Center for Family Support and Education in the Communit

Report December 2018

florence-eng — Tue, 08 Jan 2019 08:45:42 GMT

The Program “Healthy Life Style”

At the request of the class teacher, the staff of the “Florence Centre” spoke at the parent’s meeting in the 6th grade of school No. 42 with the theme “Adolescence Period”.
For schoolchildren of the 4th grade of school No. 52, a lesson on sexuality education “I am growing up!” was developed and conducted.
The boys were a little embarrassed, it was clear that they did not discuss the issues of growing up with parents or anybody. But the guys at the same time participated in the discussion and asked many questions.
For girls was done similar presentation. They eagerly asked questions and discussed the information they had heard. The girls also said that nobody discussed this topic with them.
In January, at the request of the class teacher, a lesson in 8th grade of school No. 42 on the topic of “Bulling” is scheduled.

The Project “Territory Z” (the part of the Program “Healthy Life Style”)

In December, the last classes were held with pupils of school No. 5 (11th and 10th grades) and school No. 42 (11th grade). Upon completion of the classes a final survey was conducted. From the questionnaires we learned that a lot of the information for the guys turned out to be very useful. For example, many schoolchildren noted the topics “Internet Dependancy”, “How to plan a Budget”, etc. The children would like to learn more about the communication skills, about the prevention of mental illness, etc.
Unfortunately, for reasons beyond our control, work with pupils of the 11th grade of school No. 38 was not carried according to the plan.
Within the framework of the project “Territory Z”, employees of the “Florence Centre” made presentations at the teachers-parents meeting of 10th grade school No. 42 with the theme of "Bulling." The topic turned out to be veryimportant, parents had questions during the meeting. It was proposed to jointly discuss the issues raised by parents with the class teacher and the psychologist on the issues of violence at school.
Since January, classes on the project “Territory Z” are continuing for two 9th grades in schools No. 5 and No. 38.

The Project “Baby Kangaroo”

During December, 7 children attended classes on the project “Baby Kangaroo”. One consultation for a new family was held. This month, traditionally, our specialists organized and conducted a training seminar for parents on the topic: “Emotional burnout of a parent. Ways of self-help ". We are very pleased that we managed to create a space where parents of special children can not only receive a lot of useful information and practical recommendations, but also share personal experience, their victories and achievements in raising and educating a child.
The year is coming to an end, and we are seeing persistent positive dynamics in our little ones! K. actively learns new skills, successfully fulfills the tasks of a specialist; L. became more diligent, attentive, talkative, better follows instructions, there is a positive dynamics in the development of small and large motor skills of a child; U. builds phrases, perfectly follows instructions, remembers the structure of sessions; L. expanded the range of interests and skills, at the moment the child is successfully learning imitation; D. learns to communicate, tries to know more about other kids, masters basic communication skills; formulates thoughts better using phrasal communication; S. successfully adapted, start to be in contact, sociable.
We are sincerely glad that we have the opportunity to be involved in such wonderful changes that occur with our kids! After all, the greatest joy for us is the eyes of parents, filled with happiness and gratitude, and the children who are looking forward to the meeting and the next classes!

The “Kangaroo” Program

In December, 15 children attended the “Kangaroo” program.
December is the beginning of winter, preparation for the holiday, matinees - our kids had a lot of impressions this month.
Visiting the sauna with a swimming pool has already become a very good winter tradition. Children enjoy swimming in the pool, steaming in the steam room, drinking hot herbal tea. Many children have already ceased to be afraid of steam. Someone first visited the pool, which was a great joy for them.
In this month's classes, the guys not only prepared for the holidays, but also got a new life experience. For example, in the music classes, kids from the “Baby Kangaroo” project joined us. This aroused children's interest and gave a new experience of communication with peers.
In the classes with the dog Hilary, the children had to tell and show what to take on a picnic. While watching the cartoon “Winter Tale”, children learned what changes occur in nature in winter, which animals are already sleeping, and who are Santa Claus and Snow Maiden.
At meetings with clowns, boys and girls got the experience of informal communication. Learned to have fun and amuse others.
In the workshops, the children made crafts, gifts and toys for the New Year holiday.
Our kids also received memorable and tasty gifts on St. Nicholas Day and on New Years Day.
The celebration of the New Year was fun, with dances, songs. On the matinee kids enjoyed themselves with fabulous characters. Hypermarket “Auchan” gave children a lot of positive emotions - gifts, dance, games, a moment of “relaxation”. The children prepared a New Year tree for “Auchan”, which was solemnly presented to its representatives.
The final event of this year was a trip to the House of Culture Drobyazko on the New Year tree and the “Thumbelina” performance. Many children gladly took part in New Year's fun, contests, watched the New Year's performance. For some kids, it was a challenge, but we are glad that the kids have the opportunity to learn and get such social experience.

School Mediation

This month 6 meditations were held, during which 14 students of 5-7 grades were able to solve conflict situations with the help of mediators. Two complex meditations (4 schoolchildren) were conducted personally by the coordinator of the school service “Phoenix”.
According to the mediators who first conducted meditation, a positive resolution of conflicts gives a new impetus and energy to move on with an understanding of the importance and usefulness of the work of mediators.
Also, mediators continue to work on the prevention of bulling and violence in the adolescent environment. Mediators conducted interactive classes for students of 7 classes (56 students). Together, they were able to analyze the real situations of physical and psychological pressure among classmates. Observations on students of these classes allowed the coordinator to conclude that there is still a slight but steady improvement in the relationship between children.
Through the efforts of the mediators of the school service “Eridan”, the New Year quest for pupils of grades 9-10 was developed and held, in which 28 people took part.
Also in December, employees of the “Florence Centre” attended the sessions of mediators in both schools. We came to each school with small gifts and interesting exercises that mediators can use in future work with schoolchildren.

Training of Specialists of Social Sphere

The «Florence Centre” continues to cooperate with the Zaporizhzhya Regional Institute of Postgraduate Pedagogical Education. Employees of the “Florence Centre” participated in the examination for the selection of personnel in the resource center at the institute. The resource center will assist children with special needs and families.

Work with Grants

For several months, the staff of the “Florence Centre” worked on writing a grant application for the establishment of school mediation centers. In December, we received confirmation of project funding for two schools in the city of Zaporizhzhya. The grant is for one year. The selection of schools for potential participants in the School Mediation project has begun.

Students` Practicum

In December, the “Florence Centre” again signed an agreement with the Economics and Law College of Zaporizhzha National University on the admission of students to practice. This will again be future social pedagogues and social workers. We are waiting for the first group of students at the end of January.

Report November 2018

florence-eng — Thu, 06 Dec 2018 13:20:16 GMT

The Project “Baby Kangaroo”

During the month, 9 children attended classes on the “Baby Kangaroo” project. A training workshop for parents was organized and held on the topic: “Children's Tantrums. How to cope?” Parents received a lot of useful information and practical recommendations on the topic.
Our kids do not cease to please us with their success! L. became more diligent, attentive, learning to imitate and follow instructions; U. became more contact, diligent, the circle of interests expanded, the vocal reserve was replenished; L. became more open, emotional, learns to formulate requests; A. successfully passed the process of adaptation, expanded the range of interests; D. perfectly follows the instruction, learns to formulate thoughts correctly, to communicate; K. successfully adapted, became more attentive and inquisitive.
All the kids who regularly attend classes and do their homework have a steady positive dynamic. Doing homework helps to reinforce the skills that the child learns in the process of training. Regular attendance of classes gives the child a sense of security and confidence in the specialist, discipline, broadens the mind. This is an excellent platform for the correction of its psychophysical development. That is why we want to express our deep gratitude to all parents for fulfilling the recommendations of our specialist. Remembe, that together we are strong!

