Poltava and the Filder region are building BRIDGES!

At the end of the joint project “BRIDGES” between the Ukrainian city Poltava and the three Filder cities - Filderstadt, Ostfildern and Leinfelden-Echterdingen - seven colleagues from the Adult Education Center of Poltava Region came to Filder region.

Their visit marked the ending but also a highlight of the project in the framework of Urban X-Change Network II. After 26 successful workshops, most of which were held online, the partners were finally able to meet in person.

One full week at the beginning of July was dedicated to job shadowing at the respective Volkshochschulen (adult education centers) of the three Filder cities. The program included the exchange of professional experiences and ideas, as well as cultural excursions throughout the region.

Since Poltava has not just one twin city but three, the delegation was officially welcomed by all three mayors. Dr. Kalbfell hosted the guests at the Volkshochschule in Leinfelden-Echterdingen. In Filderstadt, the group visited city hall and was warmly received by Mayor Christoph Traub. A special event took place in Ostfildern, where Mayor Andreas Rommel welcomed everyone to “Fildern spricht!” (“The Filder Region is Talking!”). Short presentations and open discussions among residents of Ostfildern, refugees, and guests explored the importance of education during times of war and crisis. The evening was marked by respect, empathy, and mutual interest - sentiments that characterized the entire week.

The Filder region is grateful for the valuable insights into the situation in Ukraine that this project has offered and looks forward to a lasting partnership with its twin city Poltava - and, above all, continued collaboration among such dedicated colleagues.