From 4th to 7th of June we hosted again in Krzyżowa young people from Heinrich Böll's school in Rodgau (Germany), who also spend a few days in Krzyżowa as part of a longer study trip around Poland.
During their stay, the participants dealed with topics such as "Resistance against the Nazi rule of terror during World War II" and "Engagement today: UN Agenda 2030". Young people also had the opportunity to visit the area around Krzyżowa.
Read more: Youth workshops Heinrich-Böll-Schule Rodgau, Krzyżowa 04-07.06.2019
On the 4th of June 1989 members of The Wroclaw Catholic Intelligentsia Club, accompanied by their friends from the USA, the Netherlands and both German states, set off to Krzyżowa. There, standing in front of the ruins of the palace of von Moltke family, they decided to create a European youth exchange centre. That was how the „Krzyżowa” Foundation for Mutual Understanding in Europe, one of the most interesting and vital civic initiatives in Central and Eastern Europe, was brought to life. Its history can be a source of hope and inspiration in the times of crisis of the European project, the increase of society polarisation as well as the passivity of the citizens.
The efficient force of vision and determination
Since its creation the „Krzyżowa” Foundation carried out thousands of educational projects, in which dozens of thousands of young people from almost all European countries, but mostly Poland and Germany, took part. And everything started from a completely utopian vision. On the 4th of June 1989 the palace in Krzyżowa was in shreds. The power in Poland as well as in GDR was wielded by the communists. In Poland, similarly to GDR, numerous Red Army troops were stationed. In these circumstances, how could it be believed that here and now a European meeting place could have been created? But it came off. The efficient force of vision and determination.
Read more: 30 years of Krzyżowa Foundation. The heritage that gives hope
At the beginning of June (1-3.06.) an international seminar "30 years after the Reconciliation Mass. Polish-German relations on the level of self-government. Achievements and perspectives", in which participated representatives of local authorities from Poland and Germany.
Its aim was to exchange experiences and strengthen cooperation between poviats and municipalities from both countries, and a joint discussion on the prospects for further development of Polish-German relations at the local government level.
The seminar was organized by the Wołowski and Harburg districts. The Krzyżowa Foundation for Mutual Understanding in Europe was the partner of the event.
Read more: German-Polish local self-government seminar - Krzyżowa, 1-3 czerwca 2019
Students from Johannes-Butzbach-Gymnasium in Miltenberg and from Primary School No. 1 in Ostrzeszów spend the end of May in Krzyżowa. A group of over fifty people from Poland and Germany explored the topics of tolerance and diversity in their societies, starting with their class. Partner schools met again, and an inseparable element of the exchange was a trip to Wrocław and an entrance to the Sky Tower viewpoint. Students took part in sports activities, creative activities and a bonfire at the end of the meeting. The aim of the exchange was primarily to spend time together and get to know each other better.
Read more: Polish-German school exchange Ostrzeszów-Miltenberg - Krzyżowa, 25-29.05.2019 (PHOTOS)
