Originally launched in Poland 20 years ago, the program was interrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic but was revived last year with support from the Ministry of Culture and collaboration with the Center for the Development of Creative Industries (CRPK).
Despite its achievements, the program faces an uncertain future as it struggles to secure government backing for its 2024-2025 season.
DI is an international educational program designed to promote creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in children, teenagers, and university students.
Teams of four to seven members work on long-term interdisciplinary projects, known as "Team Challenges," which test their abilities in fields such as engineering, the arts, science, and technology. These challenges are designed to help participants discover their strengths through creative collaboration.
In 2023, after months of preparation, over 50 teams from across Poland participated in the national Destination Imagination Creativity Tournament held in Warsaw.
The three-day event saw more than 1,000 participants, including children, students and their coaches, showcasing their project solutions and participating in creative workshops.
Eight of the best teams advanced to the Global Finals in Kansas City, USA, where they secured three gold medals.
While the 2023 revival of the program was made possible through funding from the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, this support has been withdrawn for the upcoming season.
The culture ministry has indicated that it does not plan to allocate funds for youth creativity education, and the Ministry of Education has yet to provide an alternative approach.
Although discussions are progressing with the American School of Warsaw, which may provide some support, concerns remain that this could distance the program from public schools and Polish children.
Organizers are pushing for the program to remain open to all students across the country.
Jerzy Potocki, Destination Imagination Affiliate Director for Poland, said: "The DI program has produced thousands of graduates in Poland and over 1.5 million across five continents."
He added: Destination Imagination allows participants to discover their talents and develop creativity, effective teamwork, perseverance and courage. Winning the National Tournament or Global Finals is merely a byproduct of hard work, curiosity in acquiring knowledge, and developing new skills. We are deeply committed to continuing this program for children and youth in Poland."
The Foundation for the Development of Creativity (FRK), which oversees DI in Poland, continues to seek partnerships with governmental, educational and business entities to ensure the program's continuation.
Without adequate funding, the future of the program, and its ability to inspire and nurture creative talent, remains in doubt.
The new season of Destination Imagination began on July 1, but securing financial support is critical to its success.
(rt/gs)