NSI Workshops and Roadshow in Helmstedt, Germany

In late February we had the pleasure of visiting the town of Helmstedt in Lower Saxony, Germany. This was our third time running poetry workshops in the area, which have taken place over the last two years, led by NSI Poet in Residence Clive Sanders. Helmstedt is twinned with Clive’s home town of Chard in Somerset and has a fascinating history, especially in regards to it's proximity to the old border between East and West Germany.

Over two days we ran a series of poetry workshops at Giordano-Bruno-Gesamtschule, Gymnaisum Anna-Sophianeum and Gymansium Julianum, with young people of various ages and backgrounds. Participants were answering the question ‘how does war affect people’s lives?’ Several students had personal perspectives to share, while other looked at historical conflicts. Everyone approached the topic sensitively and showed great respect for their peers.

On Thursday 22nd February we hosted a poetry showcase event at the Juleum Novum in Helmstedt - a beautiful old university building. This was fantastic success, with students from the three school listed above sharing work, as well as Gymnasium am Bötschenberg. The words of the young people had a profound impact on the audience.

A teacher from the Giordano-Bruno-Gesamtschule commented after the event:

‘You know already how much I appreciate your workshops and how much I loved the event happening at the Juleum. Those poets we have in Helmstedt warmed everyone's hearts and made me cry. Even the parents came and were so proud of their children which was an amazing experience both for them and us.’

We would like to thank Harald and Gabi Spitzer, Bettina Friedrich, Kathrin Sohr, Erik Beyen, Dr Joachim Scherrieble and Viktória Blahó. We are also grateful to the Juleum for giving us access to their beautiful space. We hope to return to Helmstedt in the near future!

Clive and Will working with students at Giordano-Bruno-Gesamtschule (picture credit: Kathrin Sohr)

Students from Gymnasium am Bötschenberg presenting their work on stage at the juleum in helmstedt (Picture credit: Erik Beyen)

The poetry roadshow at the juleum (Picture Credit: Erik Beyen)