Poland – Slovak regional relationships and development of minority Slovak schools in Poland in the Upper Orava region

Abstract

The study deals with the situation of the minority (Slovak) education in the Upper Orava region in Poland. The situation and overall state of development of minority education is evaluated mainly from the perspective of historical development of social conditions that not only influenced the school policy, but in some aspects, also reflected the wider understood development of pedagogical thinking in Poland. Over roughly more than two centuries (from the 18th century to the present), a number of historical milestones in Polish – Slovak relationships have taken place, which also affected the functioning of Slovak minority schools in Poland. It is reflected in the territorial and language disputes that affect mainly the national identity of the Slovaks. This paper reflects on the meaning and mission of regional minority schools in this border area of Poland. It emphasizes their unifying role, promoting good coexistence and the formation of an honest and civic open national (ethnic) identity of Slovaks living in Poland in the Upper Orava region.