From March 3rd to 8th, 2025, the international TRIYOU youth exchange took place in Krzyżowa, bringing together participants from Wolsztyn, Uelzen, and Jabłonów. This year's edition had a particularly historical focus. The workshops, led by trainers Anna Huminiak and Martyna Sidorowicz, centered on reflecting on history and its impact on the present.
One of the key elements of the program was collaboration with the Gross-Rosen Museum in Rogoźnica, which included a workshop in Krzyżowa titled “(In)nocent? Paths to Enslavement”. Participants worked with survivor testimonies, helping them to better understand the tragic fate of the victims of totalitarian regimes.
The next day, the group visited the former Gross-Rosen concentration camp, which was a deeply moving experience. After the tour, they took part in a reflection session, where they shared their emotions, thoughts, and analyzed the significance of this site in the context of today's social challenges.
To support the youth in expressing their emotions and openly discussing difficult topics, artistic workshops were organized. One of them was the creation of a "time capsule", where participants wrote letters to their future selves. Additionally, capoeira classes led by the Perun Martial Arts Academy brought energy and joy into the intensive program.
The trainers introduced innovative relationship-building methods, including the use of WhatsApp, which was enthusiastically received by the participants. Equally important were biographical-method workshops focused on the themes of "Diversity and Migration".
A youth exchange, where teachers and participants from different countries learn together and create a space for reflection, is the best proof that history can not only teach us but also bring us together.
We look forward to future meetings in Krzyżowa, where young people can not only explore history but also build a shared future based on dialogue and mutual respect.
The TRIYOU exchange was coordinated by Tetiana Hrebenkina (Likhtar-Krzyżowa project). The project was supported by ESC volunteers Ahsen Akilli and Cansu Elif Aktas. The event was organized with the support of the German-Polish Youth Office (GPYO).
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12 vocational school students from Konin and 12 vocational school students from Herne met from February 16th to 23rd in Krzyżowa for the second part of a two-part youth exchange, the first part of which took place at the Jugendakademie Walberberg in North Rhine-Westphalia. During the 9-day program, the youth were able to prepare for their future career paths, confront their own boundaries, examine discriminatory behaviors, cook together, go on trips to interesting places, and deepen their friendships.
Read more: Professional development and dialogue: Polish-German youth exchange in Krzyżowa
The Krzyżowa Foundation for Mutual Understanding in Europe, which has been involved in activities promoting dialogue, reconciliation, and peace in Europe for many years, believes in open and responsible communication. Due to the dynamic development of digital platforms and the search for optimal channels to reach audiences, we are announcing the suspension of the Krzyżowa Foundation's presence on the X platform.
This decision stems from the desire to promote positive, reliable, and dialogue-supporting attitudes. The Krzyżowa Foundation will continue its mission on other platforms that better meet the needs of building spaces for healthy and constructive conversations, remaining faithful to its values, such as dialogue and understanding.
The Board of the Krzyżowa Foundation for Mutual Understanding in Europe
Dorota Krajdocha, Dr. habil. Robert Żurek
Read more: The Krzyżowa Foundation Suspends Its Presence on X
It has been 1,096 days. Three years. That’s how long it has been since the start of Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine. Days and years full of evil, death, suffering, and destruction. But also full of heroism, solidarity, and loyalty to values.
Krzyżowa did not hesitate to offer help to the victims of the war. Just a few days after the outbreak, we welcomed the first refugees. Between March 2022 and January 2025, a total of 177 people found shelter with us. Some stayed for a few weeks, others for many months. Recently, the last of them left us.
We did not limit ourselves to providing shelter and food. We assisted our guests in handling bureaucratic matters, organized Polish language courses, training, and activities aimed at professional activation, as well as medical and psychological care. We helped them search for jobs and housing. For children, we created a special group in our kindergarten, took them on trips, and invited them to participate in our projects.
All of this was made possible by the immense dedication of our team, as well as the incredible support we received from our partners and friends in Poland, Germany, and other countries. We sincerely thank everyone who helped us help others. Without you, we would not have been able to do anything! We are so grateful you are here!
We received many expressions of gratitude from our guests. One of them was a Ukrainian flag with thanks and signatures from several dozen Ukrainian soldiers. Some of them may no longer be alive today...
Read more: Statement of the Board of the Krzyżowa Foundation for Mutual Understanding in Europe on the Third...
