Maciek’s Story
From hopes for the future to exploring shared history.
Maciek never imagined living in Northern Ireland. Growing up in Poland, the stories he heard about the region were filled with conflict and division. For many years, Belfast seemed to appear in Polish news only in the context of riots and terrorism. As a result, Northern Ireland was never a destination he considered. However, everything changed in 2004 when Poland joined the EU, prompting him to explore opportunities abroad.
Determined to travel outside Poland, he soon realised that financial support was necessary. Through an Irish recruitment agency, he secured a job at a food factory in Moira, Northern Ireland, and arrived in December of the same year. What initially started as a short-term venture unexpectedly turned into a long-term commitment. Northern Ireland quickly became his home, where he built friendships, established his career, and created lasting memories.
Maciek’s journey was not particularly unique; like many Europeans who migrated to the UK, he moved between jobs, gaining skills and experience in various fields. Over the years, he held more than thirteen different positions, each contributing to his personal and professional growth. Alongside his employment, he also became involved in the community sector—first by assisting fellow Poles in settling down and later by engaging in broader issues such as integration, combating hate crime, and fostering good relations.
Fast forward 21 years, and Maciek now manages one of the largest shared history programs in the UK. His work focuses on exploring the history of Polish people during the Second World War, using this rich past to cultivate meaningful relationships with local communities. Equally important to him is ensuring that Polish history is recognised as an integral part of Northern Ireland’s broader narrative. Additionally, he strongly believes in the necessity of an organised Polish community with a collective voice to engage with local politicians. Last year, alongside like-minded Polish community leaders, he helped establish a cross-party group aimed at strengthening ties between the Polish community in Northern Ireland and the elected members of the NI Assembly.
“Defining my identity is not easy. It feels shaped by memories and the various places I've lived. Over the years, I’ve split my life among seven different countries, enriching my perspective on the world and the intricate relationships that bind people together. However, most of my time has been spent between Poland and Northern Ireland, so I’d say I’m Polish in love with a Northern Irish banter.”
Despite the shifting political landscape in Europe, Maciek feels deeply connected to his European roots. Poland has always been at the heart of Europe, and he considers himself unequivocally European. The diverse cultures, cuisines, languages, and shared experiences create a vibrant tapestry that makes Europe one of the most multifaceted civilisations in the world. He believes Europe’s strength lies in its rich heritage, including the often painful and complex histories of individual countries. Learning from those experiences is one of the greatest assets Europeans have. Regarding Brexit, he acknowledges it as a democratic choice made by the British people, though it came with significant political and economic consequences. For him, navigating the post-Brexit landscape has been challenging. The entire process felt unnecessary and burdensome, particularly the arduous task of securing his settled status. Although he supported a paperless approach, the government required him to provide hard copies of documents spanning five years to prove his right to remain in the UK. This added considerable expenses and complications to his situation. Unfortunately, many individuals chose to return to their home countries or seek opportunities elsewhere, leading to the loss of well-integrated and skilled residents—people Northern Ireland could have benefited from. Even now, businesses in Northern Ireland struggle to find staff, one of the many lingering effects of Brexit.
Looking ahead, Maciek hopes for a brighter future for Northern Ireland. He envisions a society that moves beyond its post-conflict identity and transforms into a thriving, prosperous community with a strong economy and a safe environment. He sees Northern Ireland as a fantastic place to settle within Europe, yet many remain fixated on the past, particularly in the political sphere. He hopes that, in time, people will prioritise the issues that truly matter—education, healthcare, and economic growth—the fundamental aspirations that unite all families in their hopes for a better future.