The flood that affected the village of Żelazno in the Kłodzko Valley in 2024 deprived many families – including children – of their sense of security. Thanks to the cooperation between Pepco and the Saint Nicholas Foundation, 17 students from the local school received individual financial support for education, development, and social needs.

Żelazno, a village south of Kłodzko, was one of the most affected localities during the flood in September last year. The water reached up to 3 meters, flooding over 80% of properties. Among them was the local primary school – an institution with nearly 200 years of history, which had already, in 2008, avoided closure thanks to the determination of parents and residents.

The local community faced another challenge – rebuilding the daily lives and educational reality of the youngest. Thanks to the support of public institutions and private donors, a temporary, modern modular school was launched in record time, where 101 students continue their education.

Support for urgent needs

However, not all needs can be met by rebuilding infrastructure. 17 children whose families found themselves in a particularly difficult situation received individual financial assistance from Pepco, channeled through the company's long-term social partner, the Saint Nicholas Foundation.

„The cooperation between the Saint Nicholas Foundation and Pepco has been ongoing for five years and is based on a shared mission – to give children real support and a chance for a better future. We support talented students from low-income families through a scholarship program, we donated laptops to over a hundred digitally excluded children during the pandemic, and since the first days of the war in Ukraine, we have been jointly helping children with refugee experience, including through therapist support and integration meetings. This is a partnership that grows in response to specific needs. Assistance for students from Żelazno is another step on this path” – says Antonina Grządkowska, manager of educational programs at the Saint Nicholas Foundation.

Among the children receiving assistance are, among others, Zosia – a talented student with a passion for learning, Milena – an artistic soul who is learning to play the guitar, and 5-year-old Aleksander, who lost his beloved pets during the flood. Each story is a separate drama – but also an opportunity for rebuilding: emotional, educational, and material.

The assistance provided covers three main areas:

• educational support (additional lessons, equipment, participation in development activities),

• improvement of living conditions (renovations of children's rooms, purchase of furniture and school supplies),

• meeting basic social needs (clothing, footwear, psychological support).

Investment in children's dreams and future

„Thanks to the support of Pepco and the Saint Nicholas Foundation, our students can continue their education in dignified conditions and develop their passions, despite the challenges they have had to face. These types of initiatives open up new opportunities for children, motivate them to act, and strengthen their sense of security” – says Agata Kulczak, director of the Primary School in Żelazno.

The school is considering joining the Saint Nicholas Foundation's scholarship program, and in the short term, it has received special support thanks to a dedicated pool of funds provided by Pepco. This is not just material aid – it is an investment in children's strength, dreams, and faith in a better tomorrow.