Group of students from China visits Bocholt

A group of students from the Chinese city of WUXI visited Bocholt from 30 June to 2 July. The visit is part of the ongoing exchange that has existed between the two cities since 1985.

Deputy Mayor Kerstin Erkens welcomed the 42 young people, the supervising teachers and the trip organiser Wei Zhang to the Europahaus on Sunday evening. She informed the group about Bocholt's city history, the economy and the advantages of its location close to the Netherlands, as well as the wide range of educational opportunities in Bocholt.

On Monday, the guests visited St George's Grammar School, where they were warmly welcomed by headmistress Hilke Smidt and the staff. The pupils took part in lessons for an hour and then admired the figures donated by WUXI, which Bocholt received on the occasion of its 800th anniversary. A city rally rounded off the day, during which the group solved small tasks and sent in photos of the solutions.

Tuesday began with a visit to the LWL Textilwerk weaving mill, where the historical craftsmanship on the looms was particularly interesting for the guests from the Far East. In the afternoon, the group explored the Westphalian University of Applied Sciences and the Benning company. Stefan Schlier, Head of Purchasing at Benning and Chairman of the German-Chinese Society Bocholt e.V., gave a guided tour of various areas of the company. The programme at the university campus included a computer game, VR glasses and the bionics department, where the young people learned how nature serves as a model for technical innovations. Finally, Professor Seidl, Vice Dean of the university, invited the students to spend a semester in Bocholt during their studies.

On behalf of the city of Bocholt, the group was accompanied by Sonja Wießmeier from the Mayor's office, who is responsible for European and international affairs. The city of Bocholt has been friends with the Chinese city of WUXI since 1985. Numerous exchanges have taken place since then. Every year, young people from WUXI take part in the European Youth Camp.

More information about Bocholt's international relations can be found on the city's website www.bocholt.de.