ZHP is awarded the EESC Civil Society Prize 2022

The Polish Scouting and Guiding Association (ZHP) has been awarded the Civil Society Prize 2022 by the European Economic and Social Committee. ZHP was recognised for the humanitarian aid it provided across the country to support Ukrainians: at six border crossings and in 147 local aid centres. Scouts provided assistance to every third refugee out of approximately three million Ukrainians.

Polish Scouts and Guides were awarded for mobilising the entire organisation to help Ukrainians jointly and comprehensively. At border crossings, ZHP Scouts and Guides provided information support and psychological assistance to people, as well as directing them to safe areas. In addition, ZHP collected over 127 tons of humanitarian aid and transported it to Ukraine. Over 1.5 million refugees received Scouting support in the first month of the war, and 1 in 5 children from Ukraine participated in Scouting activities. During the first three months of supporting refugees, over 4,000 ZHP Scouts over the age of 16 were involved. In addition, nearly 6,000 Ukrainian children participated in Scout camps from June to August, where they experienced physical, mental, and emotional rest. In this way, they were able to integrate in an easier way into their new environment.

The response to the crisis was a natural thing for the ZHP Scouts - service is an extremely important aspect of Scouting. The reaction of members of the ZHP showed that continuous educational work and ideals that ZHP instructors pass on to young people, truly affect their lives, and support and encourage them to change the world for the better. We are proud that taking up the service for Ukraine was such a natural decision - says the head of The Polish Scouting and Guiding Association, Martyna Kowacka.

The assistance provided by ZHP has evolved along with the changing needs. Scouts volunteered in refugee centers, organised transport and accommodation, collected and transported basic necessities, coordinated humanitarian action, offered equipment support, assisted with official formalities, invited Ukrainian children to Scouting activities, and conducted summer and winter camps.

The EESC Civil Society Prize 2022 was awarded to organisations that helped the affected communities by the conflict in Ukraine. Over 100 applications from 21 member countries were reviewed by the competition committee for the 13th time. The award is a way to thank ZHP volunteers for their dedicated service. In addition, it demonstrates that their activities are noticed and appreciated not only locally but also internationally. The award demonstrates the importance of selflessness, commitment, and small actions. This encourages similar actions in the future.

With over 105,000 members, the Polish Scouting and Scouting Association is Poland's largest youth organisation. Throughout its history, ZHP has helped children and youth develop proactive attitudes, learn valuable skills, and acquire knowledge and skills that will help them succeed in the future. 

Thanks to the daily commitment of over 12,000 volunteer instructors, ZHP offers not only unique Scouting trips but also various extracurricular activities that take place throughout the year. Scouting promotes values such as friendship, adventure, and active citizenship and works to address the current needs of young people and the challenges of the modern world. ZHP is also one of the active founding members of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) and the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS).