Wings grow from the roots – young village, strong Europe
For nearly a century, the Union of Rural Youth (ZMW) has been accompanying young people in rural areas on the road to independence, knowledge and agency. By combining respect for tradition with openness to modernity, ZMW is creating a space where the younger generation can make a real impact on the future of the Polish countryside – and Europe as a whole.
Operating continuously since 1928, the organisation promotes education, civic participation, professional development and leadership among young residents of villages and small towns. This is where future farmers, socialists, entrepreneurs and community leaders are born – aware of their roots and ready to build a sustainable future.
ZMW runs dozens of programs and initiatives:
- organises Olympiads, cultural festivals, summer and winter holidays for children in rural areas, workshops and youth rallies,
- offers opportunities for international travel and exchanges under Erasmus+,
- supports the professional and social activity of young people through the organisation of foreign professional internships
- integrates and educates youth through cutting-edge projects and field activities.
ZMW is not just history – it is a community. It is a network of young people who work together to learn, act and change their environment for the better. Today, the Union is an active participant in social life in Poland and Europe – a member of the Polish Council of Youth Organisations, the Forum for Rural Activism, Rural Youth Europe and the European Council of Young Farmers CEJA.
The Union of Rural Youth means energy, responsibility and cooperation. This is the voice of the young countryside, which is being heard louder and louder – in Warsaw, Brussels and the European countryside.
„We proudly refer to our history and traditions, a dimension of which is, for example, the slogan of the current term: „Faithful to traditions, we build the future.” The task of the current Wici is to seek out leaders in rural communities and nurture their development through social activism and self-education. Educated members of the ZMW must become people who bring modern standards and social attitudes to the countryside – in harmony with tradition, patriotism and general ethics. Social work done today will certainly affect personal development and bring positive benefits in future careers, at the same time, the tasks carried out allow to activate local communities and inspire young people to innovative solutions in rural areas and beyond.” President of the Board of the National Union of Rural Youth, Szymon Migoń