The Program “Kangaroo”

In November, 14 children attended the Kangaroo program.
The children studied the topic “Professions” and by participating in role-playing games they were able to see in practice what it is. For example, the game "Restaurant", where there were visitors, cooks, waiters; the game "Cosmonauts", where there were builders, pilots, astronauts, etc. When visiting the cinema, the children visited cashiers, ticket collectors, bankers.
Another significant event was the visit to the shopping center "ATB". The children were able to be like customers: they took baskets, carried them around the hall, chose goods. Children were able to show independence and endurance. We are very proud of our children who have passed this exam perfectly!
With the onset of cold weather, our kids began to visit the sauna with a pool. It is great that there are places where it is always warm and cozy and where you want to come again and again. We are grateful to the “ Laguna” sauna staff, who always meet our kids with a smile and care !!!
In the classroom exercises, N. and V. learn to follow the instructions of the pedagogye, and already without hysterics, they perform certain tasks. Z. and N. in classes perform the tasks of a teacher watching each other. In the course of work, children learn to perform elementary physical exercises, overcome an obstacle course, train endurance and coordination. In addition to physical training, children also train thinking processes, each lesson turns into an entertaining game with logical tasks.
Snow-white beauty dog Hilary again pleases the kids with her arrival. We are pleased to observe the positive dynamics of children in working with the dog. N. stopped being afraid of dogs, D. not only began to pay attention to the presence of the dog, but was also able to feed her with cookies. But the greatest achievement of J., who was able to enter the room with the dog, ran around the room and rejoiced at the presence of the animal. G. took a lot of time to overcome his fear. And he did it!

The Project “Territory Z” (the part of the Program “Healthy Life Style”)

This month, 22 sessions were held for the participating schools of the project. A total of 118 students attended the sessions. The main topics of this month were: “I and the Money”, “I and my Emotions”, “Prevention of HIV / AIDS”, “FASD”.
During the class, issues such as the causes of addiction, the mechanisms of their formation were raised. In the classroom about emotions, pondered over various aspects of positive and negative emotions. They learned to recognize the emotions of others and got acquainted with the techniques of self-regulation before responsible performances.
After classes on FASD schoolchildren said that they plan to spend the New Year holidays without alcohol. New for teenagers was the fact that such diagnoses are not made in Ukraine, and there are a lot of children born with similar diseases.
In addition, classes were held at school number 42 for teachers and students in grades 5 and 6 on the topic of “Bulling”.

School Mediation

In November, 8 classes for pupils of 5-8 grades (about 200 schoolchildren) on the topic “Prevention of boiling in the school environment” were conducted by the mediators of the school service “Phoenix”.
At the request of the school administration, the mediators of the “Eridan” school service prepared and conducted trainings for 6th grade students on the topic “Is it possible to live without conflicts?” Totally attended 112 schoolchildren. Coordinator Irina also conducted a 4-day training for new mediators.
By the International Day for Tolerance, which was held on November 16, mediators of both school services of conflict resolution took part in school-wide actions “I Am For Tolerance”. The guys have prepared information corners, games on tolerance and flash mobs.
Also in November, 5 mediations were conducted. With the question of conflict resolution, 9 students of 5, 6, 7 grades came to the mediators.
During the month, 8 sessions of mediators took place, at which the children developed scenarios for conducting trainings and classes for schoolchildren. They also shared their impressions after meetings with schoolchildren and personal opinions. So, mediator V. told us that after holding interactive meetings with students, it is now much easier for her to communicate in everyday life and express her opinion.

The Project “I`m beautiful”

This month, all the staff of the Florence Centre have experienced pride! One day we received a call from the Zaporizhzhya Regional Department of Social Welfare and were told that similar poject was held in a small town Pologi.

We are very pleased that seven participants in the project (as well as their families and friends) were able to get positive emotions and energy from the project!

Due to the high interest in the project, we began to consider the possibility of repeating the project, but with a change in the content. For example, at the request of previous participants, topic such as spirituality in old age will be included. As well as individual work with each participant on the selection of clothing style and image. Today, the main question is the search for potential sponsors.

More photos, videos

Volunteer

In November, two volunteers of the specialty “social pedagogy” took part in the project “Territory Z (health)”. The girls helped with the quest to prevent HIV / AIDS in one of the participating schools. At the end of the event, both students expressed regret that such classes were not held in their schools when they themselves were schoolgirls.

Report October 2018

florence-eng — Mon, 05 Nov 2018 13:22:14 GMT

Work with Foreign Specialists

In October, the “Florence Centre” worked with partners from Canada - prof. Otto and prof. Florence Driedger. The preparing for the celebration of the 25th anniversary of their work in Ukraine, as well as the 15th anniversary of the “Florence Centre”, was discussed at the meeting. A scenario was developed for an international conference on the basis of Zaporizhzhya National University “Democratization and Humanization of Ukrainian Society through Ukrainian-Canadian Cooperation” and a scenario for organizing the 15th anniversary. In the context of work on these events, several meetings were held: with the dean of the Faculty of Social Pedagogy and Psychology of ZNU, O. Ponomarenko, the Ambassador of Canada to Ukraine, Mr. Roman Vashchuk, Dr. Boris Chersonsky and Roman Koval. Our partners visited one of the schools where the project “Territory Z” has been implemented and took part in a joint meeting of school conflict resolution centres of the project “School Mediation”.

The Project “Territory Z” (part of the Program "Healthy Lifestyle")

In this month, 23 classes were held in schools, which participate in this project. In total, 122 high-school students attended the lessons. The main topics of this month were: “Professional self-determination”, “Me and my emotions”, “Me and money”.

The most interesting for children was the topic of budget planning. During the lecture, students discovered some ways hove to save money and they were very excited. From the lessons on emotions, high-school students liked the exercises on the image and the recognition of emotions, students carried away techniques for alleviating anxiety and increasing productivity during exams, in particular, control of breathing.

In order to improve the quality of interaction between the lecturer and the group, was decided to divide one of the most problematic classes into two groups.

During the holidays, 3 lectures on bullying were held for teachers. 47 teachers attended. Many teachers sharply reacted to the issues under discussion. They stated that the problem of bullying exists in every class, but, unfortunately, they are not aware of the mechanisms of effective work with this problem and there is no support from the psychological service of schools, law enforcement agencies, and also interaction with some parents is difficult.

The teachers were interested in the methodological materials prepared on the topic, asked their questions, and turned after the lecture with requests for advice for students and parents.

The Project “School Mediation”

In October, 19 advertising speeches were conducted for high-school students with information on the activities of school services for conflict resolution. In total, there were 500 high-school students.

Last month, high-school students of grades 6-7 applied for help in resolving conflict situations. 4 mediations were conducted (8 students). The coordinator of the school service "Eridan" conducted one mediation for teachers (2 people).

In order to expand knowledge and gain new experience, some mediators from both conflict resolution services took part in the training “Basics of effective communication”. The training took place in the Classical Private University.

Information on the activities of the school conflict resolution “Phoenix” posted on the school website. School service "Eridan" provided an article for the school newspaper. We are very pleased that the mediators are happy to share their experience and are always open both to getting new knowledge and to attracting new team members!

At the end of the month, a joint meeting of mediators from two schools took place, the topic of “Restorative Justice”.

The Project “I am beautiful!”

In October, was held a meeting with the fourth group of participants. 6 months have passed since the final lesson. All women gladly accepted the invitation. Employees of the “Florence Centre” didn’t expect women to prepare so well for the meeting! Every woman came very well dressed, all the details of the wardrobe and accessories were carefully selected. As the participants later shared, some of them even visited the salon to look great.

Our colleagues Otto and Florence Dridger were also present at the meeting. At the meeting, we asked the question how much the life of the participants changed after the completion of the project. Almost all answered that, apart from specific recommendations, they received knowledge for the future.

The Project “Baby Kangaroo”

In October, 8 children attended classes on the project, 3 consultations were held. An individual psychological rehabilitation program was developed for each child, which includes the following areas:

- Development and correction of the emotional and behavioral sphere;

- Development and correction of the cognitive sphere;

- Development of communication skills;

- Assistance to the family with a special child, counseling parents;

- Adaptation of a special child in society.

Each baby is a unique person for us, and we always try to find an approach to him and become good friends. We rejoice in his success, as our own!

