The Mobility in Poland

The first day of the short-term exchange of groups of pupils we all spent at school. The guests were invited in a Polish traditional way, with bread and salt, by the headmistress Mrs. Dorota Dorozińska and the main coordinator of the project Mrs. Mariola Podolska-Maculewicz. They were also introduced to the Polish wedding dances and songs prepared and performed by the youngest pupils of the school community. They also saw other kind of dance shown by two cheerleader groups. To get to know each partner country better there was conducted a guessing game on the topic of partner countries connected with national symbols and other important information. The pupils from each partner schools also presented important aspects of their countries, cities and schools. In the afternoon we visited the Town Hall and had a meeting with the major of Nidzica Mr. Jacek Kosmala who familiarized the international project members with our town, region and answered questions about some aspects of the Polish educational system. At the end of a busy afternoon the logo of the project was chosen. It was not an easy task as there were many interesting ones to choose from. The winning logo was designed by a Turkish pupil. To symbolize the beginning of our common journey through the world of folklore all the participants planted the Erasmus+ ”Folklorica” tree being the very good starting point of our cooperation. The day ended with a lot of fun. The pupils of all countries were taught the regional dance called ”Szot”. The pupils from the partner countries appeared to be quick learners and really good dancers. At homes of the Polish hosts the pupils had the chance to get to know traditional customs meanwhile the teachers during the staff meeting discussed the most important aspects of the project. The second day of the visit started early in the morning and was full of interesting activities. It was the day to get to know and admire a lot of Polish culture and cultural Heritage. We did a lot of sightseeing in Warsaw, the Capital City of Poland. We were shown the Royal Castle and the National Museum by guides. We also took part in the workshop on making delicious Polish chocolate. Tired but satisfied with knowing so much Polish national heritage we came back home late in the evening. Olsztynek, Olsztyn. The next day of the visit stepped us back in time, too. We started it with visiting a small Glass Factory where we could find out how artistic handmade glass is produced in a traditional way and admired the artistry of work of the workers. In the Open Air Ethnographic Museum in Olsztynek pupils were supposed to find some objects such as an old windmill or a small chapel there, take photos which would be used to prepare a poster on the topic of that place. We also took part in two workshops. One was on painting on glass regional motives and the other one was on decorating tiles the way it used to be done in the past. Learning by doing was the aim of all the activities planned for that day. The afternoon we spent in Olsztyn, the capital city of Warmia and Masuria. On the way home everyone could admire the beauty of the region full of lakes and forests and feel and see Polish golden autumn and try traditional Polish cuisine served near the lake. This day we spent in Toruń which, because of nice weather, invited us not only for a walk through the streets of the beautiful Old Town full of Polish national heritage but for interesting workshops as well. All had a lot of fun making gingerbread according to old recipes in the Museum of Gingerbread. In the Factory of Candles And Soap we also spent nice time making and decorating candles and soap the way each of us liked. Creativity was welcome. The day ended with a fascinating activity. All liked Polish legends seen in the House of Legends performed by ”people from the past”. The last day of the visit started with taking part in lessons conducted at school which was a good way to compare the educational systems of partner countries. Another activity at school was the creative workshop for students who could develop their artistic skills working with folk motives. For the teachers it was the time to sum up the exchange, evaluate it and plan the work ahead. The day was also designed as the culinary day so we went to a Pottery Village called Kamionka - first to prepare some pots of clay and then to make lunch which consisted of the typical dishes of the region such as ”kopytka” and dumplings served with vegetable salad. After lunch, prepared by pupils, which was really delicious, we came back to Nidzica to take a closer look at Nidzica 13th century Teutonic castle and listen to the most important facts concerning it (guided by a graduated pupil of the host school). After that visit there was some free time to spend time with host families and get ready for the last meeting, the farewell dinner. After the oficial part, during which certificates for the participants were distributed, all of us had fun dancing traditional dances and listening to traditional music played by ”Berklejdy”, the folk band. At the end pupils exchanged their mail addresses and with eyes full of tears came back home to spend the late evening together. The Polish folk adventure has come to an end. We are looking forward to the next one. This time in Romania.(Mariola Podolska-Maculewicz, Gimnazjum Nr 2 z Oddziałami integracyjnymi im. Michała Kajki, project coordinator) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sG1WdYjNOpo