Bialystok University of Technology, University of Bialystok and Medical University of Bialystok jointly prepare study programmes for Poles in Lithuania

In their letter of intent, the largest public universities in Białystok and their Lithuanian partners agreed to strengthen cooperation, with the aim, among other things, to jointly prepare educational programmes and conduct studies for Poles in Lithuania, organise and provide scientific and teaching support for teachers and students of Polish schools in Lithuania. It will also involve the organisation of scientific, educational and cultural events, or the strengthening of ties between academic circles and the local community, involving students, pupils, teachers and researchers in educational and cultural activities.

Participants at the meeting were able to learn more about not only the University of Białystok and its Branch, but also Bialystok University of Technology and Medical University of Białystok.

– I would like to thank the Rector of the University of Bialystok for inviting us here and for this initiative. We can expect and plan, but until we start doing something, it won’t happen, and today, something has happened, – emphasised Assoc. Prof. Marta Kosior-Kazberuk, PhD, DSc, Eng, Rector of Bialystok University of Technology.

The Rectors met with Polish organisations at the new premises of the Vilnius Branch of the University of Bialystok. It is located on Makowa Street.

– This is an extraordinary meeting, as the rectors and vice-rectors of the three largest public universities in north-eastern Poland are meeting in the premises of the University of Bialystok in Vilnius to discuss cooperation with you – representatives of the Polish community living in Lithuania, to discuss those aspects in which we will make a difference, we will make young people who study here want to study in Vilnius or think about studying in Bialystok. We have really excellent universities, we have excellent education, we have something to be proud of on a national scale, – said Professor Mariusz Poplawski, Rector of the University of Bialystok, during the meeting in Vilnius.

– As the three largest universities of the entire macro-region, we want to be here with you and show that we are here for you, for your acquaintances, students and friends. We know that young people’s choices are very diverse. Some have plans to stay with mum and dad, others have a restless spirit within them and want to leave, to set sail. If they want to ‘sail’ beyond the borders of Vilnius, they can choose a really beautiful city like Bialystok, – recalled Professor Marcin Moniuszko, Rector of Medical University of Bialystok.

– The Vilnius Branch of the University of Białystok is a uniqueness beyond borders. This meeting is proof of that. The fact that we continue to educate Poles who live here is also a phenomenon of this place, – emphasised Dr. Urszula Wróblewska, Prof. UwB – Dean of the UwB Vilnius Branch.

– The mission of our universities is to educate regardless of age, nationality or citizenship. We are thinking about how we could further develop our mission, directing our cultural and scientific offer to all those who seek it. We want to hear from you, – emphasised, addressing the representatives of Polish organisations in Lithuania, the Vice-Chancellor of UwB, Prof. Krzysztof Korotkich, PhD.

The letter of intent was signed by:

• Assoc. Prof. Marta Kosior-Kazberuk, DSc, PhD Eng. – Rector of Bialystok University of Technology,
• Prof. Marcin Moniuszko, Dsc, PhD – Rector of Medical University of Białystok,
• Prof. Mariusz Poplawski, PhD- Rector of the University of Bialystok,

and representatives of the following organisations:

• Foundation Supporting Polish Education ‘Samostanowienie’,
• Association of Polish Engineers and Technicians in Lithuania,
• Polish University of the Third Age in Vilnius,
• Association of Teachers of Polish Schools in Lithuania ‘Macierz Szkolna’,
• Association of Polish Lawyers in Lithuania,
• Polish Association of People with Disabilities ‘Litpolinva’,
• Association of Polish Scouts in Lithuania,
• Polish Theatre in Vilnius,
• Polish Medical Association in Lithuania,
• Association of Polish Scientists of Lithuania,
• Polish Cultural Centre in Vilnius,
• Fundatio Vilnensis Medicorum.

The agreement was concluded on 10 December at the new premises of the Bialystok Branch of the University of Bialystok in Vilnius.

by jd based on UoB press release