Polish nuns recognized for their long-term work in Zambia

02.06.2026

Sisters Jolanta and Mariola from the Congregation of the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate were honored with distinctions for their outstanding contributions to missionary and social activities, particularly for their long-standing support for those in need of help and support in Zambia.

A group of four people, in the foreground two nuns with state decorations (the Commander's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta and the Officer's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta), one of the nuns sitting in a wheelchair, in the background two men standing: Deputy Speaker of the Sejm Szymon Hołownia and Undersecretary of State Mateusz Kotecki; In the background are bookshelves and two windows.

On behalf of the President of the Republic of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, the distinctions were presented by Deputy Speaker of the Sejm, Szymon Hołownia. Undersecretary of State, Mateusz Kotecki, read a letter from the President to the audience. The ceremony was also attended by Director Piotr Oleńczak from the Office of Decorations and Nominations of the Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland, representatives of local authorities, the media, and associates of the Kasisi Children's Home. The Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Pretoria was represented by Polish Consul Robert Rusiecki.

Sister Jolanta (Karolina Bajak) was awarded the Commander's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta, and Sister Mariola (Maria Jolanta Mierzejewska) was awarded the Officer's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta. The justification emphasized the sisters' long-term work, their commitment to helping the youngest, and their perseverance in missionary and social activities. In his letter, President of the Republic of Poland Karol Nawrocki noted that the life path chosen by Sisters Jolanta and Mariola "is admirable and inspiring." Deputy Speaker of the Sejm Szymon Hołownia emphasized that Poland is particularly proud of such extraordinary ambassadors who are "at the very heart of Poland," and Polish Consul Robert Rusiecki expressed his gratitude for the Kasisi Children's Home's long-standing cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Pretoria.

The Kasisi Children's Home has been operated since 1926 (and has operated under its current name since 2002). The facility has, among others: a separate wing for babies and younger children, a small house for older girls, a house and two wings for children affected by HIV/AIDS. The orphanage is run by sisters from Poland and Zambia and approximately 40 Zambian house mothers. Children come to the centre from all provinces of Zambia. The home's mission is to provide them with basic needs, care, and support in achieving self-sufficiency as they reach adulthood. All children attend school and, after graduation, receive support for further education or employment. The center is located 37 km from Lusaka, the capital of Zambia. Its operations are financed solely by donations from individuals and organizations worldwide. Currently, the home supports 230 children.

Photos:
- Consul of the Republic of Poland Robert Rusiecki/ Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Pretoria
- Marek Borawski/ Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland

Photos (7)

A group photo of the event participants. In the foreground, a nun, decorated for outstanding service, sits in a wheelchair, surrounded by a group of small children. On the right, a group of six men includes Deputy Speaker of the Sejm Szymon Hołownia, Undersecretary of State Mateusz Kotecki, Director Piotr Oleńczak from the Office of Decorations and Nominations of the Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland, and Polish Consul Robert Rusiecki.

A group photo: A group of nuns and residents of the Kasisi Orphanage sit in the library hall. On the right are Deputy Speaker of the Sejm Szymon Hołownia and Undersecretary of State Mateusz Kotecki, engaged in conversation with representatives of local authorities. In the background are bookshelves and several windows.

Deputy Speaker of the Sejm Szymon Hołownia kneels and presents a state decoration to a nun sitting in a wheelchair. The nun is dressed in a blue habit and wearing dark glasses. Behind a wheelchair stands a young woman, a nurse in a white medical uniform (sweatshirt and pants) and a black sweater; in the background, a cameraman is filming the ceremony, with bookshelves in the background.

Deputy Speaker of the Sejm Szymon Hołownia, with his back to us, presents a state decoration to a nun; the nun is dressed in a blue habit; to the right, two men are taking photos; in the background, a nun in a blue habit and bookshelves.

Group photo: A decorated nun in a blue habit and tinted glasses sits in a wheelchair, surrounded by a large group of small children, boys, residents of the Kasisi Orphanage; in the background, a group of orphanage staff.

Group photo: A decorated nun in a blue habit stands with a group of small children, boys, residents of the Kasisi Orphanage; in the background, a group of orphanage staff, mostly nuns in blue habits.