The kids who regularly attend classes inspire us with their new victories. M. became more attentive, diligent; L. learns to imitate and follow instructions, D. becomes more contact, learns to answer questions and ask his own; A. successfully passes the process of adaptation.

The “Kangaroo Program”

This month, 15 children attended the Kangaroo program. 1 consultation was held for parents of a child with special needs.

In October, children studied the themes “My family”, “The house in which we live”. The children learned everything they studied on creative activities (drawing, modeling, applications), while reading books, watching puppet theater, in group games.

In October, blonde friend Hilary came to us again with her mistress. Our kids really missed the dog! Some kids got acquainted again, and someone showed very good results (A. was able to feed the dog from his hand, although he had passed by before paying no attention to it; V. had played the ball, D. had fun, paying attention when the dog was eating) .

Volunteers

In October, the “Florence Centre” continued to help two future social educator Zaporizhzhya National University. The girls gladly participated in individual and group classes of the “Kangaroo Program”, learned how to develop classes and helped in the preparation of teaching materials for children.

Training of Specialists of Social Sphere

In October, a lecture “Love in old age” was given to students of the specialty “Social Pedagogy” of Zaporizhzhya National University. The discussion showed that some students changed their attitude towards love at this age.

Employees of the “Florence Centre” took part in the competition committee for the selection of personnel for the resource center of the institute of postgraduate pedagogical education.

For specialists of the “Florence Centre” was held on team building. Employees gladly performed all practical tasks and showed a high level of teamwork skills.

Participation in Seminars, Сonferences

In October, employees of the “Florence Centre” took part in a scientific-practical seminar “Non-formal adult education: experience and prospects”. The meeting was organized by the Faculty of Social Pedagogy and Psychology of ZNU.

Our employees shared the experience of organizing the project “I am beautiful!” .Through training you can make people happier, since raising the educational level of older people is a factor in improving the quality of life!

They took part in the online conference “Medical and social problems in the theory and practice of social work” of the Glukhov National Pedagogical University named after A.Dovzhenko. Issues of social work in the context of the health system from the experience of students and teachers in the Molochansky psychiatric hospital and oncologic dispensary were discussed.

Report September 2018

florence-eng — Thu, 04 Oct 2018 10:04:24 GMT

The “Baby Kangaroo” Project

The “Baby Kangaroo” project provides early psychological rehabilitation of children with special needs from 2 to 7 years old. During the month, 7 children attended classes on the “Baby Kangoroo” project, 8 consultations were held. An individual psychological rehabilitation program was developed for each child, which includes the following areas:

- development and correction of the emotional-behavioral sphere;

- development and correction of the cognitive sphere;

- development of communication skills;

- providing assistance to a family with a special child, counseling parents;

- adaptation of a special child in society.

And we already see the first successes of our kids! T. became more assiduous; M. shows more interest to contact, learns to collect toys; L. utters the first sounds and words; G. gradually adapts to new conditions.

We would like to express our gratitude to the parents for following the recommendations of our specialist, optimizing the child`s day schedule, doing homework. Children do not want to leave after classes, and parents with gratitude say: “We have a hope!”.

The Project “Territory Z”

(Part of the Program “Healthy Lifestyle”)

Employees of the “Florence Centre” took part in the first lesson of the year at school №42 for students in the 10th grade. The meeting discussed issues of universal values and the role of youth in building a new democratic state. As a guest at the lesson, there was an American citizen David McKitrick, who spoke about the history of democracy in the United States. The guys liked that it was possible to hear a real American speech, got acquainted with the experience of the formation of values in other countries, ask questions of interest.

In September, there were already 13 meetings with students of grades 9, 10 and 11. A total of 108 children attended the classes.

Students did not unequivocally respond to the proposed topics (“Bulling” and “How to choose future profession”). Some students did not express any desire to participate in the lesson, but preferred to play on the phone. Our employees readily accepted the “challenge” and are developing a technique for involving such guys in the process.

Also this month a parent meeting was held in one of the schools. The chosen topic of the meeting was bullying, but it turned out to be quite difficult. Parents listened to the lecturer with great interest, but at the same time trying not to express personal interest. In total, the meeting was attended by about 20 people.

Also, five booklets how to choose future professional and about bullying (for parents and for children) were developed specifically for the classes. Handout turned out very informative and colorful.

The “Kangaroo” Program

The Kangaroo program carries out early social rehabilitation of children with special needs from 2 to 7 years. In September 17 children attended the “Kangaroo” program. New kids continue to adapt to a group of other kids.

This month we congratulated one of our children with his birthday. By tradition, the children passed around a candle and recited wishes for the “hero of the day”. The holiday was fun, with games, songs and dances!

In September we updated the group classes (exercises, finger exercises and articulation exercises, etc.), picked up a new material, developed a new theme for general developmental activities.

Autumn kids met with autumn crafts, applications and other creative works. Children became real wizards in creative activities. They made elephants for a magic zoo from balloons and colored paper, glued a magic ball from threads, and painted colorful heroes with water. And incredibly beautiful autumn trees kids painted with fingers! In the group lessons, our new friends from the “Baby Kangaroo” project join us. We are very pleased that our children's team is replenished with new active, fun and interesting kids!

Work continues with a speech therapist and music therapist. A visit to the pool in the children's regional hospital brings a lot of fun to children: children can relax, get a hydromassage session, and work out with gymnastic sticks.

We started the production of a new fairy tale “Puss in Boots” for a puppet theater. We are very pleased that all children take the initiative and want to participate in a fairy tale. Even "non-speaking" children are trying to convey the emotions of their hero (resentment, fear, anger, etc.).

Glad to meet our friends “Smehonosy”. Children have a rest with their soul and body together with

clowns: they jump, blow bubbles, compete, dance and just have fun.

In this month we had a great walk to the Oak park. The children ran into the autumn park, rode on a swing, went down the hill, watched nature, and most importantly - rode the horse Batyr! After riding, the children thanked the horse and treated it to delicious apples.

We visited the cinema where all the children enjoyed watching a cartoon about a raised pig Chun. The children bought movie tickets by themselves, searched their place by the ticket number, and thanked for watching the cartoon.

Also, in this month, our employees visited day care and rehab centre “Lado” in Kharkiv. They participated in seminars on the peculiarities of work on the method of PECS, Tomatis therapy and sensory integration. Our employees have gained unforgettable practical experience for their future work with children with special needs.

Employees of the Florence Centre visited the Shevchenko Department of Social Rehabilitation for Children with Disabilities, as well as a group of children’s in day care centre. The main purpose of the visit is to examine the possibility of sending children to these centers after child becomes 7 years.

At the end of the month, the “Florence Centre” hold a parent meeting. The meeting was attended by 12 parents. The issues of the daily routine were discussed, as well as issues related to children's manipulation. Starting this year, monthly sessions are planned for parents on issues of up-bringing of children with special needs.

The Project “School Mediation”

In September, both school conflict resolution services began active work.

After the summer holidays, the guys with excitement and great enthusiasm started planning the activities of school conflict resolution services for the current year. In total, 6 meetings of mediators took place.

During the month, 12 presentations for students and 2 presentations for teachers about the functioning of school conflict resolution services were held. In total, there were 360 students and 60 teachers.

Also in September, 3 mediations took place. The conflicting parties were students of grades 6-7 (8 students). All mediations were rather difficult. One of the mediations was conducted by the coordinator Irina independently, since for her permission, it was necessary to involve adults (parents, class teacher and deputy director).

Another conflict situation was also solved with the participation of the coordinator, as more than three people were drawn into it. At the meeting with the coordinators, the staff of the “Florence Centre” outlined a plan for further work.

Due to fact that some of the mediators finished school, the coordinators began to recruit new students. It should be noted that due to the active work of school services in the past year, many schoolchildren independently contact the coordinators with a request to take them to the team.

We are very pleased that thanks to this project, students have the opportunity to gain new knowledge and experience in solving conflict situations, as well as to improve the quality of school life.

