International Friendship Blossoms at I High School in Brodnica: Visit of Students from Erwitte

A moving meeting, a testament to long-standing cooperation, took place at I High School (I Liceum Ogólnokształcące) in Brodnica on Friday, March 20. The school hosted young people from the German Gymnasium in Erwitte, who came to Poland as part of a partner exchange program.

Official Welcome and the Significance of Cooperation

The director of the institution, Marzena Łupińska, warmly welcomed the German guests, emphasizing the fundamental importance of international contacts for the younger generation. The event was also attended by local authorities: Brodnica District Governor Arkadiusz Orłowski, Vice District Governor Piotr Burkwicz, and Head of the Education Department Dorota Bibik. In their speeches, they consistently highlighted the crucial role such initiatives play in building openness, mutual respect, and understanding among young people from different countries.

Director Łupińska expressed gratitude to the students for their involvement in the exchange program, noting that such meetings allow for better acquaintance and the discovery of commonalities, despite existing cultural differences. "We are all Europeans," she concluded.

History and Goals of the Exchange

The visit of young people from Erwitte, a city located in North Rhine-Westphalia, is a continuation of cooperation that began in the early 2000s. As part of this exchange, students regularly visit each other, having the opportunity to learn about local traditions, culture, and foreign languages. The overarching goal is to build lasting relationships and deeper mutual understanding. The cooperation is held under the motto "Building a bridge between our countries", focusing on breaking down barriers and fostering friendship across borders.

Rich Program of Stay

During their week-long stay in Poland, students from Erwitte will participate in a rich program prepared by their hosts in Brodnica. The schedule includes, among others:

• Familiarization with the traditions and history of I High School.
• Sightseeing the charming corners of Brodnica.
• Fascinating trips to historical cities: Warsaw and Toruń.
• A visit to the Expom S.A. company in Kurzętnik, providing insight into local industry.

The entire endeavor is supported by the Polish-German Youth Cooperation, an organization that for years has enabled young people to gain invaluable experiences and actively participate in creating a European community.