The President met with school teachers, students, the local Lithuanian community as well as major sponsors of the school - Mark Weinmeister, State Secretary at the Federal Land of Hesse Ministry for Federal and European Affairs, Gottfried Störmer, Mayor of Lampertheim, Dietmar Giebelmann, Vicar-General Prelate of the Diocese of Mainz, representatives of the Bergstrasse county and the town of Hüttenfeld.
According to the President, the fact that the school which brings together German Lithuanians is supported not only by Lithuania but also by Germany is a beautiful example of cooperation and mutual understanding, and a concrete result of strong political ties between Lithuania and Germany. President Grybauskaitė thanked everybody for fostering the Lithuanian identity and for the support to the school.
"The February 16 High School has a very important mission - to rally Lithuanians from Germany and from around the world and help them maintain relationship with Lithuania, educate our young people, cherish the native language, culture and traditions. It is nice to know that the German government also understands the importance of this mission and supports the local Lithuanian community in maintaining a unique Lithuanian hub and providing quality education to our children," the President said.
The February 16 High School is the first Lithuanian school abroad, providing complete gymnasium education in the Lithuanian language. Its graduation certificate is recognized in Germany's educational system and gives school graduates an opportunity to enroll in European Universities. Special study programs for Lithuanians from Latin America are also offered in the gymnasium.
Around 60 thousand Lithuanians live in Germany. The community of German Lithuanians is very active, as well as the Lithuanian Youth Union, the Lithuanian Cultural Institute, the European Lithuanian Cultural Centre. Lithuanian publications circulate, a wide range of cultural events take place, and Lithuanian holidays are celebrated in Germany.
The President talked with the community representatives about keeping in touch with Lithuania and the projects that are important to fostering Lithuanian identity. She invited members of the community to share their experience, knowledge and contacts and thus actively contribute to promoting Lithuania's economic, business and cultural cooperation with Germany. And to participate by all means in the Lithuanian Song Festival "Here is my home" and the Lithuanian World Community Congress to be held this coming summer.
