L24: You were a Vice Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania 14 year ago, in 2001. Do you think that the intensity of problems and risks of Polish schools in Lithuania have changed since then?

Jan Dzilbo: Yes, things have worsened. Of course, there were problems in 2009, but we, Polish community, could solve most of them ourselves. I remember that the most important issue that troubled the educational community, was the introduction of the teaching of particular subjects in Lithuanian. We resisted as much as we could, despite the fact that the Ministry of Education and Science forced this idea in different versions. Then it was school community who was taking all the decisions. After all, nobody even mentioned closing or degradations of schools, as it is today.

There was no such intense pressure from politicians. Of course, there was some pressure from conservatists, who are ancient enemies of everything that is Polish, but still it was not that hostile. Or maybe it is my age and experience doing their job - today these facts appear in a different light.

L24: What were the most important problems of Polish education 15 years ago and what problems do you see today?

Jan Dzilbo: There were no problems of the lack of students at Polish schools. A wave of revival was still carrying only advantages for Polish education, there were a lot of parallel classes in large urban schools, and there was enough of students in districts too. I have always been a follower of the high level of education, so in those days one could take care of it.

Moreover, after-school education, which I had to supervise as a vice minister, was not limited due to lack of funding. The desires of students and proper professionals was enough, so the school could afford a wide range of extra-curricular activities.

Of course, the support from Poland was modest, there were less renovations or outbuildings, there was no EU funds, but the most important was a class full of students, a sense of security. And all these intentions of politicians hostile to Polish schools remained only on paper. Polish schools had a reason to remain and no one dared to undermine this fact. There were various committees, checks, but we survived.

Schools lacked computers, innovative teaching tools (like interactive boards), but all those things were not as popular then. Students wanted to learn, teachers to teach and this was enough to make a school attractive.

It is difficult to talk about normal functioning of schools today, when there are problems of schools' accreditation. This instability makes both teachers as well as students and parents worry about the future.

L24: There were very many protest actions of Poles fighting for the survival of Polish education in Lithuania. What do you think about such way of fighting and its effects?

Jan Dzilbo: In my opinion it is a final attempt to draw attention to the piling up long-term problems of education of national minorities. I was surprised that not all minorities fight for their survival with such determination. Is it so hard to understand that it is impossible to restore something that has been lost?

Students and their parents participating in protest rallies make us hope that our direction is right. These words of opponents, including the highest notables of Lithuania, that you do not have to drag children to political matters, are, in my mind, just vain talks. Not to mention the threats of punishment. All methods have been tried. What can Poles do - give up, resign from the most precious things we have left? So that after a few decades there would be even no trace of Polishness left?

The effects of rallies and strikes are rational. But the stubbornness of authorities is strange. How long can they pretend not to see what is happening? I am definitely not convinced with the statements that other methods, more diplomatic ones, should be implied. Could someone name me such methods? What else should Polish national minority do in this matter?

L24: Authorities, regimes, governing coalitions change, but Polish schools stay in a defensive position. What is, in your opinion, the reason of this trend?

Jan Dzilbo: This belligerence of representatives of the Lithuanian authorities is to me somehow understandable. Nobody is brave enough to break away from the monolithic hostility towards Polishness in Lithuania. And what is even worse, this monolith absorbs more and more enlightened minds. People change after they get a particular 'comfortable' post.

It is strange how one person, who was of normal, liberal beliefs just a month ago, suddenly changes because his or her current position requires such political 'correctness'. And is it a proper citizen who does not consider Poles as enemies of Lithuania?!

L24: The fate of Polish education has always been difficult. What do you think about its future?

Jan Dzilbo: High level of education is the best advice for modern Polish education in Lithuania. Do not be afraid to talk loudly about that, do not be afraid to dismiss a teacher or a school manager, if his or her knowledge and methods cannot meet the demands of the current times. It will be easier to solve various problems when the education reaches proper, higher level.

And, of course, we should further convince these undecided Poles to lead education in their mother tongue. I know some Poles, graduates of non-Polish schools. It was hard for them to find their place, they are usually confused and shy. Their irresponsible parents wanted to give them bright future but it turned out to be simply nothing.

The native language is a fundament of one's personality, character and worldview. Modern human is becoming more enlightened, educated and more capable to understand that a child should have the possibility to communicate with the native language and literature.

I hope that Polish schools will continue to educate our young successors despite all the threats and attempts to damage made by unfavorable officials, despite demographic lows and other disasters.

L24: Thank you for the conversation.

"This project is co-financed from the funds granted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland."