How do we build community resilience and security? - join the conference
In the face of contemporary challenges, such as climate change, armed conflicts or migration crises, urban resilience cannot simply be limited to a return to a pre-crisis state. It must mean striving for a new, more resilient model of functioning, able to cope with further, often unpredictable crises. It is on this theme that the conference will focus 'Resilience of cities to crises and threats. Security. Public policies. Education"which will take place 28 March 2025.
Find out about the topics covered at the conference
Event will bring together theoreticians, experts and practitioners to discuss key strategies, exchange experiences and present research findings on building safe and resilient cities of the future. The conference programme will be divided into 11 panelsin which recognised experts will provide insight into important topics on the current situation regarding the resilience of cities to crises and risks.
Panel I will be devoted to the analysis of emergency situations related to floods and the role of local communities and services in managing such threats. The experiences of the municipality of Lądek-Zdrój and Wrocław Kozanów in 2024 will be discussed, as well as the cooperation of various entities (army, police, Border Guard, health protection) in the framework of Operation Phoenix. Special attention will be given to the role of the Armed Forces in ensuring the safety of cities and the integration of crisis management systems in Poland.
Panel II will touch upon themes of urban risk, covering both infrastructure and social security. The vulnerability of public transport to crises, new dimensions of risk in urban space, and the impact of law and institutions, including the Catholic Church, on local security will be discussed. Experts will also address issues such as phonoholism, synthetic drugs and random risks affecting urban resilience.
Panel III are lectures on, among other things, the role of the National and Volunteer Fire Service in crisis management and building community resilience to threats. Innovative system solutions, cooperation between uniformed services during the 2024 floods and fire service operations at the local level will be discussed. Particular attention will be paid to the cordon sanitaire, rescue structure and local government fire resilience.
Panel IV will address the role of the Police in ensuring urban security and its functioning in crisis conditions. Trends in legal changes, the tasks of the Police in emergency situations and the effectiveness of prevention programmes will be discussed. Experts will also address the psychological aspects of resilience and focus on support, adaptation and intervention in crisis situations.
Panel V will focus on the role of technology and artificial intelligence in building cities' resilience to crises. Applications of modern technologies such as AI and strategic communications in urban security management will be discussed. Part of the panel will be dedicated to cyber threats in smart city infrastructure and methods for measuring and implementing urban resilience strategies globally.
Panel VI will treat the security of cities in the context of terrorist threats, crime and migration. It will discuss the evolution of security in Europe, the protection of smart cities from attacks and how the state can support them in the face of increasing threats. The panel will also have space to explore the role of cities in defence strategies, the impact of mass migration on the functioning of cities and the adaptation of refugees after the 2022 refugee crisis.
Panel VII will focus on protective infrastructure and the resilience of cities to hazards, including floods and emergencies. The role of protective construction, modernisation and civil defence in ensuring the safety of residents will be discussed. This part of the conference will examine the topic of shelters in Poland, the importance of hospitals as critical infrastructure and will compare the 1997 and 2024 floods in terms of statistical data.
Panel VIII will focus on the role of education in building the resilience of cities and communities to contemporary threats. The importance of media education, information policy and public awareness in emergency management will be discussed. Particular attention will be given to pro-defence education, the challenges of education policy in small towns and the impact of the military classroom education system on urban resilience in emergencies.
Panel IX is a space where experts will speak on the role of public administration in crisis management and strengthening the resilience of cities. Issues of logistics, security strategies and effective management of municipalities in emergency situations will be discussed. Invited guests will discuss issues of cooperation between the administration and non-governmental organisations, the legal aspects of crisis management and the experience of Warsaw as an example of an effective model of action.
Panel X will be devoted to urban policy and development strategies in the context of global crises and climate change. Regional challenges, such as the impact of the war in Ukraine, and the adaptation strategies of cities, including Poznan, will be discussed. Special attention will be given to sustainable development, green infrastructure and the role of small watersheds in urban planning and disaster reduction.
Panel XI (in English) will treat urban resilience to disinformation, education and sustainability. The challenges of disinformation as a threat to public safety and how to build information resilience will be discussed. Experts in this part of the conference will address the role of entrepreneurial education, introduce the activities of Taiwan's Kuma Academy, and delve into the topic of strategies to make cities safer in the face of terrorist threats and natural disasters.
Why take part?
Conference is a unique opportunity to gain knowledge of the latest strategies and technologies supporting urban development and crisis management. Participants will have the chance to learn about practical solutions applied in Poland and abroad, as well as to establish valuable professional contacts.
