As a follow-up to the anti-corruption curriculum development project funded by a grant from the State Department and organized through the Center for Citizenship Education, ACAO B. Bix Aliu visited high schools in Ozarow Mazowiecki and Plochocin on March 9 as part of the Embassy’s Speakers Bureau program. Titled “Anti-corruption Curriculum Development: Young People against Corruption” the program encourages Poland’s youth to take a stand and say “no” to corruption. Over 100 students were at the event in Ozarow Mazowiecki, including professors, and the city’s deputy Mayor. ACAO spoke to the group, commended them for their terrific work, and met with city officials and the school director and sponsor in order to discuss expansion of the project into the establishment of a national network. In Plochocin, ACAO met with students to discuss American traditions. The exchange with the students included a question and answer session - with questions ranging from the types of holidays in the US and how to study in the US to questions regarding pop trivia.

Warsaw’s Speakers Bureau provides a venue for sharing information on US society and values with an audience that would not otherwise have direct contact with US officials. Hopefully, this anti-corruption speaking program will help initiate further discussion and thought to continuing the students’ local-level anti-corruption projects.