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JAKUB NALEŻNY
CREATOR AND INITIATOR
OF THE INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FORUM
PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF THE “SPYNACZ” ASSOCIATION
Dear Young People, Ladies and Gentlemen, Friends of the International Youth Forum,
When we first met in 2022 at the International Youth Forum in Legnica, we were driven by a single desire: to create a space where young people could talk, ask questions, share experiences, and feel that their voices truly matter.
Today, we gather once again for the third edition of the Forum, themed "Man in the Mirror: A Reflection That Transforms." This is more than just a title; it is an invitation to pause and look inward—to examine your own emotions, needs, relationships, and the choices you make every day.
In a world saturated with information, expectations, the pressure to succeed, and constant judgment, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find the space to ask simple questions: How am I really feeling? Who am I? What do I need? Am I able to ask for help?
That is why, at this year’s Forum, we want to address topics such as the mental health of young people, stress, burnout, loneliness, and pressure—while also exploring the power of human connection. We will discuss how we can support one another—as peers, teachers, parents, institutions, and as a society as a whole. I am particularly interested in whether a peer might be the first person to notice that someone else needs help—and how we can respond to such a situation wisely.
As the creator and initiator of the Forum, and as President of the "Spynacz" Association, I am proud that an event designed with young people in mind has become a meeting point for hundreds of individuals from diverse schools, backgrounds, organizations, and countries. Diversity can be the starting point for an important conversation and a process of mutual learning.
That is why, for the third edition of the Forum, we want to move beyond simply talking *about* young people—we want to engage in dialogue *with* them.
I hope that your time in Legnica this November will be filled with meaningful conversations, inspiring encounters, and questions that will stay with you long after. After all, sometimes what matters most is not a ready-made answer, but the courage to ask the right question.
Let us, then, look into the mirror together—not in search of an ideal, but to better understand ourselves and one another.
See you at the 3rd International Youth Forum in Legnica!
MAN IN THE MIRROR.
REFLECTION THAT CHANGES
MAN IN THE MIRROR. REFLECTION THAT CHANGES.
WHO AM I WHEN NO ONE IS LOOKING AT ME? WHAT DO I SEE WHEN I REALLY LOOK AT MYSELF? HOW DO MY DECISIONS, EMOTIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS AFFECT WHO I AM BECOMING?
"Man in the Mirror. A reflection that changes" is the main theme of the 3rd International Youth Forum, which will be a space to stop for a moment in a world full of pressure, expectations, information and constant comparison with others.
At the center of the Forum we put a person - a young person, his emotions, needs, relationships and self-esteem. We want to think together about how to deal with stress, overload, loneliness and pressure that young people increasingly experience. We will also talk about the important role peers, teachers, parents, specialists, social organizations and institutions can play in such situations.
BUT "MAN IN THE MIRROR" IS NOT JUST A CONVERSATION ABOUT DIFFICULTIES.
It is also a question about responsibility for yourself and others. For the courage to ask for help. About attentiveness to other people. About building relationships in which you can be yourself. It's about whether we can see that the person standing next to us may be facing something that is not visible at first glance.
During the Forum, we want to create a place where young people will not only be recipients of events. We want them to be participants in the conversation. They will be able to ask questions, share experiences, meet peers from Poland and other countries, and together look for answers to questions that concern their everyday lives.
FORUM AS PART OF A LARGER INITIATIVE
The 3rd International Youth Forum is part of the year-long project "MindArmor - Build the power inside you that helps you overcome challenges", financed by the European Union under the Erasmus+ program.
The project implemented by the "Spynacz" Association together with a partner from Spain - Asociación Jóvenes Solidarios - focuses on strengthening young people and developing their internal resources that help them cope with the challenges of the modern world.
The forum is one of the important moments of this process - a space for meeting, exchanging experiences and jointly searching for answers to the question of how to build strength that allows not only to survive difficult moments, but also to consciously overcome them.
Because sometimes the most important conversation starts with looking in the mirror.
STOP. LOOK IN THE MIRROR. SEE YOURSELF. NOTICE OTHERS. START ACTION.
SPEAKERS
MODERATORS
dr joanna
świącik
Activist, researcher and enthusiast of activities for the development of local communities and international cooperation. She has a degree in humanities and her work focuses on engaging young people in projects based on solidarity, education and innovation. He actively participates in many initiatives that promote cultural exchange and cooperation between young people from different countries. His work focuses on teaching history and developing civic attitudes among young people. Its activities focus on analyzing methods of integrating young people in global society, as well as on the role of new technologies in the education process.
