On the International Children’s Day, June 1st, families from across Warsaw, more than 100 young performers from Janosik’s Little Army group, a dozen educational and activity zones, and thousands of “Caritas Friend Passports” were among the highlights of the nationwide “Children for Children” Family Festival, held at Legia Park near Warsaw’s Legia stadium.

The event brought together large numbers of families and highlighted a message central to Caritas Poland’s mission: Children’s Day is not simply a day of celebration, but the starting point for year-round support for children and young people.

Here is a report from Vatican News.

A Day of Joy — and a Commitment to Help

“When the applause and celebration come to an end, the real marathon of support for the youngest is only beginning,” said Father Janusz Majda, director of Caritas Poland, announcing the annual Caritas for Children campaign.

“We support children systematically throughout the year. Caritas does everything it can to help them develop their talents and ensure that they have a safe and joyful childhood,” he emphasized.

Throughout the festival, children took part in activities led by animators, sports competitions and educational initiatives. At the Caritas Zone, they could drop cards into a large Jar of Good Thoughts and write messages to elderly people experiencing loneliness.

The Caritas Television Studio offered another opportunity for young participants to speak about what matters most to them — love, helping others and their dreams for the future.

Prayer and Community

Children and families from diocesan branches of Caritas Poland also took part in the festival. Alongside entertainment and educational activities, the program included Holy Mass, celebrated by Bishop Wiesław Lechowicz, Field Bishop of the Polish Armed Forces. In his homily, Bishop Lechowicz highlighted the importance of family and of raising children who will shape the future of the country. The day concluded with a performance by Janosik’s Little Army, a Polish folk-inspired musical group. Janosik is a Polish legendary figure similar to Robin Hood. “There is nothing more beautiful than children supporting other children. Thank you very much for this wonderful performance and for supporting Caritas,” Father Majda said at the close of the event.

Support Beyond Children’s Day

For Caritas Poland, however, the festival marks only one moment in a much broader effort to support children throughout the year. “​​The most beautiful gift we can give a child is a sense of security and love,” Father Majda said, stressing that Children’s Day should also be a reminder of the needs of children who require continued assistance.

Caritas programs include summer camps, scholarships, after-school clubs, Christmas and holiday gifts, hot meals and specialized support. Across Poland, Caritas operates nearly 100 community and therapeutic centres serving more than 2,000 children and young people.

On the eve of Children’s Day, Caritas also launched its “Box of Happiness” campaign. Through the initiative, diocesan Caritas branches distributed 25,000 packages containing toys, books and healthy snacks.

For Caritas Poland, the message of the festival was therefore clear: celebrating children for one day is important, but ensuring their safety, development and well-being requires support throughout the entire year.

Caritas Polska

By Vatican News / Karol Darmoros / Piotr Kowalczuk