A Village Head Can Only Do as Much as the Village Helps!

At the Ethnographic Museum in Toruń, blessed with beautiful weather, we welcomed village heads (sołtysi) and rural community leaders from across the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region. The gathering became a space for exchanging experiences, establishing new connections, enjoying good company, and honouring the best projects carried out by village councils.

“It is the Village Heads who form the foundation of local government and community life. Thanks to your knowledge, commitment, and care, our small homelands can continue to develop. Kujawsko-Pomorskie is the only region in Poland that has established a Council of Village Heads, because we value ongoing dialogue and jointly developing solutions for rural areas. The second edition of the Sołtysiada is an opportunity to exchange experiences, integrate communities, and learn about good practices, including initiatives financed through village funds. During a meeting with the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Council of Village Heads, Marshal Piotr Całbecki announced that we have secured 10 million złoty from European Funds for Kujawy and Pomorze for grants that village councils will be able to access to support green and environmentally friendly projects,” said Vice-Marshal Aneta Jędrzejewska.

“For centuries, the sołtys has been the leader of the local community – someone who helps shape the development of their village. We thank you for your commitment and your daily work for the residents and for the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region. I am pleased that so many of you are taking part in the Sołtysiada. It is also an opportunity to benefit from the support and information prepared by the departments of the Marshal’s Office, which work with village councils on a daily basis and support rural development,” emphasised Regional Executive Board Member Dariusz Kurzawa.

“You know all the issues affecting your villages, and it is you who convey the most important voices of local residents to us. Your presence here is extremely important because it builds a sense of community and strengthens the identity of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region. As one poet once said: ‘There are ordinary people who always want to do everything well.’ Be such ordinary people, and do your work well,” concluded President of the Regional Parliament Elżbieta Piniewska.

“I warmly welcome you to the second Sołtysiada. I would like to thank you for creating a space for cooperation and dialogue in the form of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Council of Village Heads. I address these words to the regional board, the Marshal, and the staff of the Marshal’s Office, especially the Department of Rural Development. Since the council’s establishment, they have been our partners and intermediaries. Together we develop ideas and solutions that later translate into concrete actions,” said Dorota Dembińska, Chairwoman of the Council, opening the meeting alongside other members of the presidium.

One of the highlights of the programme was the announcement of results and presentation of awards in the fifth edition of the regional competition “Village Fund – Best Initiative.” The competition recognised projects supporting the development of local communities and encouraging rural residents’ involvement.

The highest-rated project, selected by the competition jury, was submitted by the village council of Złotopole (Lipno Municipality) under the title “Development of the Area Around the Village Community Centre in Złotopole.” The project created an attractive and functional public space for meetings and local events. Among other elements, it included the construction of a platform next to a gazebo, installation of energy-efficient LED lighting, and the creation of an exhibition of historical farming machinery highlighting the village’s heritage and character.

The winning village council will represent the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region in the 11th nationwide edition of the “Village Fund – Best Initiative” competition.

Second place went to the village council of Chrząstowo (Gniewkowo Municipality, Inowrocław County) for the project “A Village Scented with Lavender.” Residents jointly created lavender plantings in public spaces, improving the village’s aesthetics while also strengthening community integration. The growing flowerbeds have become a recognisable symbol of Chrząstowo.

Third place was awarded to the village council of Napole (Kowalewo Pomorskie Municipality, Golub-Dobrzyń County) for the initiative “Restoring Charm to Our Municipality – An Active Village Council.” The project involved improving the area surrounding a recreational shelter through cleaning, construction works, and decorative installations. Thanks to the residents’ engagement, an attractive and functional space for meetings, integration, and local events was created for the communities of Napole, Borek, and Podborek.

The winners received financial awards: 7,000 złoty for first place, 5,000 złoty for second place, and 4,000 złoty for third place.

The event was attended by MP Iwona Karolewska, Vice-Marshal Aneta Jędrzejewska, Regional Executive Board Member Dariusz Kurzawa, President of the Regional Parliament Elżbieta Piniewska, Vice-President Przemysław Sznajdrowski, Councillor Anna Niewiadomska, and Ireneusz Niewiarowski, President of the National Association of Village Heads.

After the official part of the programme, participants of the Sołtysiada could take part in workshops held on the museum grounds, visit information stands prepared by departments of the Marshal’s Office, and learn about current programmes and support opportunities for local communities. Musical accompaniment for the event was provided by the folk band Ferajna Bydgoska.

Currently, 2,299 people serve as village heads in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region. They are the individuals closest to local residents and are often the first to address local issues and initiate development activities for their communities. Marshal-funded honorary Village Head badges have been awarded continuously since December 2023.

Since December 2024, the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Council of Village Heads, established by the Marshal, has been operating as the first body of its kind in Poland. It brings together representatives of village councils who serve as important partners of the regional government and representatives of local community needs. The council also supports the Marshal in matters concerning rural development, territorial policy, and the use of funds allocated for local development. The regional government consistently strengthens cooperation with Village Heads through meetings, training sessions, and integration events that enhance the competencies of rural leaders and encourage the exchange of experience.

Beata Krzemińska
Spokesperson of the Marshal’s Office

21 May 2026