HELP LIBERIA FOUNDATION

Poland Is A Paradise

Posted by Help Liberia Foundation on May 19, 2005

A major conference, aimed at stressing the need for Poland to assist developing countries, was held on 17 May 2005 at the Wyzsza Szkola Biznezu-Naional Louis University, one of the most famous private universities in Poland.

The theme of the conference was “Polska Jest Rajem – dla 1,2mld najbiedniejszych mieszkancow swiata,” meaning, “Poland Is A paradise – for the world’s 1.2 billion poorest citizens”. The conference, which was jointly organized by Help Liberia Foundation and Loza Dyplomatyczna, a student organization at the university, was held in consonance with the United Nations’ “Millennium Development Goals” program.

HLF’s Executives joyously displaying one of the posters of the conference
From L-R: Ms. Anna Dobrowolska, President of the Board; Ms. Joanna Kogut, a member of the Board; and Ms. Anna Kopacz, Assistant Director of HLF

A cross-section of the audience at the conference

Ms. Joanna Kogut, a Board member of HLF, serving as MC during the conference

The primary purpose of the conference was to conscientize the Polish society on two important facts:

1. that, though Polish people think that their country is poor, the fact is that Poland is a rich country, and is even richer than more than 150 other countries in the world, and
2. that the Polish people should do more to help the needy citizens of the developing countries

During the deliberations, it was revealed that Poland is among the 50 richest countries in the world and, in fact, Poland is at the 37th position of the ranking of these countries, while Norway occupies the first position. The speakers averred that Poland should help developing countries not only because it is a part of its membership requirements in the EU, but also because it is its moral responsibility and should even do more.

Two Executives of HLF chatting with the President of Polish Humanitarian Action at the end of the conference

Organized in the form of a panel discussion, the conference had three keynote speakers – Mr. Jan Szczycinski, a representative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Poland; Mr. Pawel Baginski, a representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland; and Ms. Janina Ochojska, the Founder and President of Polish Humanitarian Action (PAH), one of the largest and most active humanitarian organizations in Poland. They operate in Sudan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Iran, North Korea, etc.

From L-R: Mr. Jan Szczycinski, Mr. Pawel Baginski and Ms. Janina Ochojska

The conference was attended by the Rector of the university, Dr. Krzysztof Pawlowski, instructors, students, members of the business community, etc. Loza Dyplomatyczna, the student organization which jointly organized the conference with HLF, was represented by two very responsible and hard-working students —Marta Jablonska and Magda Prucnal.

In his short remark, the Rector thanked Help Liberia Foundation and the student organization for organizing the conference. He also stressed that it’s good to help others and encouraged the audience to always think about helping those in need.

The Rector of the university (center figure with red necktie) is seen posting with the speakers, students and some officials of HLF

Reflecting on the immense sacrifices that Ms. Janina Ochojska has made, and continues to make, in helping those in need, especially those in the developing countries, the Rector remarked: “Janina, thank you for your humanitarian work for needy people all these years. I consider you the Mother Theresa of Poland.” This well-thought remark by the Rector was swallowed up by a thunderous applause from the audience.

The President of the Board is posting with Ms. Anna Wantuch, a former Polish missionary to Kenya, Zambia and Peru; at present, she teaches in a junior high school in Nowy Sacz, Poland

R-L: HLF’s Executive Director, PAH’s President and the UN Representative are at the dinning table listening to remarks from other guests