Caritas in schools

A concrete commitment against poverty, not only economic and material but ever more often also social and spiritual: the fall of communism brought not only democracy, economic growth and openness to the world, it also exposed the country to the risks and problems of modern societies. In this scenario Caritas Poland is called to play its role, with an attentive eye on the next generations. With a view to raising the awareness of the youth, in recent years Caritas has developed its commitment for public schools, leading to the establishment of some 26000 school centres whose activities involve 45000 young people. "We have to extend our glance in order to encompass children. They are tomorrow’s adults. If we manage to educate them on the values of charity and welcome, we will be forming tomorrow’s volunteers", said Fr Maria Subocz, director of Polish Caritas. Michele Luppi, for SIR Europe, interviewed him during his visit to Italy.Director, what are concretely these circles and who are they promoted by? "They are the Caritas parish groups who are asking school principals’ permission to establish Caritas centres in schools, and in most cases they find cooperation. The youth meet in the afternoons with parish volunteers for moments of formation and to cooperate in group activity".What is the present situation of Caritas Poland?"Although it was created only recently, ours is the largest charity organization in the Country, capable, in 2011, to assist 1 million 600 thousand people. Inside the 44 diocesan Caritas are active 4800 groups in an equal number of parishes, for a total of 50 thousand volunteers, who add up to 45 thousand school circles. Apart from the figures, we wish to point out that our goal is not that of replacing the State, but to live the Gospel, recognising the face of God in the forlorn. In this perspective, education plays a crucial role, along with the intention to do more than philanthropy by acknowledging that the human person doesn’t only have material needs. Today we are faced with solitude, individualism, and lack of values".In this growth of Caritas what has been the contribution of the presence of a Church and a fabric of parishes capable of resisting even under the dictatorship? "Under Communist rule the State was responsible for providing assistance, and organizations such as Caritas were forbidden. Nonetheless people saw in the parishes a point of reference they could always turn to in times of need. This was an important point of departure, which needs to be further cultivated. That’s why each year we hold sessions for formation and prayer, such as the pilgrimage of parish Caritas centres in Krakow. Some 2 thousand people from all over Poland participated in the 2011 pilgrimage. We also held a pilgrimage for the homeless to the shrine of our Lady of Czestochowa".For some years, Poland seemed to be spared from the crisis that hit other European countries. In 2009, for example, it was the only EU country marked by growth. What is the situation today?”The crisis is now being felt also in Poland, mainly in small towns and rural areas where after the communist-era farm cooperatives were shut down and failed to enter the labour market. Many people have lost their jobs, prices are rising and many families are in dire straits".Which part of the population is most at risk?”Children and old people. According to recent figures released by the European Commission, 26% of Polish children live in a state of poverty. Not to mention the tragedy of so-called ‘orphans of the European Union’: after Poland’s entry into the EU, in 2004, thousands of parents, singles and couples, left the country in search of a job in Western European countries, leaving the children with their grandparents. This phenomenon is difficult to quantify, but it still occurs".What are your initiatives for children? “In addition to supporting families with the distribution of packs of provisions and clothing, providing assistance to the elderly and to people with disabilities through dedicated centers, as well as soup kitchens, we are promoting initiatives specifically for children, to ensure proper nutrition and education. A particularly significant project is the ‘Christmas candle’, an ecumenical initiative that we carry out in collaboration with the Orthodox and Protestant Churches".What is it?"At Christmas time we ask the communities to reflect on the theme of childhood in difficulty and arrange a special collection of offerings to fund the children’s activities. Last year we managed to held approximately 40 thousand children". Poland is a young country, but according to the latest data there is the danger of population decline. "True, in recent years we witnessed a drop in population growth. I believe that families’ economic difficulties play an important role in this phenomenon, but it is coupled by a loss in the meaning and the value of parenthood. Young people want to have a comfortable life, afford some luxuries and children aren’t always part of their plans".