1. "Kangaroo" program

In April, a group of 17 children attended the group.

All employees are very glad for children who attend the Center. Children showed a lot of progress in development. First, they have accumulated knowledge, and now they have started to use this knowledge and this is a very rewarding process!

For example, Maxim K. activates his speech dictionary; he was silent for six months and could not understand what we want from him. But now the child is so actively uses the language that his mother and all her friends have noticed it. His mother said, "This is the result of his attendance of your Centre ".

Julia G. who was redirected to the Center with no perspectives shows great results, she turns into understanding and acting person. Whereas previously she could not sit through a minute in class, and concentration was zero, now Julia is learning with great interest. Her mother is very grateful for the results achieved by Julia.

On April 4, an integrative concert took place in which our children have showed their growth in development. They sang on the stage.

We see a great potential in the further development of our children.

In April, the Centre continues to assist the parent to start a senior group (children after 6 years old). So far the city administration suggested some space in a school. Unfortunately, a space at schools needs to be repaired. Parents of older children are looking for donors. Florence Centre will continue to provide services for children under 6 years old next year. Specialists from the "Kangaroo” program would like to keep the current group all together and have the intention to leave with this group, including children under 6. With parents the situation will be discussed next month.

2. Students’ Practicum

In April, five students from Zaporizhzhya National University (major in social work) were on practicum in our Centre. They have successfully completed all the tasks: students took part in preparing and conducting the annual integrative concert "Light of Big Hearts-3". They showed their talents not only as animators, but also as participants of the concert (singing songs on stage with children with special needs).

They also work with the specialists of the Florence Centre in one of the schools helping to provide training sessions at grade 5. "We usually do not have the opportunity to interact with children, so at first it was scary, but here we have, finally, such an experience. We have seen that it is not so difficult. It was very interesting to perform the task with the children", said students.

The most difficult task was for students was to develop and deliver a lecture /presentation. The students had some difficulty in finding information, uttering it, and making a public speech. However, numerous consultations and development of skills led to the desired result: the students have developed four lectures. A presentation on the topic "Prevention of Depression" was very much interesting for the employees of the social work centre. According to employees the lecture was very urgent for them, and contained not only new and useful information about depression, but also practical exercises that can be used successfully every day.

At the end of practice we have traditionally asked students to leave their feedback on an internship to take them into account in the future. Here are some excerpts:

"The most of all I liked my participation in the concert, it was so much fun! I saw how it was organized, how many people were involved in its preparation and conducting of the concert "(Anne M.).

"The hardest part for me was to develop a presentation. Universities do not teach us how to do this. And here I learned how to speak in public, have learned the rules of constructive criticism. I think it's very useful for my life "(Natasha W.)

 "It was interesting at the concert. I learned a lot. Finally, I’ve got experience of working as a social worker! "(Natasha B.)

3. "Training workshop"

In April, we continued our work in two schools in Zaporizhzhya. Children from 5h grade look forward to further meetings. There is a gradual significant change in the relationship between classmates: children learn to communicate with each other, to help each other in difficult situations. All this is achieved through their participation in the group games and contests. For example, the great interest for the kids was Quest, which helped to unite children in achieving a common goal. No less excitement caused the game "Secret friend", which allowed children to know each other better, to do nice things for others. The plan for the future is the participation in an interesting game of "Tic-tac-toe”, in which children must learn to listen to each other, to act as a team.

We are nearly finishing our work in grade 7 on "Teenage Reproductive Health." An important part of working with children is the explanation about the risks of early sex behavior, and how to prevent it. Children showed a high level of awareness on this subject, however, detailed information about the transmission of HIV, how to say "No” is new for them. In the future we will sum up the entire course in an entertaining form of a quest.

4.  "We are just like you!"

In April the students from Zaporizhzhya National Technical University visited the detention centre. Their visit was a part of a teaching course "Theory and Practice of a Voluntary Movement” (4th year students).

Students and the school pupils painted the playground. Building materials have been purchased under the sponsorship of the organization «FOMCU».

During the joint work the guys were able to communicate in an informal setting and to establish friendly relations. After painting the students had outdoor games. The guys were able to participate in interesting and fun competitions. Traditionally the meeting ended with a football game.

5. Social Action

On April 4^th the annual integrative concert "Light of Big Hearts-3” took place. The event consisted of two parts – games (Game Library) and the concert.

At Game Library all kids were able to participate in various competitions and win prizes. In the concert program participated "normal” children and children with special needs. This concert proved once again that everyone can be talented, as well as the importance of integrating people with special needs into society.

6. Working with foreign experts

In April the Center "Florence" was visited by guests from the Netherlands. Guests from Netherlands said they are going to create a European website on the activities of Mennonites in the main places of residence, including in Ukraine. The site will provide information about the activities of the Centre.

7. Work on the grant

All efforts are focused on writing grant applications for the development of the senior group of children with special needs.

8. "Just a miracle!”

In April the family group continued to work (3 couples). Topics of the sessions were: partnership, baby care, learning and working out the natural pain relief techniques, etc.  Future parents are actively involved in discussions; they share their knowledge, useful information and positive attitude