Thursday, 26 June 2014

REPORT ON FINNINSH AND TURKISH DELEGATION’S STAY IN POLAND
WITHIN THE “COMENIUS – OUR LITTLE GREAT MOTHERLAND” PROJECT
3-7.06.2014

            For our friends from Turkey and Finland we’ve been waiting impatiently as we were curious about their lives and all the news from their countries. Have bright nights in Finland already began? Are purple acacias still blooming in Turkey?
            Our friends from Finland arrived in an enlarged team; very happy and joyful and the Turkish quests arrived by night in a mixed (ladies’ and man’s) staff, because – as it was already mentioned before – for same time these are men who are schools’ and kindergartens’ headmasters in Turgutlu.
            After taking a short a rest we began with a visit in our kindergarten. Afterwards we decided to do some sightseeing and commune by tram – in case to show our quests the majority of our town’s charms and the usual day of its citizens.
The presentation of older groups of our kindergarten was preceded by a typical Polish welcoming (with bread and salt). Then children presented a Polish folk dance known as “Krakowiak” and dances: Finnish -  “Jenka” and Turkish – “Damath Halayi”. The quests have spontaneously joined to the pupils what made the atmosphere more family one. After mentioned performances our partners visited all groups of the kindergarten watching fragments of different didactic activities. Afterwards we’ve invited everyone for a lunch which consisted of traditional Polish dishes. In the afternoon we went to the Malta complex to have some fun. The weather wasn’t as marvelous as we’ve imagined but it didn’t discourage us from sledging down the slope on a special sledge track which was an unforgettable attraction for all of our Turkish partners. J Finally it cleared up and everyone could admire the beauty of surrounding nature. After those sport’s emotions – shopping! The “Malta” gallery welcomed us with its colours, perfumes and lights… In the late evening we walked our quests to the hotel and say “goodbye” till tomorrow morning…
            And the morning welcomed us in a sunny, briskly and joyfully! We took
a tram to visit a kindergarten “Polanie” in Winiary district. Since 1999 it is an outpost with integration branches. It was a precursory activity in the field of integration because 1999 was the year of creating a new integration branch for physically disabled children. Pupils welcomed us with traditional Polish dances and songs. Our partners could also observe work with children with speech defects, as well as special rehabilitation activities.
Afterwards it was finally a time for a short relax with coffee and croissants. Everyone said the meal was delicious and asked for receipts. We answered the questions and explained the tradition of backing our traditional Polish cake. After the break we participated in a long walk via imperial –royal route, we took some photos, listened to local stories and visited the Collegium Minus. After this educational feast it came the time for a sensus stricto feast which means – lunch! This time in a folk restaurant. Everyone found something special for themselves.
            A long way to the hotel across Ostrów Tumski, sightseeing of the Cathedral and its undergrounds made a great impression to the quests. Our history occurred to be very interesting – especially for Finish partners. 
            Returning to our kindergarten meant strenuous and long work on the project. Our partners brought latest Comenius products – puzzles and evaluating surveys. We’ve established relevant provisions to the final report and exchanged our observations towards realization of the project. During the presentation the coordinator presented the base of EST and ECAS system where we register to get a final report.
We’ve established project products:
1)      Partnership dictionary
2)      Cookery book
3)      Logo of the project
4)      Song “Panie Janie”
5)      Facebook
Work on the project lasted till the late evening and quests were a bit tired so we walked them to the hotel.
            A vey sunny morning was the invitation for a beautiful day. We began with the visit in the Office of the Poznań City. We went to the arranged meeting with the chairman of the City Council – Mr. Grzegorz Ganowicz and a member of the City Council –Mr. Wojciech Wośkowicz. The history of all the buildings of the City Council was presented us by a translator and city guide – Mr. Jakub Bielawski – in a very kind way. The meeting in City Council was really nice. All the workers hosted us with yeast – cakes which were the next tasty part of our Polish tradition. Our partners got to know about important people who have governed Poznań and also about famous people visiting our town – such as Fryderyk Chopin. This really nice and unforgettable meeting finished with a photo with our chairman – Mr. Ryszard Grobelny – and wishes of having nice following time spent in Poznań.
            It was nearly afternoon so it was time for an Old Town! In a moment two would start to point the noon and remember their story. Our guests were listening to these stories curiously and were fascinated about all the legends connected with Poznań. Things were going the same as it concerned a legend about St. Marcin and croissants of his name, because we were hosted in The St. Marcin’s Croissant Museum which is a vivid center of our local traditions. Bakers told us the legend connected with baking mentioned croissants and also instructed about the way of that baking. The show began with a story about Poznań and of the beginnings of baking croissants. Then we are told the famous legend and it was explained to us why croissants have their unique shape. After that – presentation of baking and us – taking part in all levels of this procedure. Everything was prepared in a professional way and was led as well in Polish as in English. In the end we were tasting our croissants and buying some delicious souvenirs. 
            Oh, yes – it was a very occupying, nice and long day… The next point of the program was a walk to the City Center, then – relax out of the city in a rustic scenery. During our evening meeting; by international songs and guitar we were handed the Comenius project certificates…
            And that was the end of an exciting (as we wish) stay of our guests in Poznań. The end of the project…The only thing waiting for us is the summary… Memories will remain; full of numerous impressions and funny situations. People in a virtual world will remain… Will we ever meet in the real world? “Maybe, on day... Everything may happen…” – as our friends say. Maybe, one day…