Don't delay - you can sign up for the conference by 25 January this year. How to register? It's simple - fill in the form and submit at the e-mail address: konferencja.odpornosc.miast@gmail.com. Each registered participant will receive a named certificate. The conference is free of charge, so join the participants and become part of the discussion about the future of our cities. Let's build resilience, security and sustainability together!
Read MoreNew perspectives for WSKZ students and staff
We are pleased to announce that 20 March 2025. a meeting was held between the Vice-Dean of the College of Vocational Education for Student Affairs, Dr Aneta Kazanecka, and the Director of the Office for Cooperation with Higher Education Institutions, Tomasz Janos, and the Deputy Director of the Office, Monika Sochacka. Discussions focused on the broad possibilities and potential forms of cooperationwhich can significantly support the development of our students and academic staff. Importantly, representatives of the Office enthusiastically accepted the invitation to the inauguration of the academic year at the College of Vocational Training in Wrocław.
New opportunities for our community
The discussions resulted in the following programmes and initiatives that offer real support for students and the University.
Student Activity Fund (FAST)
This fund allows obtaining funding from the municipal budget for study circles, student organisations and groups from universities located in Wrocław. The project is open to initiatives supporting the development of academic entrepreneurship, innovation, creativity and academic excellence.
- maximum amount of funding - PLN 15 000;
- deadline for applications - 28 March 2025.
It's excellent opportunity to implement ideaswhich can significantly enrich the activities of study circles. For more information, please visit:
https://www.wroclaw.pl/akademicki-wroclaw/fundusz-aktywnosci-studenckiej-fast
Competition "Wrocław Magnolia"
The competition is aimed at graduates of Wrocław's universities (both public and non-public). Its aim is to honour the best master's theses that deal with improving the quality of life of Wrocław's inhabitants, such as public health, environmental protection or green space management.
- amount of the award - up to PLN 10 000;
- Only works already defended may be submitted.
Additional information about the competition can be found here:
https://www.wroclaw.pl/akademicki-wroclaw/o-konkursie-wroclawska-magnolia
Student Scholarship Fund
The programme is aimed at students in their third year and above of unified master's studies, second year of first-cycle studies and second-cycle studies (full-time studies). The main objective is to provide financial support to students who have been given the opportunity to study at foreign universities.
- is a great support for, among others, participants in the Erasmus programme;
- the university is currently waiting for the granting of ECHE cards by the European Commission, which will create additional opportunities for participation in international exchanges.
Promotion of academic events
The Office of University Relations provides the opportunity to promote the academic events organised by the WSKZ by publishing information on its website. This will allow increase the visibility of the conference and reach a wider audience.
Working together for development
Study circles, student groups and tutors are encouraged to actively engage with the programmes available to support academic initiatives. This is an excellent opportunity to develop projects and create innovative activities together. Details of the Student Activity Fund (FAST) will be communicated to the tutors of the study circles soon.
Thanks to the commitment of the Vocational Training College and the fruitful coordination with the Office for Cooperation with Higher Education Institutions, it is possible to promote academic innovation and provide real support for student activities in the local community. Programmes such as FAST or "Wrocław Magnolia" reinforce the importance of science in practice and create a space to connect knowledge with real social challenges. We encourage you to visit the website:
https://www.wroclaw.pl/akademicki-wroclaw/wroclawskie-centrum-akademickie
Lecture by Dr. Krzysztof Śmiszek for students of WSKZ
On Sunday, 16 March 2025, from 12:00 to 13:00, an open lecture was held for students of the Higher School of Vocational Education in Wrocław. The guest of the event was Dr Krzysztof Śmiszek - lawyer, advocate, doctor of legal sciences and experienced academic lecturer. The topic of the meeting was: The European Union - developments, challenges, prospects, threats.
Expert in European law
Dr Śmiszek specialises in issues relating to the European Union and the protection of human rights. In 2016, he obtained a doctorate in jurisprudence with a specialisation in European law, defending a dissertation entitled 'European Law'. The European standard of equality and Polish law. The substantive and institutional aspect. He has also been qualified as a barrister since 2021.
Key issues covered in the lecture
The lecture discussed the key challenges facing the European Union. The speaker addressed, among other issues:
- EU priorities in economic and social policy;
- necessary institutional reforms;
- ways of responding to the migration crisis;
- the importance of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights in the context of the protection of human rights.
