Laois woman will represent Polish Community role by highlighting Achievements

KASJANA Jatkowska, founder of grinds school Maths Easy, which supports students across Carlow, Kilkenny and Laois, has been selected to represent the 125,000 strong Polish community in a campaign highlighting their achievements, creativity and contributions throughout Ireland.

Kasjana works as an ACCA trained accountant, is a member of Laois Integrational Network, Laois Rotary Club and is a former member of the garda reserves.

The Beyond Borders campaign was commissioned by Forum Polonia, a non-profit migrant rights organisation, which advocates for the interests of the Polish diaspora in Ireland. This new campaign comes on foot of the 20th anniversary of Poland’s accession to the EU, which sparked a significant Polish migration to Ireland. The campaign is the brainchild of two other Portlaoise locals Aga Wypychowska and photographer Renata (Rene) Metelicka.

Kasjana left Poland at 18, eventually settling in Ireland, where she has lived for over 20 years. “Ireland is a great country. What makes it great is the people. They are very welcoming. That’s why I call Ireland home. Opening my own business was also about giving back,’’ Kasjana said.

The chair of Forum Polonia, Barnaba Dorde, during the announcement, praised the Polish community in Ireland for the progress they'd made in the past 20 years, but also said that the campaign was aimed at breaking the stereotypes about Polish migrant workers that still persist in some quarters.

‘‘We want to replace labels with stories. Polish people have been part of Ireland’s progress for two decades – this campaign celebrates that connection and reminds us that we all belong,’’ Dorda said.

The Beyond Borders campaign will run across Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn and will feature short video interviews, photography and a final short film summarising the initiative.