young people report on good examples of collaboration in europe

Do stereotypes really predominate Polish-German relations? Can former enemies become friends?

Another Kreisau- Initiative Berlin e.V. and Krzyżowa Foundation project - “My History-Your History” took place in Krzyżowa from 8^th to 13^th October 2011 and has proved that those questions are not only unreliable contentions. During the meeting high school students from Poland and Germany discussed issues related to their common history focusing mostly on diverse perspectives and analysis of stereotypical pictures connected to their neighboring country.

Youth was divided into 4 diversified groups in which they were debating and acquainting with particular topics in the custody of their coaches. The themes involved were:

1. Opposition movement in Germany & Poland
2. Cold War Era in Poland & Germany
3. Poland & Germany in the European Union
4. Migration & displacement in the 20^th Century

The initiative was a great opportunity to learn more about history and Polish-German relations after the 2^nd World War. Time passed productively during the workshops that appeared to be really interesting and thought-provoking as well. Youth work included analyzing historic publications, researching the materials. Youth found the meeting in the house on the hill where correspondence between Helmut James von Moltke and his wife Freya von Moltke was read extremely emotional. Freya was a participant in the anti-Nazi resistance group, the Kreisau Circle with her husband, its founder. The Nazi government executed her husband for treason based on moral and democratic principles that could develop after Hitler. Moreover the symbolic round table with the location made the history spirit present. There was also film screening- “Solidarity” in Polish & German perspective was deliberated.

Furthermore, original games and methods of daily evaluation were introduced to make the cooperation calmer and stress-free. [“me and not me” game ( being for and against controversial statements concerning Poland & Germany)]

Finally, the main purpose of the project was achieved. All groups presented on the forum the results of their five days lasting hard work. It proved true and success. Apart from historical part, integration, intercultural exchange and personal communication developed. In the end, so called “tornado” between participants was not needed- they were able to recognize their relations on the highest level. They actually became friends with no barriers between them and without prejudices against themselves. Bearing in mind that Poles & Germans had difficult past is significant. Nonetheless a great success refers to building the new era of relationships instead, don’t forgetting about the past but focusing on the future and to hand over the rest to the new generations.