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MATEUSZ
SOBOTKIEWICZ
A student of medicine and a member of the University Council of the Student Government at the Medical University of Warsaw. Karol Marcinkowski in Poznań. Graduate of the 2nd Secondary School named after Stanisław Wyspiański in Legnica. A great optimist, he knows that the sun always comes after the storm. He turns his great empathy and ambition into action. He willingly participates in various social projects and sports events as a volunteer. He takes part in events organized, among others, by the "Spynacz" Association. He participated in projects such as: Active Youth Forum, Solve for tomorrow. Privately, he is a fan of non-fiction and reportage and a passionate free time animator.
SPEAKERS AND PANELISTS
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TOMASZ IWANCA
"GRUBSON"
Grubson - an uncompromising producer, rapper, and vocalist—is known for his masterful blending of musical genres and his willingness to experiment with various forms of artistic expression. His albums have achieved gold, platinum, and even diamond status. He was the first to set a YouTube record: his song "Na Szczycie" became the first hip-hop track to reach 100 million views. Every one of his concerts is a major musical event—a revelation, especially for those who know him solely through his ties to the hip-hop scene. Last year, Grubson celebrated his 20th anniversary in the music industry by performing two truly exceptional arena concerts: one at the Spodek in Katowice and another at the Torwar in Warsaw.
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LUCYNA
LEWANDOWSKA
Master's degree in psychology and therapeutic psychopedagogy, sociotherapist, coach. Since 2004, he has been working with children and young people at the local level, both in Poland and Spain. He also coordinates and implements international youth projects. Her work focuses on developing social-emotional skills and the full potential of young people, both individually and in groups, using therapeutic and coaching methods and non-formal education tools.
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ANNA
MODRZEJEWSKA
Educator and trainer, involved in activities for the well-being and development of people for years. He works with both adolescents and adults, supporting them in better understanding themselves, building self-esteem, developing social competences and creating healthy, respectful relationships. She is an academic lecturer and a graduate of postgraduate studies in the field of well-being, pedagogical preparation, management in education and the development of coaching competences. He has been operating in an international environment for many years, implementing educational and development projects for people from different cultures and countries. She has over 10 years of experience in managing teams of diverse ages and cultures, which allows her to combine a coaching perspective with the realities of the work of leaders and organizations. In his work, he integrates solid substantive knowledge with attentiveness, empathy and practical experience of working with groups.
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ANH DAO
NGUYEN
She holds a Master’s degree in International Development Studies from Université Grenoble Alpes in France, and a Bachelor’s degree in Investment Economics from the National Economics University in Vietnam. Since 2017, she has worked with children and young people from diverse backgrounds in Vietnam, France, and Poland, and—as of 2023—in Spain. She has served as a youth worker and facilitator within the framework of non-formal education and various educational programs. Her experience includes conducting workshops and sessions focused on communication, teamwork, leadership, creativity, and the development of social-emotional competencies. She has also designed and facilitated educational escape room games and worked as a trainer in the fields of social and financial education.
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MATEUSZ R.M.
ROGALSKI
Part traveler, part writer, part historian, part political scientist, and part educator. He is the author of the fantasy series *Obrońcy Ahury* (Defenders of Ahura), co-author of the children’s story *Zamki i Roboty* (Castles and Robots), and co-author of the fantasy crime novel *Krew Dahaku* (Blood of Dahaku), written with Monika Litwinow. He serves as president of the association PSAN "Samowydawcy" (Self-Publishers), editor-in-chief of the magazine *Daję Słowo*, editor of the *Antologia Samowydawców* (Self-Publishers' Anthology), and founder of the online store Samowydawcy.pl. He has also authored articles for publications such as *Wychowanie w Przedszkolu* (Preschool Education) and *Życie Szkoły* (School Life). Additionally, he is a co-organizer of the Book Festival in Płock and the BookSpace event in Wrocław.
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DR MALWINA
PUCHALSKA-KAMINSKA
Psychologist, lecturer at SWPS University in Sopot, founder of Job Crafting Polska. Member of the Polish Association of Positive Psychology. Author of scientific publications and textbooks on the well-being of employees and school students. He promotes knowledge about well-being based on scientific evidence. He conducts activities in the field of burnout prevention, cooperating with various professional groups, including: judges, teachers, doctors and employees of non-governmental organizations.
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STACH
BORAWSKI
Academic teacher, business psychologist and job coach. He specializes in the psychology of motivation, the psychology of well-being and the art of storytelling, operating at the intersection of science, business and fun. For years he was associated with the IT industry, where he coordinated projects and served business clients, building bridges between the world of technology and its users, all the time ensuring that technology serves people, and not the other way around. At the SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities he teaches, among others: in the psychology of education and the psychology of well-being, teaching students what happiness is and how thanks to scientific discoveries we can live better. He makes sure that the knowledge he imparts has a solid scientific basis. It encourages cooperation and (critical) thinking, because no technology should ever replace this thinking. As a hobby, he paints Warhammer figurines and conducts RPG sessions.
