Englisch EKS_27-48"":Layout 1
16.12.2011
18:23 Uhr
Seite 40
40 WOW DAY
Cleaning shoes in Budweis, Czech Republic
by Katerina Kozlova, class teacher of class 6
The Waldorf school in Budweis in southern Bohemia took part in WOW Day for the first time this year. This premiere opened the eyes of the pupils in classes 5 to 8 to the world, but also those of the passers-by who walked through the town square on 29 September. We prepared our programme for the inhabitants of Budweis in the spirit of the European Year of Volunteering. It consisted of a public service by the pupils of class 6 who offered to clean the shoes of passers-by. While this was being done, they were able to sit on comfortable chairs, have a break, read the newspaper or play chess. If passers-by with children came, other pupils played board games with them while the shoes were being cleaned. The pupils brought the mood of the 1920s to life by dressing up in clothes of the time. At that time it was common to have one’s shoes cleaned in the public square. Pupils from classes 7 and 8 accompanied the shoe cleaners with Czech and English songs of the time. Information boards told passers-by about the purpose of our action. Pupils from class 5 sold silk scarves they had dyed themselves. Because the press had written about WOW Day and the action was supported by the mayor, many people came and we were busy the whole time. The day we spent in Budweiser town square was very successful and there was great enthusiasm. It was not just the money which was earned which was important, but also the feeling of togetherness with other Waldorf schools which were cooperating for the same action on this day. We succeeded in earning about 10,000 crowns (approximately 385 euros). We are very much looking forward to next year. ‹›
erziehungskunst special December | 2011