Importance of open lectures
The event was conducted in accordance with the academic principle of freedom of research. Meetings of this kind support students' cognitive development, shape critical thinking and provide an opportunity to explore current political and legal issues in contemporary Europe.
Read More"The erosion of liberal democracy in Poland after 2015". - new article by Prof. Dr. Andrzej Antoszewski
We are pleased to announce that Prof. Andrzej Antoszewski, a renowned political scientist working with the School of Vocational Training, has published an article entitled 'Erosion of liberal democracy in Poland after 2015' in the prestigious journal Wrocław Political Studies (33(1), 2024). His text analyses in detail the changes taking place in the Polish political system, indicating a gradual retreat from the liberal democracy model.
Who is Professor Andrzej Antoszewski?
Prof. Andrzej Antoszewski, Ph.D., is a renowned political scientist and an expert in the theory of democracy and political systems. His research focuses on the functioning of political parties, electoral behaviour and contemporary parliamentarism. He is the author and co-author of numerous scientific publications, for which he has received prestigious awards, including the Award of the Polish Academy of Sciences and distinctions from the Minister of Education.
The erosion of democratic institutions and the influence of the Church on state policy
The author draws attention to the growing tendency to limit the independence of democratic institutions, including the Constitutional Court. He describes how conservative political parties, led by the Law and Justice party, are undermining the legitimacy of the liberal order, arguing that it is the result of a compromise with post-communist elites.
The growing influence of the Catholic Church on state politics and the mechanisms of the erosion of democracy, including the system of informal patronage, are also important aspects of the analysis.
Why read the article?
The text by Prof. Andrzej Antoszewski, a lecturer cooperating with the Higher School of Vocational Training, is an important voice in the debate on the future of Polish democracy. The publication provides a thorough analysis of de-democratisation processes, their causes and consequences for society and the political system. We encourage you to read it: https://wuwr.pl/wrsp/article/view/17198.
Read MoreV All-Poland Montessori Conference - Wroclaw 2025
We are happy to announce that our University has joined the group of co-organisers of the 5th National Montessori Conference, prepared by the Lower Silesia Montessori Education Centre Foundation. The event will take place on 14-15 March 2025 at the New Horizons Cinema, at ul. Kazimierza Wielkiego 19a/21 in Wrocław.
Conference programme
This year's edition is a unique opportunity to deepen their knowledge of Montessori education and philosophy and exchange experiences with experts from all over Poland. The conference includes an extensive programme of talks and workshops, covering topics such as:
- Peer relations and conflict mediation,
- understanding the neurodiverse child,
- Professional burnout and regeneration in educational work,
- The future of Montessori in Poland,
- communication with seniors with dementia,
- The use of artificial intelligence in Montessori work and education.
The programme will also include special events, including the premiere of the film 'Maria Montessori' - the only such screening in Poland. Meanwhile, a special workshop entitled 'How to be a guide - situational leadership that supports and develops teams' has been prepared for Montessori school and kindergarten principals attending the Child of the Future 2025 Conference. This is a great opportunity to meet, reflect on your own development and exchange experiences on how to build the strength and effectiveness of your teams.
Organisational information
The conference will begin 14 March at 13:00 and will run until 15 March at 15:30. We already encourage you to book a date in the calendar and follow the event. You will find the necessary information here! All those interested in Montessori education are welcome to participate - both teachers, principals and parents and those seeking inspiration in personal and professional development. See you at the New Horizons Cinema!
Read MoreAward from Amnesty International for WSKZ lecturer
Dr Kamil Stępniak, WSKZ lecturer and constitutional lawyer, has received a prestigious award in a competition organised by Amnesty International!
Feather of Hope is an award granted by Amnesty International since 2002. Its aim is to recognise individuals working in the media in Poland and having a real impact on positive change for human rights.
Who is eligible for this award? First and foremost, bloggers, writers, journalists, film-makers, cartoonists and anyone who promotes human rights on a large scale through social media.
A unique award this year was Audience Award, awarded on the occasion of Amnesty International's 35th anniversary in Poland. In this category Dr Kamil Stępniak received the most votes from internet users lecturer from the JCS.
He is a specialist in constitutional law, human rights and new technologies running a thriving Instagram account. His profile - @constitutionalist - is watched by more than 78,000 people.
On his social media, Dr Kamil Stępniak focuses on the dissemination of knowledge in the field of constitutional law and human rights. Analyses current political events and explains issues relating to the constitution and civic education.
- I try to show and raise awareness of the importance of the role of the Constitution in the life of every citizen - says Dr Kamil Stępniak.
