A summer full of goodness – the Caritas community center supports the youngest in Przemyśl

Material prepared for the press.

For children, summer vacation is a time of carefree fun, relaxation, and freedom from schoolwork. However, for many families, especially those facing financial hardship, it's also a time of organizational and educational challenges. It's precisely at this time that the "Perspektywa" Socio-Therapeutic Community Center of Caritas of the Przemyśl Archdiocese comes to the rescue – a place open year-round, especially during the summer holidays, offering free, valuable, and comprehensive care for children and youth.

While schools are closing for the summer holidays, the Caritas Community Center in Przemyśl is intensifying its activities. Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., school-age children can enjoy a wide range of care, educational, and developmental activities. This is not only practical help for parents who are working during this time and unable to provide full-day care for their children, but above all, it provides children with an opportunity to spend their holidays creatively, joyfully, and safely. The "Perspektywa" Community Center, operating continuously since 2009 at 6 Piotra Skargi Street, is a daytime support center that opens its doors to dozens of young people each year. In its 16 years of operation, nearly 600 children and young people have benefited from the center's support.

The after-school club's summer offerings go beyond just childcare. It offers a daily dose of enriching activities – art, music, theater, cooking, and sports. Children participate in workshops on good manners, learn the principles of a healthy lifestyle, and participate in pro-ecological initiatives. Trips, film screenings, quizzes, and knowledge competitions are also organized, which are not only entertaining but also educational. A free, hot meal is also an important part of the daily program, providing real support to children from families facing financial hardship. All activities are completely free, making the club accessible to everyone, regardless of the family's economic status.

Although summer is a time free from school duties, learning is not forgotten at the after-school club. Students have the opportunity to catch up on missed work, participate in remedial classes and tutoring, and improve their Polish language skills – particularly important for children with refugee experience. The classes are often therapeutic, helping participants process difficult experiences and build self-confidence. The after-school club staff – experienced educators, pedagogues, and volunteers – strive to meet the individual needs of participants daily, offering both educational and emotional support. Particular emphasis is placed on developing social skills, learning to cooperate, managing emotions and stress, and using technology safely.

The mission of the Przemyśl Caritas community center is not only to provide a safe place to spend time, but above all, to shape attitudes and develop values. For many children, participating in the center's activities is their first experience with systematic self-improvement, shared responsibility for a group, and involvement in joint activities. Through a variety of activities, the center teaches respect, patriotism, spirituality, empathy, and openness to others.

Caritas of the Archdiocese of Przemyśl cordially invites all parents and guardians to take advantage of the "Perspektywa" after-school club. It's a place where children not only have fun but also develop and learn values that will last a lifetime. It's important to remember that all activities are free, and the program is tailored to the needs and abilities of participants. Summer vacation isn't just about free time—it's also a chance to develop, socialize, and build positive habits. The Caritas after-school club in Przemyśl is a place where every child will find something for themselves, make new friends, and return to school enriched with new experiences and skills.

Rev. Dr. Paweł Konieczny – Deputy Director of Caritas of the Archdiocese of Przemyśl