Volunteers

In this month, two students from the 4th courses of the Faculty of Social Pedagogy and Psychology of Zaporizhzhya National University came to us. Both young women are future social pedagogues. As part of the course on volunteering, they must work 14 hours as volunteers in any organization of the city. Several years ago, they came to practice at the “Florence Centre” and therefore, barely hearing about the task, without hesitation they came to us.

Also in September, a meeting was he’ld with representatives of the Mennonite Central Committee Irina Degtyareva and Ketty Geddert. The “Florence Centre” was offered to apply for the acceptance of one volunteer in the exchange program. They promised that all our wishes and requirements would be taken into consideration. We are very pleased that next year a foreign volunteer will come to us, who will be able to become part of the Florence Centre for a year.

In September, a meeting was held with the head of the public organization “People with Disabilities” (Kiev), Yuri Fedun. As part of the integration strategy project of one of the political parties in Ukraine, Yuri Stepanovich invited the staff of the Florence Centre to take part in a round table on the allocation of budgetary funds for organizations that deal with disabled children. The event is scheduled for October 2018.

Work with Foreign Specialists

The “Florence Centre” was visited by long-time partners of the Winnipeg Mennonite Benevolent Society. We shared our achievements and challenges. We asked them to give us a gift - a collage “I love Zaporizhzhya”. Our colleagues said that they liked this task, but the last time they did this kind of thing was in their childhood!

In the context of familiarizing the regional administration with the projects that they support, a meeting was organized with the Deputy Governor, E.Gugnin. During the meeting, issues of mutual interests and cooperation were discussed.

Training of Specialists of Social Sphere

The lecture “How to do a family budget” was held at the “Florence Centre” for employees. In this year was decided at each meeting once a month to acquaint the state with new topics: in the area of professional activity and in the area of improving the quality of life.

Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Part 1.

florence-eng — Wed, 12 Sep 2018 06:30:40 GMT

Annual Report

2017 – 2018 Part 1.

Ukraine, Zaporizhzhya

August 2018

A Word from the Director

"Florence Centre” has successfully completed another year. And, in the summer we sum up our progress. Why in the summer? Because our life is measured as a school life - from August to June. And, what did we accomplish this year?
The 2017-2018 year was very full. All ten programs and projects worked, all the goals and tasks were fulfilled. The main event of the year is 10 years old celebration of the “Kangaroo Program, which is a part of the "Florence Centre”. At the anniversary celebration was present our German colleague and supervisor of the Program, Dr. Dieter Dammering. As a gift, we received new musical instruments for children and the possibility to hire one more specialist. We were suggested to expand the program "Kangaroo". Our great hope is to see new children in September.
No less significant was the annual concert "The World of Big Hearts". The number of participants in the concert and spectators continues to grow. The professionalism of children, both so-called normal and children with special needs, is striking. Also, the first steps of the integration of children in the joint number of amateur performances has already been made.
This year, the number of people who have received a variety of services in our organization; or, with whom we have just become acquainted through the implementation of various programs and projects has increased significantly. I would not be mistaken if I say that it’s up to a thousand people which have passed through our Center. These were different categories of the population: children, adolescents, people of advanced age. Many students have been practicing with us. The number of people and feedback give us hope to fathom what is needed in our work.
Suddenly, a big resonance in the society was received by the program "I am beautiful!" for women of advanced age. There have never been so many individuals, families, and organizations around us. We are pleased that through the social networks the participants of the project informed their friends and relatives about the project in North America, Europe and even Australia!
The programs at the school made it possible to learn more about the problems of children and adolescents, to make friends with schoolchildren and pedagogical collectives of schools. It was real cooperation and interaction!
A great discovery was the promotion of mediation programs in two schools. Teenagers in cooperation with the coordinators helped peers solve conflict situations. For our country, which, as before, is in a state of tension, conflict resolution at any level is a great achievement.
As always, I give my deepest regards to all the staff of the Florence Centre for their inspiration, professionalism and love of the profession and people.
Nothing could have happened if it had not been for the support of the Mennonite organizations from Canada and German specialists from Kinderforderverk who believed and supported us; and, which made it possible to implement all our programs.

Director L. Romanenkova

The Project "School Mediation"

This year we have been working on the development of conflict resolution centres in two schools of Zaporizhzhya.

Our staff conducted two four-day training sessions for 30 schoolchildren, students of grades 9-11 who were pre-qualified. During the sessions the children not only learned what conflict is, what approaches exist to resolve conflict situations; but, also were trained to provide services for peers in school conflict resolution centres. The result of the trainings was the development of two conflict resolution centres: “Phoenix” and “Eridan”.

During the year, mediators and coordinators of the centres managed to conduct 27 mediations for schoolchildren and 2 mediations to resolve conflicts between mediators. Also, the mediator of one of the schools conducted more than 7 mediations for friends and acquaintances outside the school. In total more than 50 people took part in mediation procedures (some schoolchildren applied repeatedly to solve various situations).

Monthly sessions of mediators were held, at which children updated knowledge on conflict resolution and prevention, developed classes and presentations for schoolchildren, shared mediation experience, etc. A total of 51 meetings were held in two schools during the year.

With the aim of advertising the work and maintaining a positive image of conflict resolution services, the mediators held 43 presentations. The meetings were attended by 730 students and 65 teachers.

With great pleasure, the mediators participated in the development and further conduct of preventive classes for schoolchildren on such topics as: "Conflict. Types of behavior in conflict "," Strategies for resolving conflict situations "," Ways of effective communication ". A total of 55 classes were held for 839 schoolchildren.

In order to present the results of the activity of mediators, the coordinators of the services regularly spoke at the pedagogical councils of schools (more than 70 teachers were present). The coordinators also informed parents in various ways that their children learn to resolve conflicts peacefully: coordinators at school shared the information at parents meetings, to class leaders. In total, more than 1,350 parents got the information about the project.

To exchange experience and plan the activities of school conflict resolution services, the Florence Centre regularly held consultative meetings for coordinators. Each time our employees saw energy, enthusiasm and the desire to continue working. Coordinators are open to new methods and forms of work. They want to attract new students to the process of mediation. Both coordinators gladly shared their experience, and rejoiced with the success of their children. They also noted that they did not expect such a positive result. Their mediators became very friendly teams! They have "exciting eyes", the children want to deal not only with mediation and conducting preventive classes; but, also with the organization of general school activities aimed at building tolerance and a positive attitude towards others.

Actually all mediators showed high social activity. Over the year, with the participation of mediators, schools organized social actions aimed at preventing established violence. Also, the mediators of one of the services acted as volunteers at our integrative concert "The World of Big Hearts ".

Additionally, on the initiative of mediators, two joint meetings of participants of two school conflict resolution services were held. The guys exchanged their experience and shared new ideas.

In general, it should be noted that this project was very necessary and useful in school life. Class leaders began to notice that the interaction between schoolchildren has changed, they are trying to apply the knowledge gained in practice and resolve conflicts in a peaceful, non-aggressive way. And for the mediators, the work in the school service brought positive moments: many increased their self-esteem, got rid of fear of public speaking, and part of the mediators were able to decide on their future profession.

"After the training I felt that I was not like everyone else. I have something more important in my head! "

"The conflict resolution service is like a breath of fresh air. Something new has appeared in school. "

"I almost quarreled with my mother yesterday. On another occasion, everything would necessarily end in a scandal, and so I applied the techniques "I-message" and paraphrasing and we could calmly talk. "

"My friends are no longer fighting. I told them how to solve conflicts differently."

The Project "Territory Z"

(Part of the Program “Healthy Lifestyle˝)

This year, the Florence Center began a new cycle of classes on this project for three schools. These are the same 9 classes with which the Centre started cooperation last year.

This year, the work was conducted with the psychosocial component of health, so the classes were held in the form of a training. The guys recognized themselves, others and learned to establish positive relationships within the team.

During the training sessions with the schoolchildren of 8th, 9th, and 10th grade, the trainers of the "Florence Centre” noted the high importance and necessity of holding such sessions. This is due primarily to the fact that during school activities, students do not have enough time for informal communication by the whole class. Most students noted that during the trainings they had the opportunity to learn a lot of new and interesting information about their classmates. Those who shared personal information with others, said that if not for the conditions created (cozy and trusting), then they would never have told about themselves. Also, this behavior was promoted by the rules that were adopted in each group at the beginning of the classes and which each coach watched tirelessly.

