Abstract

After Ukraine gained independence in 1991, Polish residents of the discussed areas became citizens of the new state. As a result, their living conditions started to change, and new opportunities for their functioning emerged. Living conditions have also changed for the citizens of Sambor, a small town 70 km away southwest of Lviv. During the USSR, the cultural life in Sambor was concentrated around the Church of the Beheading of John the Baptist. All the events there were in Polish, including Saint Mass and Services. During the hard times in the 80s and 90s, the church provided people (not only of Polish
origin) with all kinds of support. The city’s largest Polish organisation is the Association of Polish Culture of the Lviv Land, the branch in Sambor (Polish acronym TKPZL). It started its activity in Sambor at the church premises in 1898. Later on, their meetings moved to private apartments until finally, they gained their headquarters. The branch of TKPZL in Sambor became the foundation of cultural life for citizens of Polish origin. Until these days the organisation is very active in many areas. For example, at the initiative of TKPZL, the Polish school in Sambor was established, which later on became an independent polish organisation. Currently, the Polish school provides weekend classes for children and youth from Polish families, and it also enjoys great popularity among residents of Ukrainian origin. Children there study seven subjects: Polish language, Polish literature, geography, Polish history, knowledge of the Polish nation, the culture of the Polish nation and music. Despite the relatively high activity of the local Polish organisations, there is a noticeable increase in the emigration of Poles from Sambor to the West (mainly to Poland). Due to this, there is a noticeable decrease in the number of active Poles in the city. Additionally, the interest of the local youth in the life of the Polish community decreases as well. A considerable part of the Polish population is also becoming less and less identified with Polishness through assimilation into Ukrainian society.