Mobility in Poland
The topic of the third student and teacher mobility was "Pro diversity - combating stereotypes and manipulation". The activities involved were related to understanding how important for the development of society diversity is. Thanks to this feature we are able to open ourselves to other cultures, often different from ours, and be inspired to improve and develop our communities as well as ourselves. The aim of the activities was also to draw attention to how easily we succumb to media manipulation and stereotypes. The methodology was based on workshops covering such activities as classes associated with the subject of our mobility and introducing our guests to the cultural heritage and traditions of our region. During the dance classes, participants had the opportunity to learn traditional Cieszyn dances and the history of their creation, as well as the role they play in maintaining local identity. The workshop also showed that despite the many differences in local folklore, it is possible to find common elements supporting the most important values of the European community. During the two-day workshop on stereotypes and manipulation, students learned about the mechanisms of exclusion, the chain of discrimination and its effects, and got to know how to react in the event of discrimination and how to prevent it. The workshops shaped attitudes of respect, sensitivity and openness towards others. The second day of the workshop was devoted to media manipulation, during which the participants learned about the mechanisms and tools of manipulation. They also learned to recognize it and properly respond to its manifestations. The students also participated in multimedia workshops, using various programs, and created short project films about the cultural and historical heritage of Cieszyn. Trips to Krakow and Wisła were of great value to the mobility. The participants could see how many different cultural and religious influences create local communities. The value of these communities is the feeling that being distinct does not have to lead to isolation, but contributes to color and cultural richness, broadens horizons, and leads to openness and tolerance. The mobility participants were all project participants and other students who got involved in the preparation of the workshops. The subject of the project is part of the school curriculum, so it is strictly connected with the work of the school.
The participants had an opportunity to learn about the value of Polish cultural heritage and explore the main topic of mobility. Getting to know the diverse culture of our region allowed them to understand that it is worth breaking stereotypes and opening up to otherness because that is how we create open and tolerant societies. Participation in all activities carried out during the project made participants sensitive to the problem of discrimination and exclusion. It also provided tools to overcome these issues and deal with broadly understood stereotypes. Those participating in the workshops learned to critically perceive, often manipulative, media information. Polish host families familiarized their guests from Italy and Spain with Polish tradition and culture. Students improved the English language, learned basic phrases in Polish and learned the dialect of our region. The last part of the mobility was the evaluation of all the activities. Each project participant could evaluate the project using two evaluation methods, it showed us which activities were the most valuable for the participants, and which should be modified.
