January 31 – February 2, 1999
At the beginning of 1999, students, teachers, and members of the iEARN community gathered in Prague for a Czech–Slovak meeting focused on friendship, cooperation, and future educational projects.
The informal gathering brought together participants from both countries for several days of discussions, sightseeing, music, and shared experiences in the historic atmosphere of Prague.
Representatives from Slovak schools, including Gymnázium Šrobárova, joined Czech colleagues to strengthen collaboration between schools involved in international educational and Internet-based projects.
Program Highlights
The meeting combined official discussions with relaxed social activities and cultural exploration throughout Prague.
Among the memorable moments were:
- long discussions about future projects,
- evening gatherings in Prague pubs,
- shared breakfasts,
- walks through the historic city center,
- pizza parties,
- and visits to famous landmarks.
Participants also explored the city together, including views toward Prague Castle and walks near the famous Charles Bridge.
One humorous memory mentioned in the original notes described Joko Vrabel attempting to play “his only song” on a guitar during an evening gathering.
Captured Moments
The original event archive included several photographs documenting the atmosphere of the meeting, including:
- Dui Smolka standing during discussions
- “After difficult negotiations” in Prague pubs
- Breakfast with Ivana and Vačo
- Joko playing guitar
- A view of Hradčany from near Charles Bridge
- Shared accommodation moments
- Pizza party gatherings
- Group photo with the castle guards
- Lunch at “Trojka”
- Evening walks through Prague
Together, the photos reflected the informal, friendly spirit that characterized many early iEARN meetings during the late 1990s.
More Than Meetings
Events like the Prague gathering were not only about educational planning.
They created real personal connections between students and teachers from neighboring countries during a period when international cooperation through the Internet was still something new and exciting.
For many participants, these meetings became the foundation for long-term friendships, collaborative school projects, and unforgettable memories shared across borders.