Friday, 30 May 2014

PROGRAMME OF THE VISIT


PROGRAMME OF THE VISIT TO POLAND 03.06 - 07.06.2014
FOR THE PARTNERS FROM FINLAND AND TURKEY
Lifelong Learning Program Comenius Project 2012-2014
“Our little, great motherland”

I.             DAY (03.06.2014) - Tuesday

II.           Arrival of guests to Poznań:
- from Turkey at 1:30 pm
- from Finland at 8:35 pm
Transfer to the hotel " GAIA ".


II. DAY (04.06.2014) - Wednesday

7:00 – 8:30 Breakfast at the hotel.

8:40 Outside the hotel will be waiting for you.

8:56 Tram to the Kindergarten number 71 “Pod Topolą”.

9:15 Greeting in the "Pod Topolą” Kindergarten No. 71.
A short meeting in the office of the headmaster.
The presentation of programme and business cards.


9:30 – 11:30
a) workshops in different groups:
b) the coffee in the office of the headmaster around 

11:15 – 12:15 (sponsorship).
- Discussion of the framework plan of the nursery, kindergarten journal, notebook observation, chronicle of the kindergarten, discussion about the project 


 c ) The English lesson in group IV 12.20-12.45 

d ) Playing in the preschool garden with children to 1:15 pm.
 

e) 1.20 pm - Lunch sponsored by the kindergarten.
 

f ) Rest on the Lake Malta - from 2.30 pm
During the way to the lake we can exchange money.
- A walk and time for ice cream, coffee , etc.



- About 5.00 pm - crossing the bridge to shop in Galeria Malta.
- Dinner in the Gallery (we will set the time together)
Coming back to the hotel.

III. DAY (05.06.2014) - Thursday

7:30 - 8:30 Breakfast at the hotel.

8:30  will be waiting for you.

9:30 Visit in the Integrated Kindergarten on Winiary
- 10:00 Classes in the group of children with disabilities with physiotherapist.
- 10:30 Meeting with a speech therapist during the individual classes.
- 10:50 Group classes – different plays and activities.
- 11:00 Coffee in kindergarten.

12:30 Visiting the Cathedral in Poznań.

1:00 pm Sightseeing the Gate of Poznań Going to the Cathedral - the Cathedral vaults - Then transfer to the Old Market.

3.00 pm lunch at a restaurant in the Old Market –
 After lunch – walk to “Pod Topola” Kindergarten

6.00 pm Dinner in the “Pod Topola” Kindergarten (sponsorship)


6.30 pm to 8.30 pm Working on the project – the evaluation of the Comenius programme.
Coming back to the hotel.

IV. DAY (06.06.2014) - Friday

7:30 - 8:30 Breakfast at the hotel.

8:30 will be waiting for you.

8:49 Tram - going to the Municipal Council of Poznań City

9:30 - 11:00 Visit in the Municipal Council - meeting with the President of the City of Poznań and councilors – visiting the Office.
Coffee with the President of the Council of the City of Pozna
ń.

12:00 Butting Goats – on the Old Market.

12:30 Entry to the Museum of the St. Marcin crescent shaped bun  - about 45 minutes.
Visit in THE POZNA
Ń CITY CENTER.

2:00-2:30 pm Lunch at the Poznań City Center - everyone eats what they like
After lunch, there will be time for shopping

5:00 pm Return to the hotel.

6:15 pm Departure to the garden behind the town - cars will be waiting for you next to the hotel.
Meeting at the garden with all the guests and all the teachers from “Pod Topola” Kindergarten:
- barbecue
- handing in certificates,
- discussing the project,
- Fun, singing and dancing ,

10.00 pm Return to the hotel.

