Days of Joy – Visit of Chechen Refugees
Days of Joy were celebrated in Complex of Private Schools in Katowice on March 18th and 19th. Our Guests were Chechen children, known in the media as "children from Brest railway station".
We were moved by their story. Because of the events taking place in their homeland, they were forced to escape from Chechnya. They lived in a brutal reality. Fear, torture, and persecution became their childhood trauma. Now, thanks to wonderful people, they are safe. "Children from Brest railway station" followed a long road to dignity. We did our best to show them a better world instead of an evil and hostile one. During those special days we wanted to show them that childhood can be joyful, good, and safe. Their dream is to learn about a friendly, colourful, and interesting world.
Before visiting us as part of Days of Joy, the children went to Lublin and Warsaw. Finally, the time came to visit Katowice. We prepared ourselves for their visit the best we could and filled those two days with smile and happiness. The children went to Museum of Silesia in Katowice where they saw the Mirror Room, and Guido Coal Mine with Queen Louise Adit.
Complex of Private Schools in Katowice prepared a lot of fun. Children had a chance to play team games, go rollerskating, form pots from clay, sing in a karaoke contest, and participate in a magic show. We shared our joy, love, friendship and hope with the children.
The whole school community prepared very actively for the visit. We organized charity sale events and raised money for the children and their families. Moreover, we collected clothes, sleeping bags, and sheets, for which we are very grateful.
Those two days were full of emotions. We got more than we could give.
We would like to thank: the Director and the Staff of Museum of Silesia in Katowice, the Director and the Staff of Guido Coal Mine in Zabrze, the Chancellor of University of Silesia in Katowice, Ms Izabela Nowak, PhD, and students of University of Silesia, eM Katowice radio station, Teachers, Students and their Parents. Special thanks to class 1B of our Amicus Private Junior High School for their active participation.
Organized by:
National Forum of Non-Public Education
Erasmus+ Migrant
