In a poignant tribute to the historical ties between Northern Ireland and Poland, paying homage to the Polish pilots based in the region during WWII, a group of 22 Army Cadets from Ballymena and Cullybackey, accompanied by seven adult volunteers, recently concluded an educational visit to Gdańsk.
The trip, funded by the Executive Office NI through Radius Housing's Shared Housing Program, the annual visit has been completed by over 100 cadets to date, providing an opportunity for cadets to explore Poland’s history, forge friendships and experience the warmth of Polish culture.
The cadets, aged between 12 and 17, qualified for this trip after participating in an extensive learning project titled "For Your Freedom and Ours." This initiative focused on the history of Poland, its contributions during WWII, particularly by its pilots, offering a deep dive into an era that shaped modern Europe.
Over the course of four days, the group explored Gdańsk, a city with a rich yet tragic wartime history. Their itinerary included a guided tour where they visited one of the few structures that survived the bombings, the Polish Private Cadet School at Centrum Naukowo-Biznesowe Feniks S.C. Here, they engaged with local cadets who shared insights into their dual education system, which combines traditional schooling with military training.
The educational experience was further enriched by visits to key historical sites:
- Gdańsk Old City’s Second World War Museum: Providing a comprehensive look at Poland’s role in WWII.
- St. Mary’s Cathedral: A symbol of the city's resilience.
- Westerplatte Peninsula: Where the first shots of WWII were fired.
A somber visit was made to the Stutthof Concentration Camp, offering a stark reminder of the war's brutal realities. These visits not only educated the cadets about historical events but also highlighted the resilience of the Polish people.
Throughout their stay, interactions with local Polish citizens provided the cadets with personal stories and a broader perspective on the war's impact on individuals and communities. This cultural exchange fostered mutual understanding and friendship between the young people of both nations.
The trip was made possible thanks to Radius Housing, which focuses on improving lives through housing, care, and support initiatives. Their funding underscores the importance of educational programs that connect youth with historical and cultural narratives beyond their local environment.
Army Cadet Force leaders emphasised that such international educational visits are integral to the personal development offered by the organization. The Army Cadets aim to provide young individuals with unique life experiences, fostering skills like leadership, teamwork, and cultural awareness.
This visit not only honoured the memory of WWII heroes but also built bridges between young people from different cultural backgrounds, reinforcing the message of unity and remembrance in the face of history's lessons.
