Why? Our friends from two middle schools from Camas, USA are coming to the Jan Matejko Middle School in Zabierzow on 20th June 2010.
Let’s find out: What is the origin of the Camas – Zabierzow partnership? Who is coming? What will they do during their stay? And much more …
1.How did it all start? An interview with Piotr Budziak, the coordinator of the sister city partnership in Zabierzow Community.
Reporters: Is this your job or a kind of hobby to be the coordinator?
Piotr Budziak: It’s not my job, just “my hobby”. I am Treasurer of Zabierzow Community.
R: Tell us something about this cooperation. Where and when did you start it?
P.B: It started many years ago, I think nine. The city manager of Camas came to Poland with the idea to start formal cooperation between his community and some Polish ones. This was Mr. Lloyd Halverson. A local, Mr. Rafal Stanek, suggested that he come see our community. Then, I together with Mr. Krzyworzeka (the mayor of Zabierzow at the time) made a presentation to show him our community. Mr. Halverson liked our community and the idea was put into practice: the cooperation with three Polish communities – Krapkowice, Morawica and Zabierzów and two American cities – Camas in Washington and Hillsboro, Oregon. Of course, the head of all of this is Mr. Halverson.
R: Have you ever been to the USA (Camas)?
P.B:Oh yes. I’ve been there times. Three times in the USA and two in Camas.
R: Did you like it?
P.B:I liked it very much. The nature is wonderful - green and lots of forests, water. People are great in the US – family-like.
R: You speak English very well. Where and when did you learn to speak English?
P.B:A good question. Actually, I didn’t learn it like you. I didn’t have English lessons in school or use the net, etc. One day I decided to learn English. It was some twenty, twenty-five years ago. I learned English by reading books and studying vocabulary.
R: Do you speak other languages?
P.B:Hmm.. French, but not too much.
R: Have you ever read the “Zabierzow Bugle” and what do you think about this idea?
P.B:Well, it’s a very interesting project. Everything is a really life , but in a different language. An English newspaper made by young Polish people - sounds great!
R: Our school has international students exchanges. We have been to Germany, Italy, Sweden and in June, people from Camas are coming to us. Is the idea of students' exchange a good one? What do you think?
P.B:I cannot think of a better idea. Because exchange is the best way to know something about different people and cultures. Well, the first time I was in the US, I saw that people are so different than what I had imagined before. I think we have many stereotypes. When you meet people you know, how they really are. Exchanging, meeting people from different countries is the best way to know what people are.
R: Can we ask some personal questions?
P.B:Yes, you’re here.
R: Do you live in our community?
P.B:Unfortunately not. Not yet, but when I say something about Zabierzow, I always say “my community”. I live in Krakow.
R: Do you like your job?
P.B:Oh yes, very much so. For many people being Treasurer is boring, but for me it’s fascinating.
R: Have you got children?
P.B:Yes, three children.
R: What do you like doing in your free time?
P.B:First playing tennis. Then riding bicycles and watching tennis, because tennis is my big hobby – It’s my love. I like skiing. Actually, I’m not very good, but I try to ski each winter.
Near Camas, there is Mount Hood, where you can ski
sometimes all year round.
R: Maybe you want to say something more?
P.B:Yes. I want to encourage people to learn English. English opens many doors. You know a lot more about the world when you speak English than people who don’t. I want to encourage you to learn this language – you have a very good opportunity: Internet, TV, etc. Five, six years ago it wasn’t easy to get an original English newspaper. You should use this opportunity!
R: Does everyone in this city hall speak English?
P.B:I think you have a very big sense of humor. ;) When we started this cooperation a few years ago, I was the only person that spoke English here. But now it is much better.
R: Thank you for the interview.
