In a bid to address the issue of declining birth rates and population outflow, the municipality of Suchedniów has announced a plan to provide a "welcome package" for newborns starting from April 1, 2025. The initiative, spearheaded by the local government, includes a financial support package valued at 500 PLN to assist families in this demographic challenge. Dariusz Miernik, the Mayor of Suchedniów, stated that this welcome package will help ease the initial burden on new parents and is part of larger efforts to encourage family growth within the community.
"We decided that this would in some way serve as a sort of starter kit, which will include essentials that parents need," Miernik explained. This strategic approach also aligns with other municipal endeavors to reverse the trend of depopulation, particularly in the Świętokrzyskie province, where communities are experiencing population decline due to various factors, including young people leaving for educational opportunities and not returning.
Additionally, Suchedniów has recognized the importance of providing facilities to cater to young families. Construction of the municipality's first public nursery is underway and is expected to be completed by mid-2026, which will offer much-needed childcare services to residents. Located adjacent to a public kindergarten on Emilia Peck Street, this nursery aims to support working parents and encourage them to remain in the city.
Parents looking to receive the welcome package must apply through the local city hall, providing proof of residency in Suchedniów. The initiative is indicative of a growing trend among municipalities across Poland, which are developing various programs to combat the effects of demographic decline.
Simultaneously, another significant development in family support across Poland is the Large Family Card, aimed at families with three or more children. This key social solution is designed to provide numerous benefits for large families, including discounts and free admissions to various services and facilities. The card is granted to parents for life and extends benefits to children until they are 18 years old. In the case of students, the advantages continue until the age of 25. Families with disabled children are exempt from age restrictions altogether.
The privileges associated with the Large Family Card include complimentary access to national parks, substantial discounts on train travel (37% for single tickets and 49% for monthly tickets), and reduced passport fees—50% for parents and 75% for children. As of March 1, 2025, the cost for issuing a duplicate of the Large Family Card will be 16 PLN, which has increased from previous years.
Moreover, municipalities are adapting to the needs of families. For instance, the new administrative costs of processing the Large Family Card have recently adjusted to 25 PLN for a family, which represents a slight increase. Families needing to modify their cards due to increasing numbers will face a fee of 8 PLN, while if someone transitions from an electronic card to a traditional one, the cost will be 6 PLN.
Such initiatives are critical not only for supporting families directly but also for fostering a culture where raising children is seen as feasible and supported by the state. For many local authorities, these packages and cards are much more than a financial incentive; they signify a broader commitment to cultivating sustainable communities in the face of demographic challenges. The ongoing efforts of the Suchedniów municipality reflect the urgent need to address these societal issues comprehensively.
The challenge of depopulation has affected many areas in Poland, especially rural regions. This demographic shift can impact economic stability, social structures, and the long-term viability of communities. As such, municipalities like Suchedniów are exploring diverse measures that transcend traditional support—embracing proactive strategies that not only encourage birth rates but also facilitate family life sustainably and positively.
With initiatives like the welcome package for newborns and the Large Family Card, local authorities are laying a foundation for future growth and community resilience. Encouraging families to thrive while providing necessary resources represents a promising step toward addressing the population decline while ensuring that young families have the support they need.