The following justification appeared in his application for the award:
"Dr Kamil Stępniak proves with his work that legal knowledge can and should be accessible to everyone. His work is an important voice in defence of human rights, the rule of law and democracy."
- I always strive to put human rights and the Constitution first, regardless of who is in power, and I am glad that this has been recognised. This award is a motivation for me to continue my work and a great commitment - Dr Kamil Stępniak adds.
Congratulations!
Read MoreMentorLab - your path to professional development!
The WSKZ Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship invites all students to participate in the unique Mentoring Programme MentorLab. This is an innovative project that connects students with experienced mentors, offering support in developing skills, achieving goals and preparing for professional challenges. If you are ready for a new educational adventure and personal development, you cannot miss this opportunity!
Are you interested? Find out more!
For students interested in joining the programme, there are also plans to informational webinarwhich will take place on 5 March 2025 at 6 p.m. During this online meeting, you will learn all about the mentoring, the objectives and the benefits of participation. As a participant, you will learn about the technical details of the programme and the timetable for the next steps. Fill out application form now and join the MentorLab programme.
MentorLab - what is the programme about?
MentorLab is a unique programme that has been developed by the WSKZ Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The main aims of the programme include:
- Recruitment of mentors from among the academic staff of the WSKZ;
- recruiting mentees - students open to personal and professional development;
- group mentoring sessions held in small teams (3-5 people);
- 5 mentoring meetings aligned with the academic calendar;
- completion of the programme by September 2025 at the latest.
MentorLab will give you the opportunity to working in an intimate environment, so that each session is tailored to the needs of the participant. Mentors help to set goals, develop competences and deal with professional challenges.
Why join?
Participation in the MentorLab is for you the chance to acquire practical knowledge, develop skills and make valuable contacts. Key benefits include:
- individual mentor support in achieving personal and professional goals,
- learn practical tips and experiences from experts,
- building self-confidence and preparing for challenges in the labour market,
- the opportunity to work with inspiring people.
How to sign up?
Recruitment to the programme takes place by email - SUBMIT APPLICATIONwhich includes personal data, motivation for participation, areas of interest and consent to the processing of personal data. You will find detailed information on the website of the WSKZ Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
The deadline for applications is already mid-February 2025. Places are limited, so fill in application form - you need to act fast!
The future begins today
The MentorLab Mentoring Programme is an initiative that can transform your career. With the support of experienced mentors and working with a team of peers, you can gain an edge in the job market and develop your passions in directions that match your aspirations. Join the meetings and start your mentoring adventure!
Read MoreProtecting the image of public administration employees - a new publication by Dr Rafał Guzowski
Dr Rafal Guzowski, Programme Director of the Internal Security and Criminology course at the College of Vocational Training, has published an article entitled 'The importance of internal security and criminology'. Public servant's image in social media - principles of publication, limits to civil liberties and the right to protection of image in publishing SIM - Studies and Materials of the Marszalek Józef Piłsudski Central Military Library.
The purpose of the periodical SIM is to create an interdisciplinary research platform for those interested in contemporary problems of the military, its history, national defence, as well as library science and scientific information in the context of the military. The publication is an essential resource for experts in law, public administration and security science in the broadest sense.
Social media and the image of public administration employees
In this article, Dr Guzowski analyses the growing importance of social media in shaping the image of public administration employees. In the age of digitisation and the information society, public sector employees are increasingly becoming the subject of recordings and publications on the internet - often without their consent.
The author emphasises that while social media is a key channel of communication, it also carries the risk of misinformation and hectoring. We are increasingly seeing the phenomenon of officials recording interventions and publishing them online by citizen journalists. This practice raises questions about the limits of civil liberties and image protection.
When is it legal to publish an image?
Copyright law clearly sets out the rules for the publication of an image - as a general rule, its dissemination requires the consent of the person depicted. There are, however, exceptions, particularly in the case of well-known persons or those holding public office.
The article discusses cases in which the publication of an official's image may violate his or her rights, as well as situations in which it is lawful. The author also addresses the problem of abuse and the need to protect privacy in the context of official duties.
Labour Code and publication of image by the employer
In addition to the issues related to the publication of the image by third parties, the article also addresses the obligations of employers under the Labour Code.
Dr Guzowski emphasises that any publication of a photograph or recording of an employee by the employer requires the employee's explicit consent. In the context of public administration, where the image of civil servants often appears in the media, it is extremely important to follow procedures related to the processing of personal data.
