Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Polish schools have offered military and police training to hundreds of students. Discipline, technology and patriotism mark the daily lives of new generations.
In many schools in Poland, learning mathematics and history is no longer enough. Since the start of the war in Ukraine, the threat of conflict has been reflected in classrooms. Today, young Poles have access to programs that prepare them for careers in the armed forces, police, firefighters and border guard.
For around 900 students, in addition to traditional subjects, there is an optional package that includes physical training and theoretical classes on weapons. The materials used are realistic, but risk-free: there are no bullets in shooting classes, just laser technology. Still, students learn about real weapons, including models used in the Ukrainian trenches.
“You have to be careful not to press the trigger. Because, look, the mechanism works.”
For many young people, this training is a source of pride.
“I know I’m doing something for my country and that makes me proud.”
But not all students experience this reality with ease. Among them are Ukrainian refugees, for whom the war is an open wound.
“I can’t talk to my father. It’s horrible. Bombs are falling on our houses and we don’t know what will happen tomorrow.”
In addition to military training, there are classes with drones, which are increasingly used in war scenarios. Instructor Dorota Plona says that young people learn faster, especially when it comes to technology. With war at the door, the urgency is felt by everyone.
