On February 12, 2020, the Baby Box (okno życia) located at ul. Piekarska 2, Świdnica, became the refuge for a baby boy, marking another significant moment for the initiative promoting child safety and anonymity for struggling parents. The discovery, made by Sister Estera Radkiewicz, unfolded during the day—a rare occurrence for the facility known for safeguarding vulnerable newborns.
Sister Estera reported her surprise when the alarm rang at noon. "It was surprising for us because the alarm went off during the day. I had just returned from the city and was about to go to the children at the kindergarten when I heard the bell. When I saw the boy in the Baby Box, I was very surprised. This situation happened to me for the first time in my life," she said, reflecting on the moment. Her words highlight not just the shock of finding the child, but also the routine nature of her duties before this unexpected event.
Upon discovering the baby boy, Sister Estera noted the child’s remarkable condition—clean, dressed for the cold, and wrapped snugly in a blanket. An added emotional touch was the presence of a note with the child’s name, which, as she indicated, sets this case apart from past encounters with newborns. "He greeted me with a smile. At first, he was quiet, but as the hustle around began, he became more aware of the situation. This was no longer a tiny baby, but a child who recognized people," Sister Estera recounted. This describes not just the physical state of the baby, but an awareness of human interaction rarely seen with infants placed anonymously.
Following the finding, standard procedures were swiftly enacted. Both the police and medical emergency teams were alerted immediately. The medics examined the baby, who was confirmed to be healthy following their assessments. The incident was also communicated to ks. prałat Radosław Kisiel, the director of Caritas Diecezji Świdnickiej, ensuring proper administrative procedures were followed. Currently, the boy is being cared for at a local hospital, receiving the attention and warmth every child deserves.
The Baby Box initiative has been operational since 2010, serving as a beacon of hope for parents who find themselves unable to care for their newborns. It is part of a broader movement allowing for safe and anonymous placement of infants, which helps to prevent abandonment and provides children with pathways to care and nurturing environments. The concept itself finds roots throughout various cultures and has notable historical significance; the oldest known Baby Box originated from Rome over 800 years ago.
Notably, this latest case is the third child placed within the Świdnica Baby Box, emphasizing the local community’s continuing struggle with crises surrounding parenthood and child welfare. Previous to this boy’s arrival, two other infants had found refuge here, marking the box as a safe space for vulnerable families. The first child was reported to have arrived on September 27, 2019, establishing a trend of anonymous relief through this compassionate initiative.
Each incident reported at the Baby Box serves to reinforce the necessity and importance of having such facilities available for families grappling with difficult circumstances. These moments not only create awareness about child abandonment but also shine light on the need for community support structures to assist struggling parents.
Located within the premises of the Public Kindergarten run by the Congregation of the Sisters of the Presentation, this facility embodies the compassion and care dedicated to every life saved within its confines. With the presence of Baby Boxes across Poland—totaling 61 and continuing to expand—the collective effort addresses deeply-rooted social issues and the welfare of children.
This heartwarming episode is both encouraging and sobering, as it highlights the views of society on unplanned motherhood and the desperate choices parents may face. The Bas Box initiative remains pivotal, as it not only musters hope for children but also provides anonymity and dignity to those who feel they have none.