The project aims to create a student company managing culture in the cross-border region. It was initiated by the Saxon Education Agency. In addition to I LO, schools in Hoyerswerda and Goerlitz are participating, as is Zespół Szkół Ponadgimnazjalnych in Lubań on the Polish side. The project will conclude with an international culture festival in Goerlitz.
Fifteen students from I LO were selected to take part in the project. They are all from class II a. One of the school’s rooms was adapted for the project and now houses the student company’s office. The company’s equipment—a high-end computer and a printer—was purchased with European Union funds. The project coordinators in Bolesławiec are Anna Ostaszewska (entrepreneurship) and Katarzyna Żak (culture and cooperation with Germany). In addition, each group has its own mentor. Director of MDK Ewa Lijewska is supervising the Bolesławiec secondary-school students.
“The point is for the students to demonstrate their entrepreneurial skills and create a company and a business plan,” says Katarzyna Żak, deputy head of I LO. It is also—or perhaps above all—a great opportunity to present and recommend to our western neighbours the best of student culture. “This is meant to be an initiative promoting young people and showing what they have to offer in schools,” Katarzyna Żak emphasizes.
The plans are ambitious: a fire theatre, an exhibition, a rock concert and a theatrical performance. These are just some of the attractions. The young people gathered information about interesting cultural events taking place in our region, prepared a preliminary budget and established contacts with institutions that could help them organize the festival. They are currently looking for media patrons. “We are already thinking about the overall concept,” says Anna Sadecka, a project participant.
The secondary-school students can also improve their German along the way. The first two-day workshop—described by the students themselves as very professional—was held in Goerlitz in November. The next meeting will take place in January, this time on the Polish side, in Lubań. The students from the participating schools will then present their plans and… try to reach a consensus.
The cross-border project is not only about work or learning, however. The Bolesławiec students have made contact with other participants, exchanging email addresses and telephone numbers. Most importantly, they have an opportunity to develop their skills. “We took part in this project because it is something different from what we do at school,” says Anna Sadecka. “We can show initiative; nobody imposes anything on us in advance. If we come up with something, we have to work it out ourselves.” “It is an opportunity to test ourselves,” adds Maciej Giszter.
(GA report)