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Florence Centre,  Zaporizhzhya, Ukraine
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Main » 2015 » November » 4 » Report Oсtober 2015
16:10
Report Oсtober 2015

                                 Collaboration with Foreign Specialists

In October we hosted members of our Board of Directors and our long-term colleagues and consultants Professors Otto and Florence Driedger. Together with them, we took part in the annual meeting of the Mennonite organizations sharing our experience and  work in Ukraine. We made a presentation on our  activities  in the last year, achievements and prospects. The meeting was attended by  20 people.

In addition, Canadian scientists gave lectures on restorative justice at the Department of Social Pedagogy and Psychology of  Zaporizhzhya National University, as well as a lecture on the structure of social services in Canada for Economics and Law College. The total number of students was about 200 people.

 "Florence Centre" organized  Skype lecture of Otto and Florence Driedger on restorative justice for teachers of the Glukhov National Pedagogical University.

We also had a meeting with the specialists of the city center of social services for families, children and young people. 

During the meeting were discussed the ideas of the possibility of collaboration in the project on  probation of teenagers.

Traditionally, professors O. and F. Driedger visited Mennonite family home, for the elderly and disabled people.

Much attention was paid to the strategic planning of the Center of Florence, were discussed prospects for the development of new areas and widening already existing programs and projects.

 

 

 

                                  The "Kangaroo" Program

 During the month, 15 families attended  the "Kangaroo" program.

 There have been three individual consultations for parents who would like their children to attend our  program. We also provide psychological assistance to the families.

 This month our specialists organized the fifth seminar for parents of children with autism. The parents    shared their personal experiences on the development of speech. In addition, the forum participants  received qualified expert help from a speech therapist from Donetsk region.

 

This month, we got a  help from students volunteers. During the fall vacation a volunteer from school    join us. Our kids always waiting for these visits, because they love to play with older friends. We also had a volunteer Gene from America. She told us how the group and individual sessions are organized in USA!

And this month we had the innovations. During the meal we listen to classical music, as it has a positive effect on the mental and emotional state of our children.

This month, the pupils of the "Kangaroo" visited the children's railway.  There they took the train, visited the local zoo. 

 

 

                               The Program "Healthy Lifestyle"

This month we continued our work at schools. We started a new set of trainings for the girls of 7th grade teaching them the rules of interaction and the development of personal qualities. Separate sessions for boys and girls during adolescence help them to be more open in a safe environment. Sessions for girls help them better to understand the nature of women's and girls' role in society. Such meetings are held every week.

 

We also continued to conduct lectures for parents at different schools. So, this month there were more referrals to do presentations on aggressive behavior. We saw a sincere interest of the participants to the information provided.

                              

                               

 

                                 The Project "Stop HIV / AIDS"

  

We continue lectures on HIV / AIDS prevention among students of colleges, high schools, technical schools. More than 30 sessions were delivered already. Especially teens like quest classes. Even those who are at the beginning of the lesson are passive and not interested by the end become very active and seek the best possible way to perform the proposed task.

We are glad that we can help students to expand knowledge about how to protect themselves from HIV infection. For example, in one of the schools one boy said: "People are dating to have sex!" But at the end of the class, he said that he had not think about such dramatic consequences of the premarital relations.

                                     

 

 

                               Juvenile Justice Program «We are Just Like You»!

In October, we, together with Sergei , the leader of the project and students from Technical University  continued a series of educational and sports activities for children at the detention centre. This time, we have paid special attention to the rules of body care, appearance, bathroom and a work place that is the key to good health of children. Pupils successfully participated in quiz showing their knowledge on the topic.

Sport part of the event consisted of a football and athletics. Pupils  had a lot to learn about football. After the game all winners were awarded with diplomas.

 

 

                      The Story of a Boy

Most recently, waiting for my train, I sat at the railway station. It was dark, almost all the passengers were sleeping. Making my way between the chairs, I came across a familiar face and saw the eyes of a teenager. He looked into my eyes and smiled happily. It was evident that he was pleased to meet me. I immediately remembered who he was and where I met him before.  He was a graduate of the  detention  centre. And he was returning home, as his term ended.

Immediately I remembered how this guy played football and helped his comrades in all competitions. He was the only teenager who supported all children without exception, even if they were not in his team. I remember how he felt embarrassed when I  praised him for such  assistance. Even then, we thought that he might have a better chance to correct his behavior and return to normal life.

And now he was sitting at the station waiting for his new life. Next to him sat his parents, who began to abuse each other. I saw all the misery and hopelessness in his eyes. Their behavior immediately dispelled my illusions about the good life of a teenager. I felt very sorry for him. But wanted  something pleasant to do for him. Before leaving, I handed the guy a book that happened to be in my bag. The book was how to lead an honest  and good life, about moral values and  laws of life. The teenager gladly took the book, nodding appreciatively. It was evident that he remembered all of our meetings, visits to the detention centre, our words of support and a good attitude. I said, "Be strong! You’ll win". And turning to the man added, "You have a wonderful son!"

Hopefully, this teenager, despite the difficult circumstances, will be able to correct his live and choose the right path. In his eyes I saw that our efforts were not in vain, that some part of him responded and became kinder. And that gave me the inspiration to continue our activities. I hope that he will read this book.

 

                                 Training of Specialists of Social Sphere

This month was held a lecture for students of Zaporizhzhya National University, Faculty of Social Pedagogy and Psychology "Death and Dying". Students with great interest listened  the presentation and actively asked questions.

Also this month we participated in a meeting of representatives of public organizations involved in the protection of children's rights. The purpose of the meeting was to bring together all local NGO’s and to create the Association of non-governmental organizations to improve the quality of services of every organization.

 

 

                         

                                   Counseling

We were asked by the church "New Hope" to help in the development of the club for young families. Our experts had consultations with the representatives of the church and were happy to answer  questions and to suggest how best to organize such a club.

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