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Mission: fun and integration
The Mystery Friend series is enriched by another initiative to bring the local and university communities closer together. Cups of Talks meetings in the convention of multicultural language cafés are now also open to the citizens of Toruń, with the next meeting on 24 April.
Both projects are aimed at people interested in intercultural exchange, the development of language skills and social competences.
Talking spring and beyond
Cups of Talks is a series of meetings exploring topics related to cultural diversity.
The project was conceived as a response to the needs of students who, after a period of a pandemic, were looking for an opportunity to actively participate in academic and social life. Its original aim was to integrate Polish and international students through intercultural conversations in different languages - primarily English,' explains the originator of the series, Małgorzata Błaszczak, director of the Copernican Integration Centre.
Previous editions of the talks have covered topics such as Christmas and New Year customs around the world and how to cope with exam stress.
In this year's edition of Cups of Talks, we are focusing on intercultural and intergenerational integration. Meetings are open not only to those studying and working at the NCU, but also to Toruń residents. It is a great opportunity to make new friends, learn about other cultures and develop language skills in a friendly, informal atmosphere', encourages Idalia Tuleja from the Copernican Integration Centre, coordinator of Cups of Talks.
The next meeting is scheduled at the Copernican Integration Centre (Address: ul. Olszewskiego 16) on 24 April. It will be dedicated to spring rituals, festivities and ways to use this time to renew body and mind. Start at 4.30 p.m. No registration required. Cups of Talks: Spring Breath
Friendship and a mysterious challenge
As a reminder, the local community has also had the chance to participate in another form of integration for the past few months - the Mystery Friend series (YUFE Friend Programme). Each event is a new mystery challenge and an opportunity to grow. - Participation in Mystery Friend is not only fun, but also an opportunity for intercultural and intergenerational exchange, based on respect for diversity.
The main aim of the project is to build a community of students and residents in which everyone can develop their talents, acquire new skills and work together to reduce social barriers," says Karolina Kowalska of the Amicus Foundation, coordinator of the Mystery Friend programme.
Among other things, we have seen birdhouse building, dumpling making, portrait painting and a quiz show. During the next meeting on 10 April, participants will make their own candles at the Copernican Integration Centre (address: ul. Olszewskiego 16). The meeting will start at 5 pm. Registration is mandatory.
Calendar of upcoming events in the Mystery Friend series
The third mission of the University
Both projects are implemented as part of YUFE 2030.
Community engagement is one of the priority areas of action for the NCU and YUFE. Universities, in pursuing their third mission (after research and teaching), open up to the local community, aim to disseminate knowledge and build trust in science through dialogue, education and collaboration. Hence the YUFE Friend and YUFE International Cafés initiatives, which at the NCU take the form of Mystery Friend and Cups of Talks. Similar activities are carried out by our partners at the other YUFE universities, says Magdalena Stremplewska from the NCU Department of International Partnerships and Educational Mobility, coordinator of YUFE's community engagement activities.
You can find out more about both programmes by listening to an episode of the podcast "Us and YUFE" by the Information Architects Student Research Group.