It was not easy for all schoolchildren to talk about themselves in the presence of classmates. It was much easier for the guys to put themselves in a negative light. But thanks to the support of each other, everyone successfully coped with the tasks.

At the last lesson in all groups, each child was asked to fill out the final form of the training participant. Some noted that it was very fun and informative. They managed to learn more about classmates, to be in different roles and just have fun. Other children wrote that they did not like it, because there were not enough entertaining games. There were also students who noted that they do not need training, since they did not learn anything new about others.

After the end of the classes with the schoolchildren, the staff conducted interviews with all the class leaders of the "Territory Z" project participants. Everyone said about the great need for such activities, noted the positive dynamics in the behavior of children and gave some very important recommendations for the future.

A total of 10 classes were held for each group. Training provides for limiting the number of participants in the group to 16 people. Therefore, each class was divided in half and classes were held with each group separately.

In total, the trainers conducted 159 classes - 3 classes in 3 schools. In two 10 classes the number of students (up to 20) did not allow to divide the class in half, so the coach worked with all students at the same time.

The number of students who passed classes is about 220 people.

Teachers were given lectures and practical classes on professional burnout, on sex education of schoolchildren and on the influence of the appearance of the teacher on his relationships with students, as well as training sessions on communication and conflict resolution.

In one of the schools, a practical lesson was held in the form of a quiz to familiarize teachers with the foreign experience of sex education of children. English and American test tasks were used as examples. A number of questions, according to teachers, cannot be asked for our children, as they are quite sensitive.

In view of the very high workload of teachers during school hours, meetings took place during school holidays.

A total of 9 meetings took place, attended by 67 teachers.

Work with parents included acquaintance with the course of training sessions and coverage of issues related to the sexual education of adolescents.

At the address of the class leaders of the two 6th grades of one of the schools, parents' meetings were held on issues of mental characteristics of adolescence.

For the parents there were 6 meetings (60 people).

In the context of cooperation, all participating schools were given books with training sessions: class leaders (9 classes in total) and in each school library. As we learned later, a psychologist from one of the schools immediately began to actively use materials from the donated books - she conducted several classes for schoolchildren in junior and middle school.

"Such lectures are needed, because not all teachers know how to dress properly in school"

"I remember the exercise when we untangled our hands. It was difficult, but interesting."

"I learned the calm forms of answers in the dispute."

"I thought all 10 classes that our class does not know how to work together. And today I suddenly saw that we can. Yes, and so easy! It's so cool!"

"I was helped to raise my self-esteem. And it turned out that in class they treat me much better than I thought. "

Participation in Seminars, Conferences

Throughout the past year, the staff of the “Florence Centre” actively participated in conferences and conducted training seminars by itself to share experiences.
This year our specialists visited the seminar of the City Social Work Service on innovative forms of work with older people. Participants were provided with master classes in dance and drawing.
Traditionally, the staff of the Centre participated in a training seminar and a two-day summit of our partner - the Mennonite Central Committee. The meetings were attended by representatives of 15 different non-governmental organizations from all over Ukraine, who implement social programs in all areas, ages and problems in education, health and peacemaking.
Also last year our experts took part in the conference "Experience and future perspectives of the development of regional inclusive education programs” which is supervised by the wife of the President, Marina Poroshenko. At the meeting, issues of integration of children with special needs in the Zaporizhzhya region and the city were considered.
As part of the speech at the educational fair "Learning in the USA" (Kiev), our staff member shared information about using the internship experience in the USA with the work of the “Florence Centre” as a base for students and colleges. The listeners showed a high level of interest in such an experience, especially students of the Master programs and teachers of Ukrainian universities.
Our staff made a presentation at the Internet seminar of Glukhov National University on innovative technologies in work with school teachers. Participants of the conference were offered a game form of work to consolidate knowledge - a quiz. Our employees shared their impressions about this method of work in the school and noted that teachers were happy to participate in the quiz.
All the staff of the Center were pleased to hear a lecture on the history of Mennonites in Russia and Ukraine, using the example of the family of the long-standing partner of the Florence Center, Boris Letkeman, the director of the Mennonite family home. The story so shocked the audience with the depth of the dramatic events that some were crying.
The "Florence" Center together with the Classical Private University took part in the organization and holding of the international conference "European perspectives of the meaning of life". Scientists from the USA, Germany, Romania and Ukraine were invited as speakers. The director of “Florence Centre”, Lyudmila Romanenkova, provided a report on the topic: "The meaning of life - what does it mean in the difficult conditions of Ukraine?"
In all, about 100 people attended the conference. The main theses of the conference were presented in the media of the city.

The “Kangaroo” Program

The program "Kangaroo" is engaged in early social rehabilitation of children with special needs from 0 to 7 years. For parents of children under 2 years of age, counseling and diagnostic assistance is provided. During the year, 4 such consultations were held. Children from 2 years of age visit our program. For 2017 - 2018 the group was visited by 18 children.

This year, thanks to the help of other organizations, we managed to acquire methodological and developing materials: cubes of Zaitseva, inflatable pool, wooden and block designers, Gross simulator, musical instruments. All this significantly improves the activities of our program, makes the classes more interesting and substantive.

Daily classes in the creative workshop help children develop creative abilities, fine motor skills, and train assiduity. Thanks to the teacher Alla, children make informative trips. This is the underwater world with funny cut octopuses, and fabulous houses with plasticized furniture, and a dense forest with toed bears and insects made of natural material. Especially bright and unusual were the classes where children grew animals from a capsule in water and made crafts from natural materials.

Teachers of the program in every possible way instill in children a careful attitude to nature. In early spring, the children planted seeds in the ground and grew beets, pumpkins, beans. Together with the students, our playground was landscaped. Now the children on a walk do not forget to water their favorite flowers every day. With the onset of cold weather, a bird feeder was hung and the children fed them with sunflower seeds and breadcrumbs throughout the winter.

Thanks to our staff member Dmitry, children are very fond of sports. Days of sport, cycling, sports, active games, exercise therapy, swimming pool - all this helps to develop and strengthen the physical health of children, teaches children to work in a team and interact with each other. Especially children very much like to lay out geometric figures on colors, stepping over, creeping and avoiding obstacles. It is very fun to travel on the "train" with the funny stations where children perform physical exercises. Every morning begins with a musical gymnastics, which takes place not only in the group, but also in the playground, in the park. Classes on the Gross simulator help to train the vestibular apparatus, develop coordination of movements of children.

It was very fruitful to work with a music therapist (40 lessons) this year. Each lesson poses new tasks for the kids: they learn to dance in pairs, sing simple syllables, tap the rhythm of the song, "turn" into animals and mimic their movements, conduct in front of the orchestra of musicians. At the end of each lesson, children listen to classical instrumental music, which helps them to calm down and concentrate.

This year, our program has new activities. This is canistherapy - therapy of children through communication with dogs. During the year 6 sessions were held, and this has already yielded positive results for many children. Now we have a new friend - the dog Hillary, with whom children play with pleasure, train her, tell stories, etc. For some children, petting the dog was a difficult test, but after a few lessons the guys started combing, feeding from the palm, showing the parts of the dog's body and even hugging that shaggy friend.

Another innovation - game "cinema". Children go through all the procedures of going to the cinema: they buy tickets with "money", they find their place by the ticket number. During this year, the children watched 10 cartoons, thanks to which the children learned to make friends, share, respect the elders and much more.

The most important aspect remains the socialization of children in society. Thanks to the head of the program Alexandra, this year we managed to make 17 outlets." These are excursions, horseback riding, a pet store, a shopping center, a theater, a library and other public places. We thank all students and volunteers from the Red Cross who helped us at such events.

