During a school exchange between Częstochowa and Ludwigshafen, young people took part in workshops on identity, overcoming stereotypes and reconciliation after the Second World War.
In a special question and answer session called "Everything you would like to know about Poland and Germany but haven't had a chance to ask", questions were asked about the school system, favourite foods or contemporary social challenges such as racism.
Read more: School exchange Częstochowa-Ludwigshafen
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The text consists of the excerpts from the transcript of Michal Bojanowski's conversation with Yuri, Olena, Nataliya and Yeva.
The February through the whole year
I don't know what day it is today... The three hundred and sixty days of February? For us, it's still February. I've been in Krzyzowa for almost a year now. Everyone who has lived here has a similar feeling, even the children - there has been no spring, summer or autumn. February is still ongoing.
Gratitude
Each of us could talk about our personal dramas, but on this anniversary we would like to thank you for everything we get from you. We live in Krzyzowa, we are really comfortable here. We appreciate what the foundation does for us - because it does way too much! We have everything you can think of, but we dream of returning home, to our homes. And that nothing more bad would ever happen there.
A memorial in Krzyzowa
When all this is over, I think, there will be another monument in Krzyzowa. During World War II, the anti-Hitler underground was established here. Now, a stop for Ukrainians who are escaping from the war has been set up here. I hope that the memory of the help we received here will not be forgotten.
First time behind the wheel
The war found us in different places. It found me at home. I had a driving license, but I had never driven a car for good. I decided to run away. I took my daughter and a friend with her child. I drove more than two thousand kilometers with them until I came to Krzyzowa.
Read more: Three hundred and sixty day of February
From 6-11.02.2023, Krzyżowa was visited by a group of very young people (8-13 years old) from Poland, Germany and Ukraine who came to discover and develop their talents in circus, sculpting, music and cooking.
The days were full of excitement and the activities supported getting to know each other! The exchange culminated with a trip to the trampoline park and to the slope in Rzeczka, where we were able to encounter real winter and go sledding.
Read more: Winter Adventure
We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of August Wilhelm (AuWi) Heckt (†18.02.2023), co-founder of the Krzyżowa Foundation for Mutual Understanding in Europe, former member of the Foundation Council and in recent years member of the Honorary Council, who together with his wife Maria formed the backbone of the Dortmund-Wrocław relief effort in the 1970s and 1980s.
To his wife, family and friends we are sending condolences at this tragic time.
Read more: (†) August Wilhelm (AuWi) Heckt
