From 25 to 30 May 2025, the International Youth Meeting Centre in Krzyżowa hosted a Polish-German youth exchange organised by the Maria Skłodowska-Curie High School in Skawina and Gymnasium Kirchheim from Germany. Thirty students from both countries met to get to know each other, develop their language and intercultural skills, and work together on topics such as identity, tolerance and dialogue. The programme included workshops, language activities, artistic activities, integration evenings and trips to Wrocław and Świdnica.
The project was distinguished by the active involvement of young people – the participants co-created the programme, prepared presentations, established rules of cooperation and shared their reflections every day. The meeting was held in a spirit of openness and mutual respect, also supporting students with different educational needs. Thanks to the support of PNWM and the commitment of both schools, the exchange in Krzyżowa became an important personal, social and educational experience for young people.
Read more: Identity, Tolerance, Dialogue: Polish-German Youth Exchange in Krzyżowa
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From April 7th to 11th, 2025, the annual meeting of students and teachers from the partner schools I LO in Brzeg (Poland) and St. Benno-Gymnasium in Dresden (Germany) took place in Krzyżowa. The partnership between the institutions has been ongoing for four years, and every year young people meet in Krzyżowa to jointly develop intercultural dialogue, build friendships, and exchange ideas for joint projects. This year's meeting, led by Martyna Sidorowicz, was assisted by two interns: Emilia Jacober and Sarah von Moltke, and what was the result?
Generally speaking, it was a wonderful experience and everyone gained something from it, whether it was experience in speaking English or new friendships - summarizes Sarah von Moltke.
Participating in this meeting was extremely satisfying and brought me many benefits. I gained valuable knowledge about Krzyżowa and its history, and the exchange with other participants was very inspiring. I particularly appreciate the opportunity to make new contacts and improve my language skills - said Emilia Jacober.
What do the evaluation surveys indicate? 100% of respondents from Brzeg and 90% from Dresden noted that the project increased their level of knowledge regarding communication and cooperation in a group, and they indicated the most valuable aspects of the entire exchange included: meeting foreign friends and breaking the language barrier, integration with other people, and learning about other cultures and languages.
Was anything missing from the program? Of course, time, which is why the partners are already planning another joint meeting today.
Let's hope it will be in Krzyżowa :)
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From March 31st to April 4th, 2025, a trilateral youth exchange took place at the International Youth Meeting Centre in Krzyżowa, involving students from Germany, Poland, and Ukraine. A total of 36 students from Würzburg, Piotrków Trybunalski, and Lviv participated in the project.
The exchange was not only educational and integrative but also practical and social in nature. One of the tasks during the stay was to help in removing the effects of the recent flood. The young people enthusiastically cleaned the local river, participated in gardening work. These activities not only helped the local community but also strengthened the sense of community and responsibility for the environment.
Read more: "Together, more can be achieved" - trilateral youth exchange between Poland, Germany, and Ukraine
On January 27-30, 2025. 26 students from Bad Friedrichshall Gymnasium visited Krzyzowa as part of a trip to memorial sites to learn about the history of the Krzyzowa Circle resistance movement, the development of Polish-German relations as depicted in the exhibition “Courage and Reconciliation,” and to reflect on issues of hatred, propaganda and discrimination based on our latest exhibition “1939-1945: The Years That Changed the World.” Participants also prepared together for a visit to the former Groß-Rosen concentration camp, gathered further information on site, and then held a discussion about the importance of such visits in curricula.
Read more: A journey of remembrance to Krzyżowa, Groß-Rosen and Auschwitz