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ADRIAN
SIELICKI
An educator, creator, and organizer of artistic and social projects. He has conceived musicals, oratorios, and cantatas that engage young people in creative endeavors, and, as a teacher of history and social studies, he implements innovative educational initiatives. Since 2025, he has served as the deputy principal of Zofia Kossak Primary School No. 10 in Legnica. He acts as an advisor to the Student Council and serves as a mentor in programs run by the Centre for Citizenship Education (Centrum Edukacji Obywatelskiej), where he facilitates discussions with young people about the key challenges of the modern world. He is passionate about integrating art, education, and social engagement to create inspiring experiences. He is also currently pursuing studies in psychology.
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WOJCIECH
TOMASZEWICZ
Press Spokesperson for the Students’ Parliament of the Republic of Poland (PSRP), delegate and representative of the PSRP to the European Students’ Union and the Visegrad Group, and an expert on student affairs for the Polish Accreditation Committee. For years, he has been actively involved in the development of the student community, with a particular focus on the internationalization of higher education, academic exchange, and the fostering of international cooperation among students and higher education institutions. As a representative of the Students’ Parliament of the Republic of Poland to the European Students’ Union, he participates in European-level debates concerning mobility, the quality of education, and the future of higher education, bridging the perspective of Polish students with the broader European academic community and facilitating the exchange of best practices.
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ANNA
BŁASZCZYK
Volunteer coordinator at the SZANSA Association for Children and Youth in Głogów. For several years, she has been working with young people, supporting their personal development, autonomy, and social engagement. She coordinates volunteer activities and prepares young people to carry out their own initiatives—focusing on areas such as children’s rights, the prevention of violence and discrimination, and the issue of cyberbullying. In her work, she emphasizes the agency and self-determination of young people, while fostering a safe environment for them to take action and build relationships. An occupational therapist by training, she is currently pursuing a degree in psychology.
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KRZYSZTOF
SKRZYPEK
A coach, an educator, and a student—all in one. While he spends his days teaching others, he never stops learning himself; he is currently pursuing a degree in psychology. His coaching experience spans various levels, including the first division (I liga) and the Ekstraklasa, and he has spent many years working with children and young people. He currently serves as the coordinator of the Miedź Legnica Football Academy. He believes that great changes begin with small steps—a conviction that gave rise to a project with the somewhat ironic name, "Trochę To Dużo" ("That’s Quite a Lot"). He enjoys discussing important matters in a simple, accessible way.
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PATRYK
PODRAZA
Psychologist, special education teacher, trainer and social animator. Founder of the INCEPCJA Development and Therapy Center in Legnica. It combines office support for young people and adults in crisis with conducting personal development workshops. It helps you better understand emotions, strengthen your self-esteem and build relationships. Master's degree in psychology and pedagogy in the field of social rehabilitation. Community therapist for children and adolescents and social skills trainer (TUS). During comprehensive psychotherapeutic training in the systemic-Ericksonian trend. President of the INCEPCJA Foundation and vice-president of the NASTROJE Health and Development Foundation.
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MICHAŁ
SZWESTKA
Teacher and history enthusiast. A graduate of the University of Silesia, where he graduated in law (2009) and postgraduate studies in social studies (2012) and history (2019). Vice-principal of the 1st Secondary School. Jan Śniadecki in Siemianowice Śląskie and the originator
and coordinator of the nationwide "Legal Skirmishes" competition.
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Jowita
wowczak
Mindfulness and meditation teacher, pedagogue, author of the books "Mindfulness in Education", "Guide to Mindfulness for Children" and "Save Your Wings". On a daily basis, she conducts workshops for adults, teenagers and children, teaches how to deal with thoughts, emotions and stress. Co-creator of the first Polish mindfulness program for children, Kosmos and Kajo. Originator of the nationwide Mindfulness Week in schools and kindergartens, organizer of the annual events Rally of Mindful Teachers and the Love(s) in Education initiatives. She runs Mindfulness Instructor courses for children, supporting teachers, parents and specialists in developing mindfulness, well-being and emotional competences of children and young people. For many years, she has been promoting mindfulness as the foundation of good being, kindness and compassion. She is particularly interested in the impact of perspective on health and happiness.
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ANETA
RADZIK
Certified teacher of history and EO at the Secondary School No. 2. Lives in Szczecin, CKE examiner, educator, project coordinator, school mediator, business and education trainer. Promotes the idea of a creative school. Combining empathy, creativity and knowledge, he tries to use modern technologies to "speak" to students in their language and show that the history of the magister is vitae est. As an educator of the Design Thinking method, she improves design work methods. She is co-author of a course for teachers on the project method. As a member of the expert and advisory group of the Center for Civic Education, she tries to inspire teachers to implement global education content in their subjects, just like she did in history and EDC lessons. I share my knowledge and lesson ideas with teachers during conferences, webinars, training sessions and on the educational blog Głoski Bez Charliego, of which she is a co-author.