V. DAY (07.06.2014) - Saturday
Guest leave us...
L


We miss you already..... L

Monday, 26 May 2014

Report


REPORT ON STAY OF POLISH DELEGATION IN TURKEY,
8-11.04.2014 AS A PART OF THE COMENIUS PROGRAMME
“OUR LITTLE, GREAT MOTHERLAND”





Turkey welcomed us with warm, sunny evening, with the smell of fig trees, olive trees and beautiful scenery. Mountains, sea, shady pine trees, soaring palms. This view was quite exotic for us. In the hotel we were warmly welcomed, although the service spoke almost only Turkish, fortunately Sezin, who speaks English, was always with us. Although the hotel room was situated on the fifth floor, the traffic noise could be heard throughout the night. Turgutlu,  the city we arrived to, has more than 100 thousand inhabitants. It is situated on the routes to Manisa and Izmir. Izmir is one of the biggest and the most important cities in Turkey in which industry is growing rapidly .
In the morning, after a delicious breakfast we went to Mehmet Altan Anaokulu, nursery for children between 3 and 6 years old.

And, it's a surprise ! Recent changes have resulted in the choice of a man as the director of the kindergarten. His name is Veysel Gencer and he is friendly, cheerful, English speaking gentleman.



In the kindergarten there was silence before performances: children presented songs and dances specially prepared for our arrival. However, the greatest joy and emotion gave us the oldest group, who danced "Kłaniany" and sang "Poszło dziewczę po ziele" in Polish! It was a beautiful, affecting performance!

This day was very long and full of a range of activities related to the project: the first meeting at which we summed up the next stage of the work, then ... hand painting -
a great idea of the Director, Mr. Veysel Gencer,  painting of a tree in the kindergarten building. In this place each of us:  teachers from Finland, Turkey and Poland impressed hands in the wall. The tree is called the "Tree of Remembrance " – a great keepsake for years to come!
Weather was beautiful and it was spring in Turkey. In the nursery garden there was organized a meal consisting only of regional dishes for us.  We were shown how to prepare and eat a traditional kebab, what pita bread is used for, how many ways you can cook beans and lentils, and a lot of brewed tea and coffee, of course in a  Turkish way. After a delicious snack there was time to move. We went to another preschool, in which the director was also a man. Kindergarten is located in the poorer parts of Turgutlu and everyone is trying to help to equip it. Children in highly imaginative costumes presented us dances from different parts of the world. Then we visited kindergarten, which turned out to be a modern, almost transparent place because almost all the doors and walls were ... glass . There were joyful children everywhere who greeted us in English. They seemed to always smile .
In the evening, after a walk through Turgutlu, we spent time having dinner at Ümran’s home. We learned about an interesting habit of sitting at the table: first men, then women and children. It comes down to married men whose wives were present at the dinner. We women, as guests, sat thogether with the men. I admit that some of  us were embarrassed, but respect for the traditions of each nation should be kept. We were coming back in silent streets, where there was the smell of jasmine, figs ripened and there was already a bit chilly wind . After an eventful day, we fell asleep immediately.
The third day, as it turned out later, was even more eventful than the previous one! We went on a trip to Manisa and Izmir. There were two beautifully situated cities with lots of monuments connected with centuries-old history of Turkey. First, Manisa, its suburbs and the Stone of Tears of Niobe ... those of you who are interested in it, I recommend mythology full of tragic but touching stories.

Next there was a visit to the museum Melvewi Sema ceremony, which is the famous dance of the dervishes. The roots of the Mevlevi date back to the twelfth century.
A characteristic feature of the members of this order is meditation in motion. It was performed in a series of dance figures of which the most spectacular is the ability to spin quickly (hence the name).  Before you start spinning, they shed black robes, being in a long, pristine white dress. On their heads they have high, felt hats - a sign of the tombstone. While spinning they look like flowers. The way in which the dervishes keep arms and hands during the sema (dance) also has a symbolic meaning. Dervish can be considered to be a transmitter of grace coming from God, and which he directs to the ground. This history was almost completely unknown for us, but the stay in the museum and an interesting guide’s  message explained almost everything to us.
Then there was a moment of relaxation with traditionally brewed coffee, in the crucible on the hearth, and delicacies for gourmets!
Izmir - third largest city of Turkey. The tumult, colours, lots of cars, tourists, colourful bazaars, the wind of the Aegean Sea ... all causes that we will remember those places for a long time ...
You can hear the characteristic azan - Muslim call to prayer several times a day, which now takes place only in mosques . We also learned that before the prayer you have to wash in a specially constructed wells, and the sequence of washing every part of the body is also important .
The next day we were invited to a primary school in the suburb of Turgutlu, which is also a nursery. School was new, modern, but very poor. The children come from farming families from the surrounding villages. Unfortunately, children do not have toys, equipment and there was a beautiful action organized by teachers from Anaoukulu kindergarten, whose purpose was "to share what I have with those who have nothing". Children brought toys, which they wanted to give their unknown friends from country Kindergarten. It does not matter that one child got a beautiful Barbi, and other slightly worn car -  all the children enjoyed the gifts, like never before! Certainly such action should be an example to follow not only in poorer countries but it also should be should be imitated in rich countries.
The government pay for all books and equipment in the school.
Great emphasis is placed on foreign language, nature and history learning. Children were laughing, happy, and they were running around us, kissing the hands showing respect to us. The situation was quite embarrassing, but even more it was unusual behavior to treat us as celebrities. Children were running behind us asking for signatures on the books, notebooks, pencil cases. It was explained to us that we were the first people from abroad who visited them. They simply did not know any other nationalities.
After a very nice, but a surprising visit to the school we went to a small snack to grandmother of one of the teachers. One more time, we had the opportunity to learn the habits of the people in the country, both related to food, as well as show of respect for older people. Departure time has come..
Turkey - multicultural country, increasingly similar to Europe with respecting their customs and traditions. This country is beautiful, warm and colourful…
Visit in Turkey gave us the opportunity to get knowledge about a lot of the mysteries of everyday, real life. Not from the tourism ads, holiday hotels, swimming pools and expensive shops, but from the streets of the city with small of the old political system. That country with the new houses adjacent to the old, almost decayed. In this place the poverty knows many people. But we can also see Turkey, where young people learn foreign languages, more and more often leaving country to take part of the national projects, willing to learn, to explore the world, to grow mentally and spiritually. Turkey, which wants to enter the European Union to continue to work on self-development, to live peacefully and hopefully look for tomorrow.
It was a very beautiful, educational expedition. Thank you to our partners from Turkey!

