Poland has launched a nationwide educational initiative requiring students aged 14-16 to undergo mandatory firearms and first aid training, responding to growing security concerns over potential Russian aggression following the war in Ukraine.
The new "Education for Safety" program, developed jointly by Poland's education and defense ministries, integrates practical and theoretical firearms training into the regular school curriculum. Students receive one hour of instruction per week in their school gymnasiums, using laser-based weapons systems to ensure safety while learning fundamental gun handling skills.
Beyond weapons training, the comprehensive program covers essential survival techniques, tactical rescue operations, and cybersecurity awareness. Students learn to assemble and disassemble firearms, develop shooting accuracy, and respond appropriately to warfare-related scenarios.
The Polish education ministry cited "the increasing threat to state security from the 2022 war in Ukraine" as the primary motivation behind making the program mandatory. This initiative expands upon optional training that had been available in select schools since 2022.
While Poland maintains strict regulations on civilian firearm ownership, including mandatory background checks and training requirements for gun licenses, this educational program represents a notable shift in preparing the younger generation for potential security challenges.
The government plans to implement this training across all 18,000 schools in Poland, marking a substantial change in educational policy amid heightened regional tensions. The program's first aid component ensures students also develop critical emergency response skills alongside their defensive training.
This educational reform reflects Poland's broader strategy to enhance civilian preparedness in response to evolving geopolitical dynamics in Eastern Europe.