Berkley Center

Background: As part of the Education and Social Justice Project, undergraduate student Elizabeth Lembo interviewed Zofia Nazim via Skype in September 2013. Nazim is an English teacher at Kostka Academy (Gimnazjum Jezuitów Kostka), the nation's first charter Jesuit school, located in a lower-income neighborhood of Krakow, Poland. In this interview Nazim discusses the school's unique aspects and how the Jesuit tradition is integrated into the Kostka community.

Have you taught at other schools other than Kostka? What makes Kostka different than other schools?

I have taught at primary school, high school, and a school for adults. These schools were different than Kostka. The atmosphere at Kostka is special as teachers are interested in not only at the student’s life at school but also his or her background. We want to do our best as teachers, and this is a safe place.

What is your favorite part about teaching at Kostka?

My favorite part about teaching at Kostka is Kostka Magis. There are two parts of Kostka Magis: extra classes for students who are poor at English, with whom I spend two hours. The second part is for students who want something more and are quite good at English. I also do two hours a week with them. These lessons are free, and I don’t earn any money during this time, but these hours are the most satisfying for me. I like them very much. Last school year I had lessons—Kostka Magis for students who are poor at English on Friday from 3 to 5 p.m. After that they start their weekends. I usually have 20 to 30 students who want to improve English or review for tests. I was really glad to see their progress. During Kostka Magis on Mondays, I would prepare students for extra competitions, and they did their best to improve their English. I can say Kostka Magis isn’t a waste of time.

What are your students’ favorite activities or projects in your English classes?

Students like discussion, quizzes, crosswords, group work, songs, and films, and they love projects on different topics. Our students can talk to native speakers through the usage of Skype; recently we had our students talk to students from Kenya at another Jesuit school.

Why do you think so many students want to go to school at Kostka?

Students who attended Kostka last year are the best advertisement. They like this school and its atmosphere, and they tell their younger friends about it. If teenagers like school, that means it is something special. So why don’t others try to go to this school? I think Jesuit education is important in Poland because it is a good education that prepares students for real life, and most importantly, allows students to understand other people and their feelings. This is a very precious skill in a busy life. Students have opportunities to do something more and to be people for others. This kind of school helps students have dreams and discover their possibilities and talents.

How do you feel the Jesuit mission in everyday life here at Kostka?

I can feel social justice connected with the Jesuit mission here at Kostka. Everybody is free and has the same rights, which is very important for students and their parents. Kostka is in one of the poorest districts in Krakow, and these families need a good education and help. They need a good canteen, psychological help, a safe place where they can go and find cheerful people to talk to. And you can find all of this through the Jesuit mission at Kostka. Student development is possible thanks to proper learning, physical activities, working with others, and taking part in social deals. Kostka also helps parents in their duties related to raising their children.