Photos: Anna Schmidt

Sunday, 30 March 2014

PROGRAM FOR THE VISIT TO TURKEY



      

PROGRAM FOR THE VISIT TO TURKEY 08-12.04.2014 MEHMET ALTAN  NURSERY SCHOOL, TURGUTLU
FOR THE PARTNERS FROM POLAND AND FINLAND
MULTILATERAL SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP PROJECT
Lifelong Learning Program Comenius Project 2012-2014,
“Our little, great motherland”


  I.DAY

  18:15       Guests from Poland arrive to İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport  
 
  19:05       Guests from Poland arrive to İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport  
  
 (A bus  will be at the airport and take you to Turgutlu. It takes about an hour.
 When you arrive at Turgutlu Sezin and Gonca will be waiting you.
 Getting settled at Hotel Palm City.
  


                                                                                         

II.DAY

6.30- 8.30    Breakfast at the Palmcity hotel

09:00-09:15   Ümran and Veysel  will drive the guests to the Mehmet Altan Nursery School.

09:30-10:00  Welcome coffee/tea.

10:00-11:00    Children performs

11:00-12:00    Visiting classrooms

12:00- 12:45  Lunch at Mehmet Altan Nursery School (Sponsored by Mehmet Altan Nursery                            School).

13:00 Visiting Turgutlu Nursery School

13:00-14:30  Children performs at Turgutlu Nursery School

14:30-15:00 Coffee and snack at Turgutlu Nursery School

15:30-17:00  Project Works in Mehmet Altan Nursery School

17:00-19:00  Free time ( you can do shopping etc.)

19.00 Dinner at Ümran’s home J


                                                                   
                                                              
III.DAY

6.30- 8.30 Breakfast at the Palmcity hotel

Manisa-İzmir trip    

08.30 We take bus to Manisa

09.30-10:30      Visit to Manisa ( Niobe, Mevlevihane, Sultan Mosque)

10.30-11:00       Visit to Aynı Ali Cafe. Tea/coffee break

11:00-12:00       We take bus to İzmir

12.30-13:30        Lunch in the Asansör Restaurant.

Free time in İzmir (Kemeraltı and Kızlarağası Hanı,Kordon)


18.30-20:30 Visiting Forum Bornova (big shopping centre )and have dinner anywhere you want there.


21:30 Back to Turgutlu
                                                                     
                                                                                                                                                                           
                                                                          
                                                                       
IV.DAY

6.30-8.30 Breakfast at the Palmcity hotel

08:30-10:00  Visit to Derbent Preschool ( it is a school in a village) Ümran-Sezin-Ömür and                              Gonca-Veysel will take you from the hotel)

10.00-11:00 Visiting derbent Historic house and gardens

11:00-11:30 Tea/ coffee  and certificatesJ at Mehmet Altan Nursery School
12:30-13:30 Lunch at Ortapark restaurant
13:30 Free time
16:00 Polish friends will leave us L   ( Bus from hotel  to airport 15 euro/person)
18:30 Dinner with Finnish friends at Gamalı Restaurant
04:00 Finnish friends will leave usL 
And we will start counting down the days to meet in Ponzan againJJJ