The event marked the international Day of Tolerance and aimed at finding the differences and similarities among the countries. From the very beginning, the primary kids were extremely interested why older students came to their class. With ironic smiles, they attached the colorful emblems "All Different - All Similar" on their jackets and waited. Unbelievably, the children very carefully listened to every word of the presenters. Our delegation consisted of the "travellers", who had personally visited partner countries. Each of us told the most unforgettable moments that stuck in our heads (or rather - in our hearts) during the trips. The primary pupils were very active asking questions about the partner schools. Interestingly enough, one boy said that just like in Germany, in their family they also eat potato pancakes with fish and sour jam. Later when asked what they remembered most kids yelled that want to ride skateboards in school halls as students in the German school. Kids pointed out that, just like the Turkish, they like sweets and that words of the Czech language are similar to Polish and Russian. They were very surprised to find out that in Caltanissetta (Italy) they have the same patron – St Michael – just like in our hometown Nemenchine. In the end, the pupils were asked to draw pictures of the similarities with partner countries they have noticed. It was so wonderful to share our experience of other countries with the "young minds" so that they could realize that there is a large world around them.

We can say that the Germans are pedantic or the French are real snobs but we come from one tribe and the children proved us that by finding numerous similarities. The future generation understand this, but do we all realize the same?

The teachers who arranged the event "All Different - All Similar" were interviewed about the objectives of this activity.

Mrs. Sabina Gvozdovic, an English teacher in primary school: "The influence of the project is really positive for children. They are fond of taking part in different project events, where they can practice their knowledge of English. They are very happy when they learn something new and , of course, when they receive presents."

Mrs. Inesa Rusecka, coordinator of the project, an English teacher: "Whenever possible, we try to design activities to engage the students of younger classes in order to expand their cultural awareness. It also helps to prevent xenophobia, which is quite widespread in our community. The project helps to form a positive opinion about other languages or cultures. Moreover, we try to encourage younger students to learn foreign languages and the English language in particular."

Dominika Zacharevic, G4 student (Year 12) of Nemencines K.Parcevskio Gymnasium

The project is funded by the European Union, according to the Lifelong Learning Programme – Comenius. In Lithuania the project is administrated by "Education Exchanges Support Foundation". The content of this article does not reflect the official opinion of the European Union. Responsibility for the information and views expressed therein lies entirely with the authors.

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