The Association of Polish Journalists and Writers in Wales Dialog’s Young Journalists Academy meets at Ffwrnes Fach, the home of People Speak Up, Llanelli’s Arts, Health and Wellbeing Hub, every Thursday evening. Although many of APWJW DIALOG's members are based in Llanelli, the association also works with Polish writers throughout Wales.
APWJW DIALOG's aim is simple: to celebrate Poland's language, culture and history and to create a positive image of Polish people living in the area.
This mission extends to the young people involved with the group. Through their Thursday night sessions, they learn more about their language and culture while gaining valuable skills and experience publishing their work.
PSU's Artistic Director, Eleanor Shaw, says: "People Speak Up are in total support of the inspiring work that Paulina and Angnieska are doing for their community and culture in Llanelli. We provide them the space and they run with it, holding workshops and the creation of a Polish free library! We are also talking about creating more literary events in Polish for the Autumn!"
I met with Agnieszka Raduj-Turko, Paulina Czubatka, and the other APWJW DIALOG group members to learn more about their work.
The Association of Polish Journalists and Writers in Wales Dialog
Established in 2006, APWJW DIALOG now shares its home with People Speak Up. The group includes a network of Polish writers in Wales who are interested in maintaining the links between their original home in Poland and their new home in Wales.
Since 2010, the organisation has published Dialog Magazine, which was started by Agnieszka Raduj-Turko. It includes articles and poems celebrating Polish roots and life in Wales. The recent special edition includes a history of The Association of Polish Journalists and Writers in Wales.
n 2013, the group started the Little Reader’s Club, regularly meeting at the library to familiarise young children with the Polish language and traditions.
While building connections with Wales and UK culture is important for the Polish community in Llanelli, it’s natural to retain an interest and want to stay connected with their homeland. However, getting Polish books to the UK can become costly.
Over the years, the group has collected numerous Polish books and has created a social library. Many of the books are kept within members’ homes and exchanged whenever necessary, while a small selection is kept at Ffwrnes Fach.
Since the war broke out in Ukraine in 2022, APWJW and RAZEM Polish Community Group have been actively collecting for refugees.
Children of Two Dragons
One element of the APWJW DIALOG's work is with juniors and teens. The children of Polish parents growing up in Wales are exposed to aspects of Welsh, British, and Polish cultures. At school, they are taught in English, learn Welsh, and naturally form friendships with children of other backgrounds.
As much as Wales is home, it’s important for children to understand their heritage. They are the children of two dragons: The Welsh Dragon (Y Ddraig Goch) and the Polish Wawel Dragon.
With the support of APWJW DIALOG members, young people are learning stories from Poland's history, such as how the Second World War affected the country and their ancestors.
The Young Journalists Academy is an opportunity for its members Nadia, Aleksandra, Marysia, Fryderyk, Viktor, Michał, Leon, Maksymilian, and Amelia to develop their writing skills and get creative.
The APWJW’s DIALOG magazine includes a junior edition written by Academy members. This provides the young writers with an opportunity to talk about their passions. The recent edition features varied articles on topics including the link between the Polish writer and traveller Arkady Fiedler and Fryderyk’s great-grandparents, Taylor Swift, video games, flying squirrels, Polish Food, Lego and pizza!
The latest edition of DIALOG Magazine is out now and features DIALOG Magazine Junior.
Polish Poets Anthology in Wales
Over the last year, APWJW has also been working to compile the first poetry anthology for Polish writers living in Wales.
The anthology, due for publication soon, also includes introductions from MP for Llanelli, Nia Griffiths, who has previously supported the organisation, and the renowned Polish poet, essayist, and translator Adam Czerniawski, who passed away this year.
Poets submitting to the anthology were not given a theme; instead, they showed the versatility and creativity of Polish writers. Additionally, there were no restrictions on language, opening up the possibility of sharing English and Welsh poems.
Documenting the History of the 316th Fighter Squadron
During the Second World War, numerous Polish airmen were based at RAF Pembrey. Many of these airmen were part of the 316th "Warsaw" Squadron. Other squadrons, such as the 307th Night Fighter Squadron "Lviv Owls," also spent time in Pembrey.
Seven Polish airmen lost their lives while serving at Pembrey. They are buried at Pembrey Cemetery.
The Association of Polish Journalists and Writers in Wales continues to research and document the links between Polish soldiers and the local community. The project aims to commemorate Polish heroes.
Together with RAZEM Polish Community Group, APWJW DIALOG, money was raised during the 80th anniversary of D-Day to create a commemorative plaque dedicated to the memory of Polish airmen buried in Pembrey. The fundraiser was a huge success and raised all the money needed and more!
The memorial will be installed in the centre of Llanelli in November 2024. The Association of Polish Journalists and Writers in Wales continues to research and document the links between Polish servicemen and the local area. This ongoing project remembers these airmen.
Visit Reach For The Sky -The Llanelli Polish War Memorial to learn more.
If you want to discover more about The Association of Polish Journalists and Writers in Wales Dialog, you can visit their website here, pick up a copy of Dialog Magazine, or email polishjournalismwales@gmail.com
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