The trip to the entertainment center "Fly Park", during the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the "Kangaroo" program, became memorable. Together with parents, employees and German colleagues, the children spent an unforgettable time in the wonderful children's world. Very pleased that the parents showed initiative in communicating with their children, although this communication is sometimes very difficult for them. Children and parents were able to establish that emotional contact that some families do not have.

A visit to the concert at the music school showed how important it is to train the assiduity of our kids. Many children proudly coped with this difficult task.

And, of course, the annual integrative concert "World of Big Hearts". The main achievement was the entrance to the stage of a child who was forbidden to take pictures and make a video with his participation. Her mother's words: "Is it too late for us? We want to try to show up. "We were very pleased. What a happy girl this was on the big stage! She felt like a real star! This, probably, is the goal to which we aspire - to give our kids unforgettable moments of joy and delight, which they certainly deserve!

Parents are very happy when children go to our Centre with pleasure. There were also complex cases when the child was hard to adapt, but after 2 weeks he was happily running to his beloved teachers. Our employees are very fond of children and give them care and warmth. No wonder the children call them "dads" and "moms".

Our irreplaceable assistant, nurse Irina, not only teaches the kids self-service items, nursery rhymes, but thanks to her the most difficult children on the trip behave much more calmly.

Many children this year experienced their first important life experience:

- A. first performed on stage in front of the audience and her parents gave permission for photo and video shooting;

- M. first visited a large shopping center;

- N. for the first time overcame his fear and caressed the horse;

- K. first made a walk in the park;

- A. said the first word "thank you".

All this and many other important changes in the lives of our pupils are constantly occurring.

"I calmed down, and I'm very glad that the child is happy to run to you in the Centre ..."

"I do not want to go home, I'm having fun here."

"The child at your place is engaged, fulfills all regime moments, and at home we cannot do anything. How do you do it? "

Work with Foreign Specialists

This year the "Florence Centre” was visited by several guests from Canada. These were our partners from the Mennonite Benevolent Society (Winnipeg, Canada). The staff of the Centre conducted a presentation of programs and projects. Colleagues really liked the bright videos and funny photos. But the biggest impression on the guests was made by the project "I'm Beautiful!"

Welcome to Ukraine

Also, the Centre hosted a guest from Canada Adel Wagner. Adel came to Ukraine to visit her birthplace (Novoselenoye village, Novonikolaevsky district). She also got acquainted with the sights of Zaporizhzhya and visited the island of Khortytsya.
After the visit, our Canadian guest Adel Wagner said:

"I really enjoyed my visit here and, first of all, thanks to good planning, I was so happy to meet all of you and as you said, you are now my Ukrainian family!"

Volunteer

We are very pleased that this year our ideas were supported by more than 40 people who tried to help in everything: to walk on the playground with the kids of the Kangaroo program, accompany them during their trips and excursions and participate in group and individual sessions, develop methodological materials for classes, to organize games at a concert, etc.

This year our volunteers were students of the Zaporizhzhya National University, Economic and Law College of ZNU, Zaporizhzhya National Technical University, as well as volunteers of the Red Cross. We are very grateful to them all for the help they provided us. Our doors are always open to new people and ideas!

Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Part 2.

florence-eng — Tue, 11 Sep 2018 07:30:09 GMT

Annual Report

2017 – 2018 Part 2.

The Project "I am Beautiful!"

Completing the work with the second group of women, none of the staff of the "Florence Centre” could even believe how much resonance would cause this project in the city.

During the period from 2017 to 2018, two more groups of women were trained. In the third and fourth groups of the project "I am beautiful!" were included women aged from 51 to 85 years. In total, 22 women from different parts of the city passed the training.

Each group listened to 10 classes on various topics. The topic covered the issues of planning of free time, relationships in the family, make-up, body care, the style of clothes and other topics. Enjoyable was the topic of love in old age. As the coaches of the project noted, at first it seemed that these questions were of least interest to the participants of the project. But later the participants admitted that after the sessions they realized that there was true love in their life and that it is possible to meet somebody special at any age.

In the lesson on free time planning, it turned out that almost all participants do a lot for community: they help the front, bake bread and collect things for soldiers; help in hospitals, shelters and boarding schools.

The third group of participants especially liked - active exercises, training workouts. But the greatest delight was caused by physical exercises, which were conducted by the physical rehabilitation specialist of the “Florence Centre” Dmitry.

During the summing-up of the work with each group, staff of the “Florence Centre” noted that the eyes of each woman shone in a special way. They improved their self-esteem. Many participants noted that the information they receive in the classroom is well-known; but the way it was presented helped some of them to structure the knowledge and get answers to a number of important questions.

Very important for each group of participants was the possibility of changing their image. Thanks to the help of the specialists of the training centre "Estetic Education", each woman managed to pick up the haircut, hair color and make-up, which not only improved their appearance significantly, but also made others admire them!

In general, a large team of professionals worked with each group of the project "I am beautiful!" It's psychologists, colorists, make-up artists, hairdressers, and even photographers! According to the staff, the work on the project brought them not only a new experience, but also fun. In some instances people found joy, could look at their life in a new way, and just wanted to live - our project inspired them to do it!

Information about the work of the project "I am beautiful!" was shared at Moscow City Pedagogical University. And we got positive feedback from them. The specialists who got acquainted with the content of the project, after seeing the presentations "Before and After", as well as video from the fashion show of elderly women, gave us a very emotional feedback: "Just super! "

Also last year, the staff of the "Florence Centre met with the participants of the first and second groups of the project "I am beautiful!". The total number of women who came to the meeting were 24 people. We wanted to know what had changed in their lives, what information was useful, what they use in their lives today.

Here are some statements by the participants: "We have learned to think positively whatever happens in your life!"; "We learn how to deal with a conflict"; "In general the project for us was like a fairy tale!"; "Thanks to the project, I began to be more positive about myself, started to pay more attention to my appearance "; "I began to interact better with my mother-in-law"; "I began to do more for people, thanks to the project."

After we held a training seminar on the peculiarities of the organization of the project "I'm beautiful", we were happy to become known in Zaporizhzhya geriatric boarding house – they started a similar project! Specialists of the boarding house for elderly adapted most of the classes to their own conditions and even included men in the groups.

Specialists of the social work agency of one of the districts of the city managed to organize a set of groups and conduct similar classes in a very short period of time. The staff of the "Florence Centre” visited the final meeting of the participants of the project. The event was organized jointly with one of the vocational schools in Zaporizhzhya, whose students and masters actively helped in the transformation of women.

Looking at the participants of the project, our employees could rejoice that the project continues! It brings extraordinary joy to people and gives them not only positive emotions, but also faith in themselves and people.

Quite unexpectedly the local newspaper “Verge” became interested in the project "I am beautiful!" Journalists of the newspaper wrote a long article, where a significant part was devoted to the information about an unusual project.

"Through participation in the project, I learned to restrain myself. Before, I could not listen to people, and now I'm watching my behavior, I do not interrupt. I became beautiful, smart and beloved! My son began to kiss me!"

"I wanted to change something in myself during the project. Sitting in the hairdressing salon, I looked at myself differently. It turns out that you can look like a woman at that age! In me, something that I have hidden for a long time flashed ... I want to live again!

"I am always haunted by the feeling that I need to help my grandchildren. And this is very pressing. But it turns out - I owe them nothing. Only if asked. Will learn how to do this."

"I understand everything, but it's hard not to blame someone. Especially children. But we learn - we will try!"

Students’ Practicum

Last year the "Florence Centre” accepted for practice 75 students!

40 people are students of the Economic and Law College of the Zaporizhzhya National University ("social work" and "social pedagogy"). 33 people are future social pedagogues and social workers of the Department of Social Pedagogy and Psychology of the same University. And one Master student from the Department of Sociology and Management. One student (psychologist) was from Zaporizhzhya National Technical University. For 20 students of the university, an introductory lesson was conducted within the framework of the course "Introduction to the profession." The guys listened with interest to the specifics of the organization's activities; in practice they got acquainted with the specifics of working with children with special needs (playing active games, helping in class), asking clarifying questions. Several students expressed a desire to try themselves as volunteers of the "Kangaroo" program.

