The pilot edition of the Zielona Góra Security Academy has successfully concluded. The initiative was designed to promote safety awareness and social responsibility among children and young people through practical training and direct engagement with uniformed services and public safety institutions.
The first edition of the programme involved students from three educational institutions: Primary School No. 5 within Educational Complex No. 5, Krzysztof Kieślowski Fifth Secondary School, and Colonel Pilot Eugeniusz Horbaczewski Fourth Secondary School in Zielona Góra.
“The project was extremely valuable because it addressed real-life situations and prepared young people for genuine challenges. Its practical dimension taught participants how to react appropriately, take responsibility for their own safety, and remain attentive to the needs of others. It may also inspire some students to consider careers in the uniformed services in the future,” said Agnieszka Makarska, Headteacher of the Fourth Secondary School in Zielona Góra.
The University of Zielona Góra was one of the key partners of the initiative and served as the coordinator of the entire project. “I am pleased that so many young people chose to participate in this programme. Learning behaviours and skills that may prove essential in today’s world is extremely important. Together with our partner institutions, we have created something meaningful. However, participants must remember that personal responsibility plays a crucial role in situations involving risk or danger. Awareness, caution, and the ability to anticipate potential threats remain indispensable. Even the best training cannot replace individual vigilance,” said Prof. Wojciech Strzyżewski, Rector of the University of Zielona Góra.
The importance of combining knowledge with practical skills was also highlighted by the programme’s institutional partners. “Safety is a value that applies everywhere and at all times. We live in increasingly complex and uncertain circumstances. We are all aware of the challenges facing Europe today and the potential threats that may emerge. Preparing young people for such realities is therefore essential. Investing in children and youth is a priority for all of us,” explained Colonel Grzegorz Dyrka, Head of the Zielona Góra Branch Office of the Central Military Recruitment Centre.
According to the programme’s initiators and organizers, the Security Academy also provided an excellent platform for strengthening cooperation among local emergency and security services. “All activities implemented within the programme enabled participants to acquire valuable new knowledge and practical skills. The curriculum covered topics such as cybersecurity, hybrid threats, and fire safety. Through close cooperation among various services, students not only expanded their knowledge but also gained a better understanding of the important role these institutions play in safeguarding society,” said Dr. Jarosław Flakowski, Deputy Mayor of Zielona Góra.
The programme was delivered with the active involvement of numerous uniformed services, including the Police, Border Guard, and State Fire Service. “We believe that the skills acquired during the workshops may one day prove valuable if participants are faced with emergency situations. The students greatly appreciated the combination of theoretical knowledge and practical exercises, and we were impressed by their level of engagement throughout the programme,” noted Junior Inspector Tomasz Szuda, Chief of the Municipal Police Headquarters in Zielona Góra.
In addition to the official closing ceremony, which included the presentation of certificates and awards, participants took part in a city-wide educational challenge on 12 June. The urban game brought together students from all participating schools and allowed them to apply the knowledge gained during the programme in a series of practical tasks.
“The workshops were highly engaging and covered a wide range of topics. We learned how to respond in emergency situations, provide first aid, recognize potential threats, and understand the principles of public safety. We hope we will never need to use this knowledge in real-life situations, but if we do, we believe these workshops and activities will help us respond effectively. These are not skills that we have the opportunity to learn every day,” said programme participants.
Building on the success of the pilot edition, the organizers have already announced plans for a second edition of the Zielona Góra Security Academy. The next programme will be dedicated to students from secondary schools across the city, further expanding opportunities for safety education and civic engagement among young people.
