What began in 1900 in the small village of Pszczelin, near Warsaw, as a simple initiative has grown into a powerful and lasting movement. The first cooperative, founded by educator Jadwiga Dziubińska, was built on a transformative idea: young people working together, learning by doing, and supporting one another. More than a century later, this idea remains increasingly vital. In fact, student cooperatives embody core cooperative values such as democracy, solidarity, responsibility, and mutual help, proving that these principles are not reserved for adult life or business environments but can and should be cultivated from a young age. According to the Polish National Cooperative Council, it is estimated that approximately 800 student cooperatives operate in Poland. 

Learning beyond the classroom

Student cooperatives offer a unique educational experience. They go far beyond theoretical learning, providing students with hands-on opportunities to manage real initiatives, whether running a school shop, organizing events, or leading community projects. Through these activities, students develop essential life skills: decision-making, teamwork, communication, and accountability.

This approach closely reflects the philosophy of Polish educator Janusz Korczak, who believed that young people should be active participants in society rather than passive recipients of knowledge. Student cooperatives bring this vision to life by building confidence within students and showing them that their actions can have a tangible impact.

A year of celebration and engagement

Thousands of students and hundreds of schools have taken part in lessons, projects, and events throughout 2025. Activities have extended internationally, engaging Polish diaspora communities in 17 countries.

The closing ceremony took place on 28 April 2026 in Wadowice, a region with the highest number of active student cooperatives in Poland. The final event included expert discussions, student presentations, workshops, and an award ceremony recognizing outstanding cooperative achievements. CECOP President Monica Fantini also joined the celebrations, stressing "student cooperatives teach young people that by working together, they can learn, grow, and create positive change.” 

 

 

A Collective Effort

Behind every successful student cooperative stands a network of dedicated individuals and institutions. Teachers play a crucial role as supervisors and mentors, guiding students while allowing them the autonomy to lead. Organizations such as the Student Cooperative Development Foundation have been instrumental in supporting and promoting the model for decades, providing training, resources, and coordination.

This ecosystem of support highlights a fundamental truth: cooperation itself is what makes student cooperatives thrive. It is a shared effort involving educators, institutions, policymakers, and the cooperative movement as a whole.

Building the future through education

In today’s rapidly changing world, young people face significant challenges, from navigating the labor market to understanding complex economic systems and building secure futures. Student cooperatives offer part of the solution. By equipping students with practical experience and fostering self-confidence, they prepare young people to engage actively and responsibly in society. Moreover, if we aspire to build a more inclusive and fair economy, education must play a central role

Looking Ahead

This anniversary is not only a moment to celebrate the past, but also an opportunity to shape the future. Expanding the impact of student cooperatives will require:

  • More schools to establish and support student cooperatives,
  • Greater investment in teacher training and resources,
  • Stronger integration of cooperative education into national education systems,
  • Continued commitment from the cooperative movement to empower young people.

At CECOP, we firmly support this vision. The future of the cooperative movement depends on the next generation, and student cooperatives are a powerful tool to nurture that future.