The Zbigniew Herbert Foundation has unveiled a programme of events to mark the anniversary, which falls on October 29, 2024.
Held under the auspices of UNESCO, the commemorations comprise a wide range of literary, social and educational undertakings, including the “Gift a Poem” campaign, which coincides with World Poetry Day on Thursday.
It is for the second time that the Polish National Commission for UNESCO, ASPnet Poland and the Zbigniew Herbert Foundation, in partnership with the ASPnet International Coordination Unit, are encouraging schools around the world to organize the “Gift a Poem” campaign as a form of commemorating World Poetry Day.
Established by UNESCO in 1999, World Poetry Day honours poets, revives oral traditions of poetry recitals, and promotes the reading, writing and teaching of poetry.
The "Gift a Poem" campaign is summed up in four simple steps: choose a book of poetry; select a poem; copy the chosen poem by hand onto a stationary card specially prepared by the organisers; and gift the copied poem to someone specific.
A winner of numerous literary awards, Zbigniew Herbert was one of the most influential 20th-century Polish poets. His works have been translated into 40 languages.
His most popular works include Mr Cogito, The Chord of Light, Hermes, Dog and Star, and The Barbarian in the Garden. He died in 1998.
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Click on the audio player above to listen to a report by Radio Poland's Agnieszka Bielawska.