Komisja Edukacji Narodowej i Konstytucja 3 Maja - wpływ reform na współczesną oświatę polską na Litwie

ENThe Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth that in the 18th century was considered as one of the largest European countries, did not come up to the countries of Western Europe either in the level of economic or political development. The proper education of noble young people became the most important task, which resulted in the establishment of the Commission of National Education in 1773 – the first central, secular educational authority. The main goal of the Commission was to strengthen the state and implement the rule of law by educating a generation of people who would not reach their private interests over the common good of their homeland. The proclamation of the Constitution of 3 May was influenced by special people, i.e., Stanisław August Poniatowski, the king who perceived the education of young people as the only way to get the country out of backward-ness, Hugo Kołłątaj, Grzegorz Piramowicz, Ignacy Potocki, and others. The reforms and the Constitution of 3 May were strongly influenced by science and education development after the establishment of the Commission of National Education. Today, Poles in Lithuania pay attention to the most important purpose of the Constitution, which is the government’s care about “common good”, “hardening the freedom” and “salvage the homeland”. This aim is expressed in the activity to benefit Polish education and bring up children in their native language. The Commission of National Education advises teachers within its regulations, focused on the importance of the motherland and native home. This is a fundamental postulate due to the cultivation of traditions, cultural awareness, and formation of the identity of young citizens not only in Poland but also of Poles in Lithuania at present. Keywords: Commission of National Education, the Constitution of 3 May, reforms, Polish education in Lithuania.