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EWA
KARLIŃSKA
Personal development trainer, Coach, Certified FRIS trainer, Career advisor, Open Space Technology Facilitator, Certified Assessment/Development Center Project Advisor, Philosophy graduate of the University of Wrocław and a long-time lecturer associated with state higher vocational schools. He combines training, coaching and teaching experience with practical knowledge of working with people with different experience, needs and operating styles. He specializes in designing and conducting development processes that support effective functioning in professional and personal life for various groups - from students and postgraduate students to employees and staff from many industries and professional environments.
AGENDA
UNDERSTAND AND NAME
NOVEMBER 17, 2026
8:00-9:00
registration of participants
9:00-9:30
FORUM OPENING CEREMONY
9:30-10:00
Introductory lecture
You don't have to be perfect - how young people deal with pressure and stress
Wojciech Tomaszewicz
10:00-11:00
panel discussion
How many of us are there? Or, loneliness in a crowd – on the isolation of modern people
MODERATORS: dr Joanna Świącik i Mateusz Sobotkiewicz
PANELISTS:
Tomasz Iwanca "GrubSon"
Lucyna Lewandowska
Wojciech Tomaszewicz
młodzież
11:00-11:30
COFFEE BREAK AND TIME TO RECHARGE
11:30-12:00
INSPIRATIONAL LECTURE
School-related stress. The system, or ourselves?
Michał Szwestka
12:00-13:00
panel discussion
Who really helps young people? - The role of school, family, and institutions
MODERATORS: dr Joanna Świącik i Mateusz Sobotkiewicz
PANELISTS:
Michał Szwestka
Anna Błaszczyk
Anna Modrzejewska
Anh Dao Nguyen
młodzież
13:00-13:45
Coffee break and time to recharge
13:45-15:15
workshop session
1. "Are we already living in Black Mirror?" INSTAGRAM VS REALITY
- RELATIONSHIPS IN THE WORLD OF RATINGS - Ewa Karlińska
2. What is mental resilience and how to build it? - Anna Modrzejewska
3. To light a fire, you have to burn, or how not to burn out - Krzysztof Skrzypek
4. Who am I? - identity vs social roles and expectations - Lucyna Lewandowska and Anh Dao Nguyen
5. How to tame ADHD - Mateusz Rogalski
NOVEMBER 18, 2026
ACT and support
9:00-9:10
energizer
9:10-10:40
introductory lecture
Your mind, your rules – how to take care of yourself every day
dr Malwina Puchalska
9:40-10:40
panel discussion
Peers as a source of initial psychological support – how to provide help wisely?
MODERATORS: dr Joanna Świącik i Mateusz Sobotkiewicz
PANELISTS:
Aneta Radzik
Jowita Wowczak
Patryk Podraza
młodzież
10:40-11:10
coffee break and time to recharge
11:10-11:40
lecture
Does the Internet support or destroy?
Mental health in the online world
Stach Borawski
11:40-12:40
panel discussion
Burnout as early as school age – how to recognize and stop it?
MODERATORZY: dr Joanna Świącik i Mateusz Sobotkiewicz
PANELIŚCI:
Stach Borawski
dr Malwina Puchalska
Adrian Sielicki
12:40-13:25
coffee break and time to recharge
13:25-14:55
workshop session
1. How to deal with stress in 5 steps (techniques that work)
2. How to help a friend in crisis - without being a therapist - Patryk Podraza
3. Digital detox - healthy use of technology - Stach Borawski
4. Self-care in practice - Dr. Malwina Puchalska (FOR TEACHERS)
5. A year in Spain for zero zlotys - volunteering and other opportunities for young people - Lucyna Lewandowska and Anh Dao Nguyen
14:55
PRIZE DRAW AND WRAP-UP
PARTNERS
ORGANIZER
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CO-ORGANIZER
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HONORARY PATRONAGE
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PARTNERS
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This activity is part of the MindArmour project (project number 2026-1-PL01-KA210-YOU-000460346), co-financed by the European Union under the Erasmus+ programme.
TAKE PART
The 3rd International Youth Forum in Legnica is an event addressed primarily to young people, secondary school students, university students, young socially active people and people interested in the topics of mental health, relationships, emotions and contemporary challenges of the young generation.
We also invite teachers, educators, psychologists, educators, employees of institutions working with youth, representatives of social organizations and people involved in activities for young people to participate.
Participation in the Forum is free of charge , however, for organizational reasons , prior registration is required via the registration form below.
Space is limited. Organizers will not provide transportation or accommodation for participants.
Participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs. We welcome everyone who wants to listen, talk, gain new experiences, meet inspiring people, and reflect together on what truly matters in a young person's life.
Event location:
Conference and Events Center, Building E
The Witelon Collegium State University, Sejmowa Street 5A, 59-220 Legnica