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Felician
College Hosts Children from Poland During Tour of the United States
Amid
joyous shouts of welcome, hugs and camera flash bulbs, 21 underprivileged
children from Poland arrived at Newark International Airport on July 18 to begin
a two-week tour of the United States.
Journeying out of Poland for the first time in their lives, the children
are taking part in the "Second Annual Summer of Dreams Tour," a
cultural exchange program organized in cooperation by Felician College, The
American Center of Polish Culture in Washington, DC, and the Communications
Without Barrier children's foundation.
“We were thrilled to host this second group of children as they
embarked on a wonderful adventure— touring the U.S. to learn about our rich
culture and history,” remarked Sister Theresa, President of Felician College.
The second year in which Felician College has taken part, the cultural exchange
program takes the Polish children to some of America’s most popular tourist
sites including the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Wall Street, and Niagara
Falls. The
group left New Jersey on July 25th for Washington, DC. From there,
they will travel to Chicago where they will meet up with the First Lady of
Poland, Jolanta Kwasniewska.
According
to Dr. Kaya Mirecka-Ploss, Executive Director of the American Center of Polish
Culture, the children, aged 12-15, were chosen through the First Lady of
Poland’s foundation, Communication
Without Barriers, based on family circumstances and performance in
school. For
the children—who come from small, rural villages and have lost one or both of
their parents—this is their first trip out of Poland.
“The stories of these children are stories that reflect the poverty of
children world-wide.
They touch the very souls of all who hear them, and awaken a real sense
of community spirit,” said Sister Theresa.
Established
as a cultural exchange program, the Communication Without Barriers Foundation
and the American Center of Polish Culture have also organized a group of 20
American children to visit Poland for three weeks in August.
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