On 20 September 2026, Freiberg’s Schlossplatz was transformed into a vibrant hub of exchange and interaction during the ‘Market of Diversity and Sustainability on World Children’s Day’. The International Office at TU Bergakademie Freiberg was right at the heart of the action with six international students, inviting visitors to test their geographical knowledge and strike up a conversation with the students. The annual “Market of Diversity and Sustainability” is organised and hosted by the Freiberg AGENDA 21 association.
It was the first public event as part of the “CampusConnect Freiberg” project. The project brings international students into contact with interested residents of Freiberg.
Six international students from the TU Bergakademie Freiberg took part with great enthusiasm and enjoyment. Through interactive, country-specific quiz formats, they brought global topics to life:
- Traditional clothing from around the world: Which country is behind which patterns, fabrics and cuts?
- Music styles from around the world: How do people make music in Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas?
- Schools and everyday school life in different countries around the world: What are schools and everyday lessons like for children and young people in other parts of the world?
- Proverbs from different countries around the world.
- Your own name, written in Arabic script.
- Henna tattoos for children
Visitors of all ages were invited to put their knowledge to the test and match the images on display and the music samples they heard to the correct country.
The interactive activities met with great interest. Anuj Tomar, a Master’s student from India, reflects: “It was a wonderful experience to get to know the locals in Freiberg. People are open-minded and took part in the games with great interest. What I enjoyed most was interacting with the children and seeing how delighted the parents were to visit the stand and watch everything.”
Master's student Junaid Khan says: "The children and parents like the henna tattoos so much. They could choose a design from given templates. It takes only three minutes to apply the henna. Few of the children chose more than one tatoo. As small gifts, we gave them postcards from Pakistan. The photos I took myself from people, animals and landscapes in the country."
The new “CampusConnect Freiberg” project aims to create opportunities for intercultural encounters, education and dialogue, such as:
- Intercultural tandem partnerships
- International students helping to organise lessons in schools
- Democracy cafés
- Networking events with stakeholders in the city and the surrounding area
- Empowerment workshops for international students
Further information: “CampusConnect Freiberg” project website
