For 18 years, the cooperation between the main institution "Kolkiv Lyceum" and Lyceum named after The village of Staszytsa, in the city of Zgezh, Republic of Poland. Annual meetings of teachers and students of both institutions, both on the territory of Poland and in Ukraine, bring them closer together, help to understand the kinship of cultures and learn about the common history of both states. The creation of conditions for openness and mutual respect, the strengthening of intercultural dialogue is facilitated by the participation of high school students in the implementation of joint projects financed by the Polish-Ukrainian youth exchange council. During the last six years, 6 such projects were implemented. Due to the pandemic, the 2020 project was conducted online. During 9 days, the participants interacted, performed joint tasks, being hundreds of kilometers from each other. The one-sided project "You don't have to be perfect - be real" was successfully implemented in Poland in 2021.
And on August 20 of this year, 16 students and 4 teachers of the Kolkiv Lyceum met with friends from the partner lyceum in the territory of the Lesser Poland Voivodeship of the Republic of Poland to implement another joint project "Our stories - making films". The main task was to explore the picturesque area around the resort center "Stalovnyk", which is located on the shore of the artificial lake Rozhnovske, and to create promotional videos in order to attract tourists to this region. In order to learn as much as possible about the area, its history and culture, economy, modern tourist facilities and other "curiosities" of the region, we visited the governments of two communes - Koženna and Grudek nad Dunaytsem, made an excursion to the mine salt in Bochne, traveled mountain paths with Nordic poles, on bicycles. And they also admired the scenery of Rozhnovsk Lake during boat trips and kayaking. The most important secrets of work during shooting, editing videos, adding music, using special effects were learned at master classes held by a professional cinematographer. All participants worked actively and creatively in 6 groups. After all, each of the groups presented their video films at the final meeting with representatives of the communes of the region and residents of the cell. And then the improvements of the project participants were posted on the websites of communes.
By participating in international projects, high school students gain new experience, knowledge and skills for active participation in social life, organization of volunteer work.
In a free moment by the fire, they thought about what can and should be done in our small homeland so that our region has cultural centers, developed infrastructure and is attractive to tourists. They did not forget about the situation in Ukraine for a minute - they talked a lot about our state, about their parents, relatives who stood up to defend the Motherland. On National Flag Day and Independence Day, concerts of Ukrainian songs were held, souvenirs with Ukrainian symbols were made by hand, and a lottery was held, during which almost 5 thousand hryvnias were earned, which were transferred to help the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
We felt understanding, respect and support from everyone we met. And near the fire on the last evening, with tears in their eyes, Ukrainian and Polish high school students sang "Chervon Kalina".
And postscript: More information on the project website and on the Facebook network