Legal remedies in the event of an image violation
If a public employee considers that his or her image has been used unlawfully, he or she can avail himself or herself of several forms of legal protection, such as:
- a request to cease dissemination - the aggrieved person has the right to request the removal of photographs and recordings from websites;
- remedying the infringement - an undertaking by the publishing entity to make an official apology or correct the content;
- financial compensation - in some cases, the person whose image has been unlawfully used may claim monetary compensation.
RODO and the protection of the image of public administration employees
One of the key issues addressed in the publication is the impact of the RODO provisions on image protection.
In the context of European law the image can be treated as personal data and in some cases even as biometric dataif it enables a person to be unequivocally identified. This means that the unauthorised processing of an image - e.g. the publication of photographs of officials without their consent - can entail serious legal consequences.
Why should you be interested in reading this publication?
Dr Rafał Guzowski's publication is an important analysis of the contemporary challenges of protecting the image of public administration employees. In the age of the digital society, where anyone can become an object of recording and media debate, it is necessary to working out the balance between civil liberties and the protection of privacy and workers' rights.
Article in Studies and Materials of the Central Military Library sheds new light on the issue and provides valuable guidance for both public administration employees and their employers.
Read MoreConference "Contemporary challenges for children and young people" - welcome!
We are pleased to announce the cooperation of the Higher School of Vocational Education and the Polish Mediation Centre Wroclaw Branch in the organisation of the conference 'Contemporary Challenges for Children and Youth'. The event will take place 28 February 2025 at 9:00 w Silesia Hotel in Wroclaw. The conference is organised by Ewelina Kościukiewicz-Świerczewska, M.A., who is our employee and President of the Wrocław Branch of the Polish Mediation Centre.
The conference is aimed at to teachers, educators, psychologists, mediators, parents and all those involved in education and development of children and young people. Participation in the event is free of charge. Why take part?
The conference will address important topics related to the challenges faced by children and young people in today's world, including:
- adolescent mental health problems such as anxiety disorders, depression or eating disorders;
- Peer mediation as an effective method of relationship building and conflict resolution;
- school safety and counteracting hate speech;
- supporting children in family situations and in an environment of cultural diversity;
- adapting education to the individual needs of neurotypical pupils.
Registration
Registration for the conference opened on 7 January 2025. To reserve your place, please complete the registration form available at: https://konferencja-28-02-2025.grwebsite.pl/.
Participation in the conference is free of charge, but places are limited and the order of registration is decisive! We invite you to participate and work together to better support children and young people in their daily challenges. Together we can change the future!
Read MoreFirst meeting of the Centre for Disinformation and Cyber Security Research - a new initiative of the College of Vocational Training!
On 28 February 2025, an organisational meeting of the team working on the creation of the Centre for Disinformation and Cyber Security Studies (CBDiC), a new research and teaching unit at the College of Vocational Training in Wrocław. It will aim to conduct research on disinformation and develop education in the area of information threats and security in the digital space.
Participants included:
- Dr Irena Malinowska - Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences;
- MA Anna Piguła - WSKZ Associate Dean for Educational Quality;
- Przemysław Żabnicki, MA - Plenipotentiary of the Rector for relations with the social and economic environment;
- Dr Mariusz Michalski - adjunct professor at WSKZ;
- Marta Matuszewska - Coordinator of the WNS Dean's Office.
The event was also attended by researchers and practitioners specialising in disinformation, information threats and cyber security issueswho jointly agreed on the main lines of action.
Objectives and scope of the Centre's activities
The Centre for Disinformation and Cyber Security Research was established in response to the Increasing risks from information and digital manipulation. Its activities will focus on:
- development of educational programmes, which will take into account the latest disinformation threats and effective strategies to combat them;
- implementation of learning activities focused on information manipulation mechanisms, source verification methods and the role of digital security;
- organisation of scientific conferences and workshops dedicated to combating disinformation and enhancing cyber security competences;
- conducting research on modern information threats and publishing their results in specialised publications;
- raising public awareness on the impact of disinformation and digital threats on the functioning of modern societies.
New opportunities for students and the academic community
The activities of the Centre for Disinformation and Cyber Security Research will contribute to developing the competences of MCCU students in information analysis, strategic communication and digital threat identification. Our University will become a place where science meets practice and project participants will have the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience in the rapidly developing field of information security.
This initiative will not only strengthen the academic research facilities of our University, but will also create a opportunities to improve knowledge on protection against disinformation and cyber threatswhich is crucial in today's world.
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