Report from the visit in Kalisz within the Urban X Change Network II
From March 7 to March 10, 2025, the city Kalisz in Poland became vibrant hub of intercultural exchange and collaboration as the city hosted a series of activities under the Urban X-Change Network II project. This initiative, coordinated by Deutscher Volkshochschul-Verband e.V. (DVV International) and funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, aimed to foster international cooperation through adult education, cultural engagement, and social initiatives. The partnership between “Kaliska Rada Kobiet” from Poland and Volkshochschule Erfurt (vhs Erfurt) from Germany centered on the theme: "The role of women in civil society – past, present, and future."
The program commenced on March 7th with a planning and integration workshop at the Center for Non-Governmental Organizations in Kalisz. The representatives of “Kaliska Rada Kobiet” and “Volkshochschule Erfurt” gathered to establish a shared communication space, discuss local initiatives, and develop a roadmap for future collaboration. The session culminated in a working document outlining activities for spring 2025, strengthening the integration of local communities.
On March 8th, in honor of International Women's Day, a special event titled "What is My Life Compass?" took place. The evening brought together local women from Kalisz and the partners, more than 30 women took part in the event. A thought-provoking discussion panel featured nominees for the prestigious "Kaliszanka Roku" (Woman of the Year from Kalisz) award and revolved around themes of life values, women's resilience, and motivations for social involvement. The event facilitated an open intercultural dialogue. Additionally, a visit to Kalisz City Hall provided an opportunity to explore the role of women in local governance, shedding light on historical figures who significantly contributed to the city's development.
The next day, March 9th, the participants embarked on a journey to Gołuchów Castle and Park for a performative workshop titled "Compass of the Future." The participants engaged in an artistic endeavor, crafting bilingual (Polish and German) messages about women's rights, cooperation, care, values, and solidarity, which they then attached to trees in the park. Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of kintsugi, which embraces imperfections and history as a form of healing, the women created a symbolic "Map of Women’s Future." The event concluded with the recording of a performative video, reinforcing international integration through art and shared values.
On March 10th, the culminating event of the weekend, the "Kaliszanka Roku 2024" gala, took place at the Wojciech Bogusławski Theatre in Kalisz. Though not directly financed by the Urban X-Change Network II project, the gala was a significant accompanying event, drawing approximately 270 attendees. Sylwia Baranowska, Principal of Special Primary School No. 19 in Kalisz, was honored as the winner of the fourth edition of the award. Recognized for over two decades of dedication to supporting individuals with disabilities, she has pioneered numerous initiatives fostering empathy, acceptance, and equality, earning accolades such as "Greater Poland Teacher of the Year" and "Honorary Friend of Kalisz."
The Urban X-Change Network II project proved to be a meaningful platform for strengthening intercultural relationships, exchanging best practices in education, and supporting female leaders and activists. Through symbolic and artistic actions, it amplified women's voices in the public sphere, fostering mutual understanding between Polish and German participants. The project's impact was further extended through widespread promotion on social media platforms, local news portals such as RC Kalisz, Życie Kalisza, and Calisia.pl, as well as the official websites of the City of Kalisz.
