Preventing Exclusion — Training at Natalia Machałowa Primary School No. 20 in Kielce

On 30 September 2026, we visited Natalia Machałowa Primary School No. 20 in Kielce, where psychologist Dr Katarzyna Krzystanek led an anti-discrimination training session for teaching staff. It was the latest meeting in our series on supporting students from migrant backgrounds.

The discussion focused on everyday life in a multicultural classroom: communication difficulties, cultural differences and settling into a new environment. We explored how teachers can support young people through these challenges and build relationships based on trust and mutual respect.

Recognising needs, helping students connect

Preventing feelings of exclusion and loneliness was an important part of the session. Learning together also means everyday interactions with classmates, opportunities to speak up and knowing that help is available when difficulties arise. These small, everyday moments help students feel that they belong in their class.

The training brought together psychological insight and teaching practice. We discussed how to recognise students’ needs and support them in overcoming language and cultural barriers. Our focus was a school where different life experiences offer opportunities to get to know one another, and every young person has the space to be themselves.

Thank you to the teachers for joining us, and to Dr Katarzyna Krzystanek for leading the session.

Contact the project team

Support is provided by the Europe–East Integration Association, the regional operator of the project “Improving the Wellbeing of the School Community in the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship”.

The project is implemented under the Government Programme for Equalising Educational Opportunities for Children and Young People, “Friendly School”, for 2025–2027, co-financed by the European Union through the European Social Fund Plus under the European Funds for Social Development 2021–2027 programme, Measure 04.17 “School for All”.

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