and cheese receptions.
The program is open to anyone between the ages of
20-27. The language of instruction will be English although the use of
Polish, or learning Polish, is encouraged.
We wish to attract participants from all over North
America. While some participants will attend independently, we ask Polonia
organizations and businesses to make an investment in our young people and
we encourage prospective students to approach their local organizations
and businesses for financial support/sponsorship. The cost of the program
is $3500.00 (Canadian) per student and includes tuition, room, board and
organized excursions.
The Polish Canadian Association of Calgary and the
Canadian Foundation for Polish Studies are non-profit organizations and
the program is operated on a not-for-profit basis.
Anthony Muszynski
President, Polish Canadian Association of Calgary
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