The occasion for visiting Legnica was the fact that Patryk Kisła, a long-time protégé of the Friends of Legnica Association in Wuppertal, had graduated from the 2nd General Secondary School. This blind young man is planning to study Polish philology at the University of Warsaw. Next spring, another protégé of the Association – Ewa Pokrywka – will graduate from secondary school. The professor said goodbye to them. Other protégés of the Association from the Children’s Home on Wandy Street and the “Open Your Heart” Association for Children with Down Syndrome also attended the meeting.
The first meeting of the Friends of Legnica Association in Wuppertal with Ewa and Patryk took place at the Integrated Schools Complex in June 2004. At that time, Ewa and Patryk were first-grade primary school pupils. During the meeting, a decision was made to launch a project supporting these pupils.
“On behalf of Ewa and myself, I would like to thank the professor and his wife for what they have done for us,” said Patryk Kisła. “You are cheerful, open and noble. Open to people and the problems that affect them.”
During last year’s meeting with the professor, Patryk recalled his stay in Wuppertal: “Professor Maser showed me around the city. He told me about all the interesting places. At the time, I felt as if I could see them. With the money I received from the professor, I bought an instrument that enables me to perform concerts. This is the very essence of this highly necessary and noble cooperation.”
For many years, the Friends of Legnica Association has provided financial support to children from Legnica, children’s homes and other institutions. Thanks to this assistance, among others, children from the “Open Your Heart” Association went to the seaside. This support will continue.
Prof. Maser recalled that he has headed the Association for 20 years. He is slowly looking for his successor. “During the many meetings in Legnica, I experienced wonderful moments, including my stay at the children’s home,” said the professor. “Over the years, we have seen Legnica develop and become more beautiful. We will continue to support further protégés.”
“I would like to thank the professor for his support and cooperation,” said Mayor Tadeusz Krzakowski. “The partnership between Legnica and Wuppertal is timeless. We are meeting here among friends. I wish Patryk and Ewa every success. We will watch your further development with great goodwill.”
UM Legnica/ii