About Katowice

📍 Katowice, Poland
📮 PTPI Local Contact and Former Student Chapter
🌐 Languages: Polish and English

Contact

Yanouch Vozgnacque
Adult Supervisor and Local Contact

Telephone: +48 603 777 701
Email: cogito62@gmail.com
Facebook: Yanouch de Pologne

Informal visits

PTPI members and friends visiting Katowice are welcome to contact Yanouch in advance.

At present, this contact is offered for informal visits and local connections only, subject to availability. The Katowice group is not currently operating a regular programme of chapter activities, organised exchanges or homestays.

Please make contact before travelling. No visit should be considered confirmed until arrangements have been agreed directly.

Our PTPI Story in Katowice

Katowice was once home to an energetic PTPI Student Chapter based within a local school. Supported by adult supervisor and teacher Yanouch Vozgnacque, young people took part in international friendships, cultural exchanges and activities reflecting PTPI’s mission of advancing peace through understanding.

Members of the wider PTPI network visited Katowice several times, creating friendships and memories that remain an important part of our shared history.

The pandemic interrupted the chapter’s activities, as it did for many youth and community organisations around the world. We are now taking a gentle first step by restoring Katowice to the PTPI website as a place where visiting members may make an informal local connection.

There is no pressure to rebuild the chapter immediately. If interest develops naturally among students, teachers or members of the community, PTPI will be ready to support the next steps when the time is right.

Discover Katowice

Katowice is the capital of the Silesian Voivodeship and one of the principal cities of Poland’s Upper Silesian region.

Its history reflects the wider story of Upper Silesia, a region shaped over centuries by Polish, Czech, Austrian, Prussian and German influences. The city grew rapidly through coal mining and heavy industry, but modern Katowice has worked to transform itself into a centre for culture, education, business, technology and international cooperation. The City of Katowice

In 2015, Katowice became a UNESCO Creative City of Music, recognising the importance of music to the city’s identity and development. UNESCO

Visitors may discover:

• Nikiszowiec, a distinctive historic miners’ settlement
• The Silesian Museum, built on the site of a former coal mine
• Spodek, the city’s famous arena and architectural landmark
• The Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra
• Katowice’s street art, neon signs and modernist architecture
• Concerts, festivals and the rich musical life of the city

Katowice has also hosted major international gatherings, including the COP24 Climate Conference and the World Urban Forum.

Food and Culture

The culture of Katowice is closely connected to the traditions of Upper Silesia. Food is generous, comforting and often designed to bring families and friends together.

Local and Polish favourites include:

• Rolada śląska – Silesian beef roulade
• Kluski śląskie – soft Silesian potato dumplings
• Modra kapusta – seasoned red cabbage
• Żur – a traditional sour rye soup
• Pierogi – dumplings with savoury or sweet fillings
• Bigos – a slow-cooked cabbage and meat dish
• Makówki – a traditional Silesian poppy-seed dessert

Food, music, hospitality and conversation remain powerful ways to understand a place and the people who call it home.

Reconnecting, One Person at a Time

The history of PTPI Katowice reminds us that a chapter can leave a lasting legacy even when organised activities pause.

For now, Katowice offers something simple and valuable: the possibility of an informal human connection between local people and visitors from the wider PTPI family.

From one conversation, future friendships and new possibilities may grow.

People to People International
Advancing peace through understanding

🌏 People to People International
Peace through Understanding – rooted in community, strengthened by friendship and carried forward by citizens.