For over two decades now, the Higher School of Human Sciences and Economics in Brzeg has been successfully fulfilling its educational, social and developmental mission. It offers courses in pedagogy – both general and special, with numerous specialisations, including social rehabilitation, early childhood education and art therapy.
The School is managed by Rector Dr Aleksandra Aszkiełowicz, nominated for the title of Charismatic Woman for her authentic leadership and skilful building of master-apprentice relationships, by Chancellor Stanisław Widocki – the founder, and Mateusz Widocki – Deputy Chancellor, nominated for the title of Leader by vocation in recognition of effective and responsible management as well as creation of a modern and approachable academic space.
Passionate about teaching
– The nature of our courses is mainly practical – notes the Rector. – We offer well-equipped offices and classrooms, where students are able to gain real professional experience. We also cooperate with local institutions, offices and schools – graduates often find work in places of their previous internships.
The Higher School of Human Sciences and Economics educates approximately 7,000 students and listeners in three locations – Brzeg, Nowy Targ and Tychy.
– I’ve always had a passion for learning, a thirst for knowledge – admits Dr Aleksandra Aszkiełowicz. – From the earliest of age I started playing a teacher. My mother used to work as a teacher and my father was an educator in the prison service. My parents encouraged me to constant self-development.
The Rector comes from Lubań, studied in Wrocław, and now lives in Oława. A pedagogue by education, with a doctorate in social sciences, she has been successfully managing the school for ten years now, giving it a modern yet human character. It’s worth noting that she obtained her doctorate by researching the matter of happiness in marriage.
– Two hundred couples took part in the survey I conducted, and in its in-depth part – five couples with at least 15 years of marriage, the longest of which lasted 49 years.
She defended her doctoral thesis in 2014 and is currently preparing to publish a book on the matter.
– From my perspective, the master-apprentice relationship is the foundation of the academic community – she adds. – We pattern on the University of Helsinki, where I did my internship. We’re building a space where students are not anonymous.
Young generation with experience and driving force
Mateusz Widocki, now the vice-chancellor, knows how the School works from the ground up. He’s climbed all the organisational rungs to become a leader who effectively manages and supports the School’s development.
– It’s not just a position I hold. It’s responsibility and trust that must be confirmed by daily action. – he states. – My father, the founder, not only gave me his name but also the values he followed. Working with the young gives me lots of energy.
His commitment and partnership approach towards students are widely appreciated and form the basis of the respect he enjoys from both the academic community and co-working colleagues.
– Our strength lies in closeness and mutual understanding – students know their lecturers well, and lecturers know the needs and potentials of their students. This creates a conducive atmosphere to learning and development.
Education with a social mission
– We’re not just a place of learning. – emphasises the Rector. – I’ve been involved in long-term social activities, also as a psychotherapist. The School has a foundation, where we organise the Children’s Rights Festival, and where there’s a Family Counselling Centre, I initiated. I want to make the School closer to people – from children to seniors.
The School also runs a social-therapy day care centre for children from difficult backgrounds and a University of the Third Age. – We bring generations together. – adds Mateusz Widocki. – We organise artistic events, family festivals, concerts – everything that helps building a community and nurturing relationships.
Courses of the future, education respecting values
The School is licensed to operate for the maximum number of years, which only confirms the quality of its education. It cooperates with universities in Helsinki, Lyon and Bologna, conducting joint research and educational programmes. It also accepts students from abroad – from Ukraine, Belarus, Germany, Belgium or Finland.
– We’re focused on human development – says the Rector. – Our programmes are constantly updated in cooperation with future employers, because we want our graduates to be in real demand on the labour market.
Ambitious plans – the academy of tomorrow
– My dream is to transform the School into a fully-fledged academy. – declares dr Aleksandra Aszkiełowicz. – We plan to create four faculties, develop interdisciplinary fields of study and open up to further needs of the region.
The planned fields of study include logistics, architecture and artistic faculty. – We have an ambitious staff, strong facilities and a clear vision. – adds the Vice-Chancellor. – We’re not standing still. We’re developing, for we believe education can change lives.
The School isn’t only a place to acquire knowledge – it’s a space where relationships and a sense of purpose are essential. There’s a belief in this community that education can truly change lives – thus each and every day, a future based on values is being built with commitment.
– The School is the people. And it’s them we’re here for – the authorities univocally emphasise.
The chancellor and founder, Stanisław Widocki, underlines: – From the very beginning, I believed that an academy with a soul and a mission could be established in Brzeg. Today, I’m proud to see its development we owe to passionate people – such as the Rector and our entire Team. Next year, we are to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Higher School of Human Sciences and Economics – it is not only a beautiful jubilee, but also a proof our vision has come true.
