Ченстохова
Kamianets-Podilskyi – Częstochowa: Strengthening Partnership
In September 2021, Mayor Mykhailo Positko of Kamianets-Podilskyi held a friendly meeting with Krzysztof Matyjaszczyk, President of the Polish sister city Częstochowa. The discussion focused on further cooperation and the development of partnership relations between the two cities.
During the meeting, Mayor Positko congratulated President Matyjaszczyk on his re-election for a second term as President of the General Assembly of Cities, a body recognized with the Council of Europe’s Prix de l’Europe award.
The General Assembly, established in 1984 in Udine, Italy, traditionally includes a Mayors’ Conference and a Youth Forum. The 2021 session, held in September, was dedicated to energy efficiency within the framework of sustainable development.
"Shchedryk" from Kamianets-Podilskyi Tours Europe – Częstochowa Performance
In autumn 2023, during the signing of the cooperation agreement between Kamianets-Podilskyi and Wiesbaden, Mayor Mykhailo Positko and the Consul General in Frankfurt Vadym Kostiuk agreed to implement a large charity and cultural project. The initiative aimed to:
- Express gratitude to partner cities and friendly countries for their support;
- Conduct charity events addressing humanitarian needs of displaced children;
- Promote local business and investment opportunities;
- Showcase Ukrainian culture abroad.
As part of the project, the People’s Children and Youth Choir "Zhuravlyk", led by Ivan Netecha, embarked on a European tour, performing the famous Kamianets carol "Shchedryk" (known internationally as Carol of the Bells). The tour was supported by the city budget, local businesses, and partner cities including Częstochowa (Poland), Zawiercie (Poland), Dolný Kubín (Slovakia), Wiesbaden, and Esslingen am Neckar (Germany).
Częstochowa Performance
On their European tour, "Zhuravlyk" performed in Częstochowa, delighting audiences with Ukrainian carols, showcasing local children’s artwork, and raising charitable contributions for humanitarian aid. The concert highlighted the cultural connection between Kamianets-Podilskyi and Częstochowa and strengthened ties between the communities.
Tourist Season Opens in Kamianets-Podilskyi – Częstochowa Delegation Visits
In April 2024, Kamianets-Podilskyi officially opened the tourist season with the forum “Gastronomic Tourism: EU & Ukraine Experience”. The event focused on culinary development, restaurant business, and best practices to enhance tourist experiences.
A special highlight was the delegation from Kamianets’ sister city, Częstochowa (Poland), who attended the forum and actively participated in discussions. This visit continued the long-standing tradition of frequent exchanges, strengthening cultural and professional ties between the two cities and inspiring future cooperation in tourism and gastronomy.
Speakers included representatives from Ukrainian tourism agencies, local experts, and international guests from partner cities.
Honoring the Heroes with Częstochowa Delegation
Together with a delegation from our sister city Częstochowa (Poland), Kamianets-Podilskyi paid tribute to fallen Ukrainian defenders at the Heroes’ Square. We honor all who gave their lives in the war against Russian aggression—reminding the world of the true cost of security.
Częstochowa Delegation Visits Lyceum №13
As part of the opening of the tourist season, a delegation from our sister city Częstochowa (Poland) visited Kamianets-Podilskyi on April 29, 2024. The delegates attended lessons at Lyceum №13, interacted with students, and sang Polish songs. They were particularly impressed by the students’ knowledge of Polish language, history, and culture, and expressed interest in signing a memorandum with the Jan Kochanowski School Complex, which already maintains a partnership with Lyceum №13.
Kamianets-Podilskyi Children Travel to Częstochowa for Summer Camp
In June 2024, 20 children from Kamianets-Podilskyi went on a summer camp to our sister city Częstochowa, Poland.
The visit was initially arranged during the official delegation’s visit of Częstochowa to Kamianets-Podilskyi and later finalized with the local authorities in Częstochowa. Representatives of the Częstochowa Education Department, who had previously visited Lyceum №13 in Kamianets-Podilskyi where Polish is intensively studied, organized the children’s stay. Accommodation, meals, and activities were fully provided by the Polish side, with local schools actively participating in managing the program.
The children, called the “ambassadors of peace,” were wished a safe journey, new friendships, and an unforgettable summer experience.
Ukrainian Defenders Receive Generators from Sister City Częstochowa
Thanks to the cooperation between Kamianets-Podilskyi authorities and our sister city Częstochowa, Poland, Ukrainian military personnel received two generators, essential for their service.
This support, provided under the challenging conditions in Ukraine, strengthens the partnership between the two cities and demonstrates tangible assistance to the defenders of our country.
We sincerely thank our Polish friends for their continuous help and support!
Kamianets-Podilskyi’s Children’s Choir Performs in Polish Sister Cities
In May 2025, the Kamianets-Podilskyi children’s choir “Zhuravlyk” traveled to Poland on a cultural mission. The choir performed in Częstochowa, a trusted partner for over 10 years, and in Chełm, a new partner city with which an official cooperation agreement was recently signed.
We sincerely thank our Polish friends for the warm welcome and the opportunity to showcase Ukrainian musical traditions on the European stage. “Zhuravlyk” continues to serve as a bridge of friendship, peace, and mutual understanding between our peoples.
Strengthening Educational and Social Ties with Częstochowa
On November 19, Kamianets-Podilskyi welcomed a delegation from its sister city Częstochowa, led by Rafał Piotrowski, Head of the Education Department. The delegation also included Rafał Dziwis, Director of the Psychological-Pedagogical Counseling Center, and Małgorzata Banach, a nun from the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph.
The visit was part of the cooperation framework established by the memorandum between the Jan Kochanowski School Complex and Lyceum No. 13 in Kamianets-Podilskyi, which offers advanced Polish language studies. The guests toured the school, where students presented the institution and demonstrated strong Polish language skills. They also observed the protective learning spaces used during air raid alerts.
Next, the delegation visited the Kamianets-Podilskyi City Ecological and Naturalist Center, learning about free extracurricular programs, including animal therapy and equine therapy. Partners saw the Integration Animal Contact Center, funded by grants, where children develop trust, responsibility, and emotional resilience through interactions with horses. They also viewed the new riding arena, created in cooperation with local NGOs, already in use for children’s lessons.
The meeting concluded with discussions on new areas of collaboration:
- expanding rehabilitation and support programs for children,
- extending mutual educational initiatives,
- organizing visits and performances of Kamianets-Podilskyi cultural groups in Częstochowa and vice versa.
This partnership continues to be a strategic tool for educational and social development, fostering youth support and long-term investment in the community’s future.
