The Universal Reading Foundation (URF), with the support of the Ministry of National Education, is launching an innovative online course for teachers, educators, and students preparing for a career in education. The program, titled "I read, therefore I think, I act, and I am a citizen!", is a direct response to the rising tide of disinformation and fake news. Its primary goal is to provide pedagogical staff with concrete tools to build cognitive resilience and critical thinking in students through the power of reading.
Modern schools face an unprecedented challenge: how to teach young people to navigate a maze of conflicting messages and dynamic digital narratives. Today, the ability to consciously select information has become the cornerstone of civic education. Registration is now open for this free course on the Navoica.pl platform, demonstrating that literature can be the most effective "vaccine" against manipulation. Navoica.pl, który pokazuje, że najskuteczniejszą „szczepionką” na manipulację może być literatura.
Civic Education Through Reading
The course, developed by the FPC as part of the Reading Poland Coalition, is a comprehensive compendium of knowledge divided into three key modules:
1. Foundations: An analysis of disinformation mechanisms and the role of linguistic competence in building cognitive resilience. 2. Methodologies: Ready-to-use lesson plans and techniques (e.g., debates, critical reading) applicable to every subject—from Polish language to physics. 3. Ecosystem: Strategies for involving parents and local communities in fostering a culture of reading.
The program is supported by prominent ambassadors who emphasize the importance of slowing down in a fast-paced digital world. “In a world where we scroll faster than we think, a book still has the power to make us stop. It teaches us to ask questions, understand others, and not be misled by appearances,” says Wojciech Chmielarz, renowned author and campaign ambassador. “If you are a teacher and want to learn how literature can support students' independent thinking, join the course. Reading truly changes people, schools, and the world.”
From Neuroscience to School Practice
Participants will explore not only theory but, above all, the practical application of the latest neuroscience discoveries regarding the link between reading and brain development. The course offers unique insights into designing strategies for immersion in civic debate and effectively diagnosing reading progress.
Actress Anna Czartoryska-Niemczycka also encourages participation: “If you want your students to know how to defend themselves against disinformation, understand the power of critical thinking, and learn what being a citizen truly means—encourage them to read. It is reading books that helps build the competencies of the future.”
The project was made possible through funding from the Ministry of National Education as part of the "Young Citizens" (Młodzi Obywatele) program and in cooperation with Poland's key educational institutions. Content partners include the National Library of Poland, the Educational Research Institute (IBE), Nowa Era publishing house, the distributor Platon, and the monthly magazine Dyrektor Szkoły (School Principal).
How to join? Registration is now open and participation is completely free of charge. The program is aimed at teachers of all levels, educators, librarians, and students across Poland planning to work with children and youth. Details and registration are available on the educational platform: I read, therefore I think, I act, and I am a citizen! – Civic education through reading and critical thinking | Navoica.pl
The Universal Reading Foundation (URF) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to raise literacy levels in Poland through numerous educational campaigns and projects. The Foundation works to promote a culture of reading and equal opportunity. It supports parents, educates teachers and librarians, and builds leadership communities. FPC’s work is based on reliable research, scientific evidence, and rigorous evaluation. We believe that reading is essential for the development of democracy, the economy, and individual happiness.