wróć...„Kindergartens in Communist Poland: Ideologization of institutions 1944-1965"

On the 8th of June, 2026, another meeting took place at the Museum of Polish Children – Victims of Totalitarianism as part of the series “The Whole Shelf: A Reading Room on War and Children”. The guest speaker at the event was Dr Monika Wisniewska, who is a historian and author of the book "Przedszkola Polski "ludowej". Ideologizacja instytucji 1944–1965” (“Kindergartens in Communist Poland: Ideologization of Institutions 1944-1965”)', published by Wydawnictwo Naukowe Uniwersytetu Kardynała Stefana Wyszyńskiego in Warsaw and the Institute of National Remembrance.

During the meeting, participants had the opportunity to learn about the results of research on the process of subordinating the institution of kindergarten to communist ideology in the first years of the Communist Poland (People's Republic of Poland). The discussion focused on the organisation of kindergartens, the goals set for educational establishments, the selection of staff and the educational methods used to shape the attitudes of the youngest citizens.

Dr Monika Wisniewska also discussed the social consequences of the pre-school education system under the realities of the Communist Poland, drawing attention to the mechanisms of institutional indoctrination of children and the role of education in building a new model of society. The meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on the impact of ideology on the daily lives of families and the process of bringing up the youngest generations.

We would like to thank all the participants for their attendance and active participation in the event. We would like to invite you to the next meetings organised as part of the series “The Whole Shelf: A Reading Room on War and Children”.