The contest for a regional education lesson plan was organized by the Shrines of Europe Association, based in Portugal, in cooperation with the City of Częstochowa and the Częstochowa Tourist Organization. The initiative was addressed to teachers from Częstochowa’s schools and kindergartens and aimed to inspire the creation of engaging, modern lessons devoted to local heritage and European city cooperation.
Regional education is the process of discovering and shaping connections with one’s immediate surroundings – the place we live in, its history, culture, traditions, and nature. Its purpose is to foster local awareness, a sense of identity, and pride in one’s region. Through such education, students gain a deeper understanding of cultural heritage and learn to take responsibility for the development of their “small homeland.”
Financial prizes for the winners were funded by the Shrines of Europe Association, which for nearly 30 years has promoted the shared heritage of sanctuary cities and supported educational, social, cultural, and tourism cooperation among its members.
The contest aimed to promote regional education among children and young people, deepen their knowledge of history, culture, and local identity, and strengthen European awareness by referring to the cooperation between cities within the Shrines of Europe network. Participants were asked to prepare a lesson or educational activity plan on regional education that included an international perspective of Częstochowa’s collaboration with other European sanctuary cities.
A total of 29 submissions were received, from which the jury selected the best lesson plans distinguished by their innovative approach and strong educational and developmental values.
Winners:
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Anna Bronkiewicz, Primary School No. 27 named after Zygmunt Łęski – 1st place
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Beata Dorożyńska, Municipal Kindergarten No. 41 – 2nd place
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Patrycja Majewska, Special School Complex No. 23 named after Janusz Korczak – 3rd place
Honourable Mentions:
4. Anna Wróbel, Municipal Kindergarten No. 5 named after Jan Kiliński
5. Aneta Hołodniuk, Technical Schools Complex
6. Agnieszka Sztajner–Iwińska, Primary School No. 36 named after Polish Olympians
The awarded projects were characterized by modern teaching approaches, adaptability for use in other Shrines of Europe cities, and a creative presentation of local heritage within a European context.
The contest is part of the “Shrines of Europe Regional Education” project, initiated by the City of Częstochowa. The official award ceremony took place during a city event marking the National Education Day. The Vice-Chair of the Shrines of Europe Association, the Mayor of Częstochowa, presented the awards to the laureates, emphasizing the importance of regional education and international cooperation in shaping the attitudes of young Europeans.
In 2025, a series of initiatives were launched to promote regional education, with a special focus on the Shrines of Europe cities. In May, a citywide conference on regional education was organized by the Department of Education and the Department of International Cooperation and Tourism of the Częstochowa City Hall. The event, addressed to local teachers, highlighted the importance of Europe’s cultural and religious heritage and encouraged the exchange of experiences in regional education.
In September, the lesson plan contest devoted to the Shrines of Europe network was held, attracting great interest from teachers. The award ceremony took place in October, and by the end of 2025, lessons based on the awarded plans will be conducted in Częstochowa schools.
The year 2026 will continue activities promoting regional education. The traditional annual regional knowledge contest will include topics related to the Shrines of Europe project. Throughout the year, schools will conduct lessons using the best teaching plans. By the end of 2026, the top Częstochowa lesson plans will be compiled and translated into English for use by international partners. A document containing guidelines and recommendations for future activities in partner cities will also be prepared. The project will conclude with a summary event at the end of 2026.
