School, the twinning between Mazzi and Gohlis of Leipzig continues

Bergamo. Middle schools Decks And Lotbelonging to theMazzi Comprehensive Institute Of Bergamostand out as the only institutes in Bergamo to have started a twinning with a German school, the Mittelschule Gohlis Of Leipzig. A cultural and friendship bridge that has lasted for a long time 15 yearsi, interrupted only by Covid, and which represents a real feather in the cap for the Bergamo institute.

“At the center of this project – he explains Maria Anna Puleo, German teacher – there are the kids, protagonists of an unforgettable experience that leads them to completely immerse themselves in German culture. A journey that is not limited only to learning the language, but which becomes an opportunity for personal growth and intercultural comparison”.

This year, from 3 to8th of March, 17 children from the Bergamo middle school classes had the opportunity to experience total immersion in German culture, spending two days Berlin and then moving to Leipzig, where they were warmly welcomed by their German peers with a party, a barbecue and experienced the emotion of becoming part of their families. They were able to visit iconic places like the Brandenburg GateThe Bundestag and the Holocaust Monument, symbols of German history and culture. In Leipzig, however, they were able to admire the Nikolaikircheliterally the “church of St. Nicholas”, from where the famous protest that led to the fall of the Berlin Wall started, and the Museum of Figurative Artsimmersing yourself in local art and tradition.

The children’s impressions are full of enthusiasm and tell of an experience full of emotions and discoveries. Francesca from Lotto’s 3F remembers with joy the black and white themed party organized by the German school, while Anita describes the treasure hunt with missions to complete in front of each monument. Anna, on the other hand, retraces the plane trip to Berlin and the visit to Checkpoint Charlie, symbol of division during the Cold War. Finally, Maria underlines the beauty of Leipzig, “a colorful city full of life”, and appreciates the aesthetics of the Mittelschule Gohlis which reminds her so much of a castle.

In addition to the cultural and linguistic value, twinning represents a precious opportunity for children to develop transversal skills such as autonomy, flexibility and open-mindedness. ” The kids are involved from a linguistic, emotional and cultural point of view. They found themselves catapulted into a new reality, where they had to make the most of their German lessons, adapting to different habits and customs”, explains German teacher Maria Anna Puleo. “It’s an experience that makes them grow and enriches them from many points of view”.

The initiative also had a positive impact on German young people, who were welcomed in Bergamo with great warmth and enthusiasm at the beginning of April. Upon their arrival at the airport, they were surprised by colorful posters and banners prepared by their peers from Bergamo. Subsequently, they had the opportunity to visit the beauties of Bergamo: the Upper Town with its walls and the funicular, the Campanone and the Lower Town. There was even a trip to Verona, rich in history and romance.

The initiative, as underlined by the German teacher Alessandra Alemano, represented a fundamental experience for the children: “No longer just the language studied in books, but a country to experience and discover firsthand. The children were able to learn about a different school system, comparing daily habits, from meal times to school times, to moments of leisure”. In addition to the educational aspect, the twinning promoted the personal growth of the students. “Initially a little hesitant at the idea of ​​living with different families, they overcame every hesitation thanks to their enthusiasm and desire to get involved. It was an unforgettable experience that allowed them to make new friends and broaden their horizons.”

The twinning between the Lotto and Mazzi schools and the Mittelschule Gohlis represents a concrete example of how the school can be a place of meeting and intercultural exchange, encouraging personal growth and the training of citizens who are aware and open to the world.