ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Underground education in Poland during World War II

During World War II, Poland was occupied by Nazi Germany. The Germans closed down schools and universities, and they also banned Polish culture and language. This made it difficult for Polish people to learn and educate themselves.

However, some Polish people wanted to continue learning and teaching despite the occupation. These people formed secret organizations and created what is called “underground education.”

Underground education is like a secret school. Teachers and students would meet in secret places, like homes or churches, to learn and teach. They had to be very careful because if the Germans found out, they could be punished, and the secret school would be shut down.

In these underground schools, students learned things like reading, writing, and math. They also learned about history, science, and other subjects. Teachers had to be very creative because they didn’t have many books or supplies. They had to rely on their own knowledge and also on each other. Sometimes, they would even make their own textbooks and materials.

Despite the difficulties, these underground schools were very important. They kept Polish culture and language alive, and they also prepared students for the future. When the war was over, the underground schools became the foundation for the new education system in Poland.

So, underground education in Poland during World War II was a secret school system where teachers and students met in secret to continue learning and teaching despite the German occupation.