Polish-German youth exchange in Gdansk

From November 3 to November 8, 2024, SLO students together with youth from Germany, from Hansa-Gymnasium in Stralsund, participated in a week-long Polish-German youth exchange: "Gdańsk and Stralsund – Shared History." It was a wonderful week of learning about tolerance, cooperation, and understanding. The project participants stayed at the House of Reconciliation and Meetings in Gdańsk, where activities were held in Polish-German groups. Various workshops aimed to familiarize Polish and German youth with the impact that 'Solidarity' had on events in Poland, Germany and across Europe were held throughout the week. During one of the workshops students watched the film "From Solidarność to Freedom." It was an excellent opportunity for reflection on events that have taken place and are taking place in contemporary Europe. During our stay in Gdańsk, we visited the European Solidarity Centre and the Amber Museum. In the Oliwa Cathedral we listened to a beautiful organ concert and admired the beauty of nature in the Olive Garden. The meeting in Gdańsk of students from Lębork and Stralsund was also a great opportunity for conversations in German and English, making new acquaintances and having wonderful fun connecting students from both countries. Each day of our stay began with a language warm-up and integration games, and ended with dancing and fun. In Polish-German groups we explored Gdańsk and Sopot, discovering the most interesting monuments of beautiful Gdańsk. We also went bowling and shopping together at the Forum shopping centre. We would like to thank the organizers and staff of the House of Reconciliation and Meetings in Gdańsk: Father Piotr Pliszka for inviting us to the project, Father Bartek, Kuba, Patrycja, and of course the ladies from the kitchen for the delicious Polish food and fulfilling our culinary cravings. Thank you very much!!!