Molding an Idea into Reality: The Young Potters from Garnek

They call themselves the “Potters from Garnek.” They’re a group of university students in south central Poland who came up with the idea of creating a pottery studio where their peers could exercise their creativity, while reviving part of the region’s cultural heritage.

“We wanted to prove that the art of pottery is still alive and it’s not boring,” explains 22-year-old Agata Panka, one of the group’s founders and a fourth-year university student in nearby Czestochowa. “Young people often choose partying or playing computer games,” she says, as opposed to “doing something that’s useful.”

Looking for help to launch their efforts, the group applied for a grant through the Make a Connection program in Poland. Supported through a global youth development initiative of Nokia and the International Youth Foundation, the program awards small grants and trains Polish youth with the skills needed to transform their social change visions into reality. Since 2004, more than 4,500 young people have carried out volunteer projects benefiting over 65,000 community members.

The Potters from Garnek moved one step closer to realizing their dream when they were awarded a Make a Connection grant of US$1,500; but they still needed studio space and additional funds for equipment.

Putting their creativity to work, the group spread the word about their plans and eventually received support from another foundation and local businesses. With the money, they purchased three potter’s wheels, a kiln, clay, and other materials.

Their prayers for studio space were also answered when a priest donated a barn for the group to use as a workshop. To buy cement for a new floor, the group sold some of the farming implements they found inside the barn. To access electricity, they received help from a member’s father, who wired the space.

With their studio finally complete, the young potters distributed leaflets announcing their first workshop. More than 40 children, youth, parents, and grandparents attended the event. “All of them were delighted,” says Agata, who credits being part of the group with teaching her new skills in planning, goal setting, and teamwork.

News of the pottery studio has since spread, with Agata and her peers holding workshops for school groups and children from orphanages. Their story has also been featured in the local news media. In the future, the group plans to hold a pottery exhibition and to help rebuild the region’s reputation for quality crafts.