Students happily took part in all the proposed activities: they helped in the preparation of methodological material for the Kangaroo program, participated in walks with children, got acquainted with the training form of work, prepared presentations for schoolchildren to promote healthy lifestyles, etc.

During the conversation with one of the leaders of the practice from the university, our specialists were surprised to learn that sometimes not the best students are sent to the “Florence Centre”. "After the practice at your centre "the guys become more friendly, learn more diligently and in general they have a kind of revolution in mind and behavior. Students more responsibly perceive other types of practice and realize the importance of the profession " said the head.

During the participation in the training the students not only established positive relationships with each other, but also learned new methods and forms of work.

It is worth noting that many students initially were reluctant to attend practice. However, when the children realized that they were approaching their studies not formally but creatively and enthusiastically, they then began to attend all classes with pleasure.

Many students who visited the Florence Centre participated in the preparation and holding of the integrative concert "World of Big Hearts”. The guys helped during the preparation of methodological materials and acted as volunteers at the event. Participation in the event gave them not only a lot of positive emotions, but also helped change attitudes towards people with special needs, as well as gave more ideas about the work of social pedagogues and social workers.

In the context of the practice of students and their subsequent activities as volunteers, the staff of the Florence Centre took part in the festive meeting of the Volunteer Club of the Department of Sociology and Management of Zaporizhzhya National University. And also attended a festive concert dedicated to the celebration of the Decade of Economic and Legal College.

"I like this kind of informal communication in a group. For us it is unusual, but very interesting. I began to learn a lot about my classmates. This is all new to me, since I did not communicate with anyone during classes. "

"I thought that it would be boring here, as everywhere: we listen to lectures, we'll see the presentations... But now I can say that I would come here again with pleasure! Because was able not only to expand my knowledge about the profession, but also to establish relationships with classmates."

"I managed to overcome the fear of public speaking. The recommendations and support of the Centre's staff helped greatly. "

Social Actions

Last year NGO "Florence" acted as an intermediary for the social action of the training center "Estetic Education". A session of hairdressing art was organized for pupils of the Tavrichesky Disability House. For 12 girls, masters and students of the training center told about the peculiarities of hair and skin care, made stylish haircuts and styling.

Also, the staff of the "Florence Centre” managed to participate in the charity action "Give a book to a soldier", initiated by the editor-in-chief of the newspaper "Zaporizkya Pravda" Natalya Zvorygina. From January to March, employees of the "Florence", project participants, students and simply everyone could bring any book. Total managed to collect about 100 books of various genres and years of publishing. On the eve of the Volunteer Day together with journalists of the newspaper "Zaporizkya Pravda" and representatives of local TV channels, the staff of the "Florence Centre presented their gift to the patients of a military hospital. In addition, a small concert was organized for the solders.

Students of the Department of Social Pedagogy and Psychology within the framework of the training course prepared and implemented a project on landscape design of a small flower bed near the Centre. Two students brought seedlings of different perennial flowers and, together with the kids of the Kangaroo program, planted them. Kids promised that they would take care of the flowers, to water and not trample the plants.

In the spring, the Centre again held an annual integrative concert "The World of Big Hearts". For the ninth year, ordinary schoolchildren and children with special needs have traditionally entered the stage. This year, a playground for dancing and fun was a cozy recreation center of a car factory "ZAZ". Participation was attended by more than 350 children from Zaporizhzhya and the region.

The event was held in a new location, as the technical equipment of the recreation center "ZAZ" was at a very high level of use. By the way, the staff of the Palace of Culture very warmly accepted the idea of holding the concert; all the staff provided the maximum assistance in the organization of activities.

According to the long established tradition, before the concert we had all kinds of games, funny clowns, games, competitions from student volunteers, a shop of prizes with a wide assortment of goods, karaoke, master classes, etc ... There was no time to be bored!

In the concert part, the idea of joint numbers became new for the organizers. On one scene immediately went out ordinary schoolchildren, along with children having special needs. The most emotional for spectators was the number of the pupils of school № 42 Kravtsov Danil and pupils of the boarding school "Dzherelo". The ninth-grader sang a touching song about his mother, and hard-of-hearing children "sang" in sign language. The number of the pupil of the school No. 38 Bobkova Maria and the dancing group "Barbariki" (boarding school "Svitanok") became very bright and very exciting. By the way, cheerful "Barbariki" on this day came out on stage three times. And each time it was hard for spectators to sit still - their feet started dancing.

For such a small organization as ours, this concert requires a lot of resources, both financial and human. Every year comes the thought that maybe we do not need to invest so much effort. But when you see how happy children are, how mothers cry and rejoice, when they see children on stage, how much fun the teachers and the staff of the Centre get... Next year, the decision to hold a similar concert again somehow comes by itself. Such events are necessary for people, concerts like this awake love and kindness of people to each other.

All the staff of the Centre are very happy when there are patrons in the city who are ready to support initiatives and contribute to the organization of events. So, thanks to the support of the hypermarket Auchan-Zaporizhzhya and the head of the Service for Children Matveeva AI. this year all participants of the concert were awarded with small gift sets. But the biggest contribution, as always, was made by the Mennonite family home.

"Thank you, it was so great! Invite us one more time! "

"This kind of attention is moral support, which helps to recover faster."

"These are incomparable and unforgettable emotions! If there is a chance, call me next year for this concert, I really enjoyed helping! This moment in my life will remain in my heart forever! "

Training of Specialists of Social Sphere

In 2017 - 2018, our organization continued its cooperation with the Zaporizhzhya In-Service Training Institute for Teachers. For 56 social educators, psychologists and head teachers of the city and region, lectures and practical classes were held.

The meetings discussed such topics as mediation in schools, the impact of the teacher's image on his/her relationship with the class, the establishment of positive relationships in the group, work with parents, the elderly and preventive work with adolescents at risk. Primarily most of the teachers liked practical classes, where they learned to get acquainted, establish new communication links, talk about themselves.

For one of the groups, a playback theater specialist was invited, who conducted a hands-on session on working with emotions. At first the teachers felt embarrassed and awkward, but after a short time they were able to really reveal themselves and show all their acting talents.

The participants noted the tremendous usefulness of the training sessions and expressed sincere gratitude for the provided methods of work that would help them in the future.

Also last year, the staff of the "Florence Centre” gave a lecture for the teachers of the medical school on the prevention of emotional burnout.

For the 14 specialists of the Zaporizhzhya regional department of labor and social welfare and 9 specialists of the city territorial social service center, we organized two training seminars for trainers. Specialists accepted the information about the peculiarities of the organization of the project "I am beautiful!". At the seminars were presented such topics as: the age characteristics of the elderly, the correct selection of clothing, accessories, as well as love in the golden age. The audience was very inspired by what was presented and began to plan future work during the lesson. Some experts noted that even if they fail to implement the whole project, they will do some parts.

"This is what we need! It's a pity that the end of the school year is already over and I will not have time to realize much. But next year I will definitely try to hold such lessons at my school. "

"I have been working as a social teacher for the first year and for me it was not an easy year. But now I know how I will build my work from September and your exercises will help me a lot in this. "

"And for me it was such nostalgia! I felt like a schoolgirl again! I just liked to just play and chat! It's like a reboot - it's inspiring to work! "

"It's amazing how many interesting things you can learn about each other in such a short time!"

What I learned this year. . .

•I studied at the "Clown School", tried to work with children of different ages. I got acquainted with new people and learned something new for myself.

Agafonow Dmitriy

•Has gained invaluable experience in public speaking. Has learned to analyze the activities and structure of other organizations.

Iwashko Alexandra

•In another way began to distribute the working time. I began to appreciate the teamwork and mutual assistance even more.

Ovcharenko Olena

•Became more stress-resistant. Has received experience in organizing the practice of students. I learned to systematize classes with children and tried to interest them in-group work.

Ridoon Alla

•I've learned to professionally interact with older people. I have increased the level of respect for employees for their work and love for people.

Romanenkova Lyudmyla

•Has deepened knowledge, has received more experience in a profession of the bookkeeper. Improved the skills making photo and video. Became more effective in applying technology.

