By Stephen Peter
A rather unusual buffet was set up on Monday in front of the ballroom of the Rotes Rathaus: brownies, cookies, chips and Dr. Pepper Cola. This was to honor a very special US exchange program.
No, the canteen in Franziska Giffey’s office (44, SPD) does not have a new concept.
The Governing Mayor received students from several states who were in the USA for two weeks. Not for vacation, but as part of the “USA for you” exchange program. Free – Paid for by the US Embassy and other partners. The students got involved in charitable projects on site.
Giffey recalled her own youth in her speech. “I was eleven years old when the Berlin Wall fell, and suddenly all possibilities opened up.” to France, Belgium and Japan and Canada. “All of these exchanges have shaped my life.”
Franziska Giffey and US Ambassador Amy Gutmann Photo: Ralf Guenther
Parents encouraged her to support such exchanges: “It gives your children something that no school class can teach. Life experience, courage, trust in your own strength and above all an unbelievable curiosity.”
US Ambassador Amy Gutmann (73): “I would like to thank everyone who made this exchange program possible.”