The program, to run until 2027, will allocate PLN 15 million (around EUR 3.5 million) for educational grants, therapy-focused trips and support care activities.
According to the government, the rising frequency and scale of extreme weather events require pre-emptive planning to ensure a swift response.
The initiative is designed to provide material, psychological and developmental support for affected children.
Under the program, students whose families have suffered losses due to a natural disaster will be eligible for an emergency education grant of PLN 1,000.
Those requiring psychological and educational support outside the disaster area may receive up to PLN 1,770 per child for therapy-based trips.
For children unable or unwilling to participate in trips, local care and therapy sessions will be available, with up to PLN 575 in funding per student.
Kłodzko in southwestern Poland under water after massive flooding in September last year. Photo: PAP/Maciej Kulczyński
Until now, therapy and care activities were available only to a limited group, including children in preschool preparation, pupils in grades one to three of primary school or music schools, and students with special educational needs attending full-time education.
The new regulations expand eligibility to include older primary and secondary school students.
The government expects around 1,700 students to benefit from the program each year.
Family-type foster care facilities will also be able to apply for support on behalf of children in their care.
(rt/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP, gov.pl