Christmas Gatherings – A Longstanding Tradition of the Radawnica Folk High School

A Time for Closeness and Building Community

While the holiday moments spent at the Folk High School follow a long-standing ritual, each year they bring fresh inspirations. Once again, we gathered in our hall to celebrate what truly matters: human relationships, mutual support, laughter, and good fun. These festive meetings are like a warm lantern light, guiding us back to a place where we once formed part of a greater whole, and where we can now rediscover old ties. This year’s Christmas Eve event also provided an occasion to thank our guests and friends who, not only throughout the year but also on this special evening, support us and actively participate in school life, sharing their experience, knowledge, and energy.

Distinguished Guests Who Shape Our Community

This year, we had the honor of hosting many distinguished guests, whose contributions to shaping the environment of the Radawnica Folk High School are invaluable. Among them were:

• Deputy Starosta (County Official) Daniel Sztych, who has long supported our efforts and remains a committed partner in creating educational and social opportunities.
• Dominika Nadolna from the Lipka Forest District, through whom we deepen our ecological awareness, understand the importance of sustainable forest management, and draw inspiration from nature.
• Sebastian Dec, Director of the Youth Educational Center in Łobzenica, accompanied by Janusz Czarniecki, representatives of an institution we work with to create conditions for the growth of young people seeking a fuller participation in social life.
• Karol Wielgus, Director of the Jan Brzechwa Primary School in Radawnica, who promotes cooperation between educational institutions, enriching their offerings and building bridges between different stages of learning.
• Aleksander Antoniewicz from the County Council, who is also one of our workshop participants, demonstrating that the Radawnica Folk High School is a place where educational experiences intertwine with social and civic activities.
• Zbigniew Dolla, Forest Inspector of the Okonek Forest District, representing those who care for our shared natural heritage and implementing sustainable development and pro-ecological education in practice.
• Gracjan Brzeziński from the Radawnica Village Council, embodying the dynamic relationship between our school and the local community, giving our undertakings a tangible regional dimension.

A Meeting of Generations – Alumni, Former Employees, and New Participants

The Christmas Eve gathering in Radawnica is also a time of returning and meeting again after many years. We were pleased to welcome our former employees and retirees, who once shaped the past of the school with their dedication and passion. With warm greetings, we welcomed Longina Nowak, Zenona Skoczylas, Stefania Piotrowicz, and Irena Iskra. They represent the living history of our institution and testify that the values cherished by the Radawnica Folk High School – such as integration and solidarity – have stood the test of time.

We also hosted people closely connected to the school, including alumnus Lech Wiśniewski, as well as friends from Piła, Arek and Witold, who enriched the evening with their musical talent. The sound of violins, guitars, and carols created a harmony that united different generations and backgrounds, reminding us of the longstanding tradition of musical gatherings in our institution.

A Diverse Community – Young Residents, Course Participants, and Students

On a daily basis, the Radawnica Folk High School is a multifaceted space, bringing together various groups and forms of education. During the Christmas Eve celebration, we were joined by:

• The residents of the Youth Socio-Therapeutic Center in Radawnica, young people who receive support in building a stable future and in better understanding themselves and the world around them.
• Participants in workshops and students of Post-Secondary School No. 1 in Occupational Therapy, who learn through creative work, art, and crafts how to express emotions, support those in need, and positively influence the quality of life in the local community.
• Our alumni, returning after many years to reconnect with old friends, share memories, and take pride in the progress and changes that have taken place in their lives.
• Students of the “Modern Household Management” course, who received their course completion certificates during this year’s Christmas Eve. This was a special moment, crowning their effort, learning, and dedication to developing practical, organizational, and social skills.
• Volunteers, instructors, counselors, teachers, and staff, whose daily work ensures that the Folk High School is not just an institution but a living organism driven by passion, dedication, and care for others. Without their unwavering commitment, it would be difficult to imagine this multi-layered community that inspires, supports, and empowers.

A Christmas Market and the Magic of Decorations

A highlight of this year’s gathering was the Christmas market prepared by the boys from the Youth Socio-Therapeutic Center. Their handmade decorations, wreaths, and small gifts not only delighted the eye but also reminded us of the value of working together and striving to improve practical skills. This small holiday fair symbolized how much can be achieved through cooperation, learning how to creatively and consciously use one’s talents.

The festive décor of the hall and the entire school was the result of the dedication of our young residents and staff. Every ornament, a sprig of spruce, and every lit candle contributed to an atmosphere based on sharing and community spirit. Thanks to them, we were all able to immerse ourselves in a truly festive ambiance, momentarily forgetting our worries, looking at familiar faces, and appreciating that we are together.

Memories, Smiles, and Gratitude – Christmas Eve Reflections

The Christmas Eve event at the Radawnica Folk High School is always a time filled with emotion and reflection. At the tables, familiar faces reappear, offering words of encouragement, laughter, and anecdotes from years past. Carols sung together, conversations about the past and what the future might hold, bring us closer as one community, in which everyone contributes something of value.

These Christmas gatherings are a longstanding tradition of the Radawnica Folk High School. They give our alumni an opportunity to return to a place they once knew so well, reconnect with old acquaintances, and meet new people involved in the school’s activities. Together, we can share experiences, recount what the passing year has brought, and draw inspiration from the stories of those who have contributed to our institution, as well as from those who are just beginning their journey of personal and professional development.

This shared celebration teaches us that we are not alone in our joys, challenges, and dreams. In the bustle of everyday life, among countless tasks and trials, Christmas Eve becomes a moment of pause, a time for looking more deeply at our relationships and appreciating every moment spent with another person. Let these moments inspire us throughout the coming year.

Thanks to the Entire Community

We thank everyone who joined us for this year’s Christmas Eve celebration. We are grateful for your kind words, your presence, and the heartfelt effort you invest in our daily endeavors. We appreciate your smiles and goodwill, which help us build an environment conducive to growth and mutual support. Every individual, regardless of their role, is an essential piece of the unique puzzle that is the Radawnica Folk High School.

It is precisely this diversity – from alumni who form our history, to current participants of classes and workshops, to guests, friends, and supporters – that creates a lasting bond. Without it, fulfilling our educational and social mission would not be possible. The shared moments at the Christmas Eve table remind us that true celebration depends not only on shiny ornaments and the taste of gingerbread, but above all on being together and building a community in which everyone feels valued and important.

Looking Forward to Another Year – With Hope and Energy

After the holiday excitement passes, it is time to consider the plans and challenges the new year will bring. We believe that the experiences and relationships deepened during Christmas Eve will translate into ongoing efforts at our school. Education, professional development, cultural and social engagement – all of these make sense when our goal is mutual support, the exchange of knowledge, and the sharing of inspiration. Keeping this in our hearts and minds, we look to the future with courage and hope, ready to face new projects, initiatives, and ideas.

This year’s Christmas Eve at the Radawnica Folk High School was a truly special time – proof that the tradition of holiday gatherings remains alive and gains new dimensions thanks to successive generations involved in our community’s life. We remain deeply grateful for the time we spent together and now turn our attention to new horizons, remembering that people – their passion, commitment, and willingness to work together – are the true strength and beauty of our institution.