The visit is part of the Local Government Internships organised by the Association of Polish Cities.

The internships aim to promote international cooperation and exchange of experiences between Polish and Norwegian local governments.

The ladies began their internship in Hrubieszów by participating in activities for children which took place at the Hrubieszów Municipal Public Library - Hrubieszów Heritage Centre, and more specifically in a meeting with first-grade pupils within the framework of the Reading at 7 Campaign and fairy-tale therapy activities using the Kamishibai theatre for preschoolers.

Also at Hrubieszów Heritage Centre, a meeting was held with Marta Majewska, Mayor of the City, who welcomed the guests to Hrubieszów.

During their stay, the Norwegian headmistresses also visited local educational institutions: Municipal Kindergarten No. 5 in Hrubieszów, Non-Public Special Kindergarten ‘Mamy Siebie’ and Therapeutic Kindergarten Leśna Polana - run by Hrubieszów's Zośka Social Cooperative. During these visits, the delegation learns about the functioning of the Polish pre-school education system, including approaches to working with children with special needs, including autism, language difficulties and behavioural problems.

The main issues of interest to the principals during the internship include the challenges of recruiting pre-school employees, managing the finances of educational units in conditions of limited municipal resources, and working to increase the population in the region.

The participants in the internship are [1] also looking for effective solutions for introducing ‘feedback culture’ in child-adult relationships. Team management, children's educational development and interdisciplinary cooperation with parents are key aspects of the professional scope of Anne Grete Lynum and Kathrine Øverby from Elverum.

The internships provide an excellent opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience in areas that hold priority in both Poland and Norway. Special emphasis is placed on issues related with working with children with special needs, as well as developing effective methods of working with a team of teachers and parents. The local government traineeship programme supports trainees in making contacts and acquiring new skills, while sharing knowledge on managing educational units and solving social problems in municipalities.

The internship in Hrubieszów was organised by the Local Development Office.