Decade-long journey of the Marijampole Working Group - introducing a fresh trajectory
In a significant development, Ulrich Güster has been elected as the new chairman of the Marijampole working group, which oversees the twinning partnership between Bergisch Gladbach, Germany, and Marijampole, Lithuania. Güster, who has served as the managing director in recent years, takes over from Rolf Dieter Schacht, who led the group until his passing in 2024.
Güster, an active member since the founding of the working group, has been instrumental in fostering the deepening relations between the two cities over the past decade. One of his notable achievements has been the close cooperation with the "Humanitarian Aid Bergisch Gladbach" association, which has resulted in continuous aid supplies being sent to Marijampole. Recipients of this support include the Caritas of the Marijampole diocese in Kalvarija and the state school "Žiburio mokykla-daugiafunkcis centras" with around 200 children.
As for the upcoming projects and initiatives for 2025, while there is no publicly detailed information available at this time, it is known that new projects are in planning. The working group Marijampole is seeking committed individuals to contribute to the establishment of mutual encounters.
Some confirmed initiatives include the expansion of the art exchange between artists from Bergisch Gladbach and Marijampole, the Sinfonieorchester Bergisch Gladbach performing again in Marijampole, and an exchange of choirs between the two cities. Furthermore, a youth basketball exchange is in the planning stages between the "Bergische Löwen" and a sports club from Marijampole.
The twinning partnership between Bergisch Gladbach and Marijampole has traditionally focused on cultural exchange, educational programs, economic cooperation, and municipal collaboration. However, the current geopolitical climate in Lithuania, with the constant fear of a possible invasion from Russia, has added a new layer of significance to these efforts. The working group Marijampole wants to show the people of Marijampole the solidarity of the people of Bergisch Gladbach.
To stay updated on the latest news and developments regarding the twinning partnership, it is recommended to check official sources such as the Bergisch Gladbach city council or official municipal website, the Marijampole municipal administration website, press releases or announcements from the twinning association or committees responsible for managing the partnership.
On a positive note, the friendly relations between the two cities have significantly deepened over the past decade, and many Lithuanians feel reassured by the support and solidarity shown by their German counterparts. The 10th anniversary of the working group Marijampole was celebrated on June 4th, marking a decade of fruitful collaboration and mutual understanding.
Ulrich Güster, the newly elected chairman of the Marijampole working group, has been instrumental in promoting sustainable-living practices through the arrangement of continuous aid supplies to Marijampole, particularly for institutions like the Caritas and the state school "Žiburio mokykla-daugiafunkcis centras." As the working group prepares to tackle new home-and-garden and lifestyle projects in 2025, their focus remains on intense cultural exchanges, educational programs, and establishing mutual understanding, despite the politically charged climate in Lithuania. In times like these, staying informed about the twinning partnership's progress through official channels—such as the Bergisch Gladbach city council, Marijampole municipal administration website, or twinning association press releases—is of utmost importance. Ultimately, these endeavors aim to bolster the tight-knit relations between the cities and instill a sense of reassurance and solidarity in the people of Marijampole.
