The people
Elmswild decided to pursue the idea of global kinship back in 2004. Ric Edelmann, Green Light Trust co-founder, worked closely with local force John Ibbetson and others to establish the link with the people of Europe's last primeval forest - Bialowieza, Eastern Poland.
Once contacts were established, local schools in both communities became involved. Elmswell Primary School held a 'Poland Day' to celebrate the link. The day included Polish cookery (honey cakes and noodle cake), research about Poland, an initiation into some Polish words!, and the venue was decorated with bunting made from Polish national flags. A spell-binding tale of a journey in a Polish forest, telling the children about the animals, the plants and the environment, was for many children the highlight of the day.
Since the event, many parcels have been exchanged between the schools containing photos, pictures by the children, songs, details of school and home life, Christmas gifts, notes to translate, and inspiring information about local woodlands and forests.
Events and ideas continue to develop for cultural exchange, environmental education and inspiration. A small area in the school grounds at the Community WildSpace has been designated to include specimens of the trees found in the Bialowieza forest, with acorns being sent for planting in Poland. A small sculpture from a Polish artist on the site, to celebrate the connection for the long-term, is also under discussion.
The benefits
A key benefit has been the cultural exchange. Children have learnt about the environment in the partner country, but also much about their language, culture and history. Children in each country have also found out much more about the environment in their own local area.
Another key benefit has been local involvement at Elmswell with Polish members of the local community. A parent at the school acted as translator and local people with Polish connections have been delighted to be involved.
The benefits have also spread to the wider community, with special events to celebrate the partnership which engage the whole community, celebrate the link, highlight environmental concerns locally and worldwide, and generally encourage a good time!