Sydorova Olena

•I learned to interact with a large number of people, and also began to engage in new activities.

Sulakova Olga

•Has deepened pedagogical skills of education of children. I learned to control the situation with children. I'm happy for everything that happens, what the child did and what he/she

Irina Yushchenko

Report August 2018

florence-eng — Wed, 05 Sep 2018 08:50:47 GMT

The Kangaroo Program

The Kangaroo program provides early social rehabilitation for children with special needs from 0 to 7 years.

16 children visited the group in August. Three individual diagnostic consultations were conducted. As a result, three new children started visiting the group.

We are grateful to all parents who adhered to the regime of the day and carried out all the recommendations given for the summer holidays. Thanks to this, the period of adaptation for most children went unnoticed. Some children can already boast of their achievements: K. began to speak phrases, short sentences, repeats the speaker; N. learns poetry and songs; M. had the first words (“give”, “beans”, “sand”) - but “swallows” the first sounds; A. has learned to ride a tricycle.

We are continuing to strengthen children`s physical health: we are tempered (washing feet and hands in cool water); bathing in the inflatable pool; visiting the pool in the children’s regional hospital. At the end of the month, we had “Joyful Starts”, where children actively participated in all games and contests. All children received gratitude letters.

Conducted sessions of relaxation out-of-doors using a hammock for children.

The speech therapist resumed work with the kids. Already developing an individual program of work for each child.

The music therapist has pleased everyone with a new musical program (new songs, dances and games).

We would like to express our gratitude to the Charitable Fund “Mennonite Centre” for the purchased dishwasher!

Separately, we want to say about a little joy. The program “Kangaroo” is expanding! In August, the “Florence Centre” began work on a new project “Baby Kangaroo”! The project will be implemented with Zaporizhzhya National University and Children's Integrative Complex “Kinderförderverk” (Magdeburg, Germany). According to the contract, specialist from the “Florence Centre” will conduct individual classes with children with special needs who cannot visit the day care group “Kangaroo” for various reasons.

This month, our employees were focused on advertizing a new project “Baby Kangaroo” (advertising in social networks, informing heads of preschool institutions and social services).

Classes on the program will be held from the 3^rd of September on the basis of educational laboratory of social pedagogy and psychology of the University. Up to this moment, 8 preliminary consultations and 4 diagnostic consultations were conducted.

Participation in Seminars, Conferences

This month, specialists from the “Florence Centre” had been invited to the Institute of In-Service Training of Teachers. Our employees took part in the meeting of commission for the development of a regional resource center on inclusion of children with special needs in society.

The Project "Territory Z" (part of the Program «Healthy Lifestyle»)

In August, work was focused on preparing and presenting lectures within the framework of the "Territory Z" project.

The trainers of the project developed new topics on the most important issues at schools: "Professional self-determination", "Bullying: stop violence", "The world of emotions".

At the end of the month, meetings were held with the administration of the participating schools of the project. Agreements on cooperation had been updated, and the themes of lectures had been discussed. It should be noted, that school’s administration is interested in subject, especially the topic of bullying.

The dates of first lessons were agreed in the meeting with the administration at one of schools.

Report June 2018

florence-eng — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 10:59:58 GMT

The Project "I am Beautiful!"

On the invitation of the Voznesenovsky territorial center, the staff of the Florence Center attended the final sessions of the project "I'm Beautiful!" The group worked according to the plan of the Florence Center project, but the staff of the territorial center also introduced some other forms of work. It was especially gratifying to see the creative attitude towards such projects. The project leader added such a theme as "Spirituality in the Silver Age of Life". It is remarkable that for the last session young hairdressers and make-up artists were involved, who brought their models to the stage.

Students’ Practicum

In June, 3 students of the 2nd course of the Zaporizhzhya National University (Faculty of Social Pedagogy and Psychology, specialty "Social Pedagogy") came to our practice. The guys actively helped the "Kangaroo" program: they took part in walks with children, group classes, excursions. Also, the students prepared and delivered a presentation of lectures for high-school students on preparation for family life and budget planning. During the practice, the students helped the Florence Center office in various methodical work.

It should be noted that some students were practically not ready for interaction with children. They were afraid to approach the kids, play with them and did not become the initiators of communication. Also, students noted that they already understood that the profession of a social pedagogue is not a profession that they would like to devote their lives to.

The «Kangaroo» Program

The Kangaroo program provides early social rehabilitation for children with special needs from 0 to 7 years.

In June the group was visited by 13 children.

The 1^st of June is the Children's Day holiday. The children had fun, danced, played funny games and received many gifts. Thanks to the shopping center "Auchan", the kids got wonderful gifts for the holiday!

In summer we began to introduce elements of tempering for children: washing their feet with cold water after walking and swimming in the pool. Many children already independently carry out all processes: they take off their shoes, wash their feet, wipe themselves with a towel. Bathing in the inflatable pool helps to rally children, teaches them to share toys and enjoy the joint games.

Together with the children, we visited the pet store "Fun", where children could admire funny kittens, play with them, listen to chirping parrots and watch the nimble squirrels.

Also this month we made a walk to the Alexander Park. The children rode on swings and roundabouts, learned to interact with other children on the playground.

The final event of this year was a picnic in the Oak Park. Children fed ducks on the river, painted on the asphalt, made gymnastics with music in the park, played games, and rested on the ground. The tent, balls and natural materials made our walk even more fun and exciting.

The speech therapist has already completed work with children for this year. She met with the parents, gave to each child individual homework for the summer.

Very pleased with the results of the creative workshop: the children made cheerful octopuses, collected the room for toys Masha and Misha, painted a fairy-tale castle for the princess and many other interesting activities where children can show their creativity, develop fine motor skills and learn assiduity.

The kids went to the cinema to watch the cartoon "Sack of Apples", which teaches children to share and be friendly with everyone. After watching the cartoon was a discussion with the children about the content.

We are very pleased with the positive changes in our kids. G. began to take an active part in the classes on the development of fine motor skills, perform tasks, respond to instructions with the help of a teacher. M. allows tactile contact (the problem was even to take the hand, walking across the road), now she can approach children, touch them and , smile.

Methodical work

This month, employees of the Florence Center did the planning of activities for 2018 -2019 academic year. We were actively engaged in methodical work: preparation of new lectures, presentations, methodological materials for the program "Territory Z" for schoolchildren, teachers and parents. Topics were defined and a plan of new lectures was drawn up: "Preparation for family life", "Happiness", "How to plan the budget", "What the teacher should know about violence (bullying)". Also, training materials were updated on topics that were used earlier ("FASD", "HIV / AIDS"). Based on the results of work in the project, methodical guides for teachers are being prepared.

Also this month, work was planned on the project "School Mediation" for the next academic year. For the work, materials from foreign sources on the work of mediation centers in the North America were prepared.

"The World of Big Hearts" - 9

florence-eng — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 11:59:47 GMT

"The World of Big Hearts"- from tradition to innovation

florence-eng — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 11:40:58 GMT

On May 15 this year Zaporizhzhye regional public organization "Florence" again held an annual integrative concert "The World of Big Hearts".

For the ninth year, ordinary schoolchildren and children with special needs have traditionally met on the same stage. This year the event took place in a cozy palace of culture of auto factory"ZAZ". Participation was attended by more than 350 children from Zaporizhzhya and the region.

The director of the "Florence Centre" Lyudmila Romanenkova told that, the purpose of this event is the humanization of the population, the formation of a feeling of kindness and acceptance of all people as full-fledged members of society.

“Florence Centre” is very grateful to the management of the Palace of Culture “ZAZ” for its openness to the event and its readiness to accept on preferential terms, which is very important for a non-profit organization. This year, the organizers decided to hold a holiday at the other end of the city to involve people from another part of the city. According to the long established tradition, before the concert all the guests participated in different leisure-time activities. We had funny clowns, children played all kind of games, a shop of prizes with a wide assortment of goods, karaoke, master classes, etc ... There was no time to be bored for children!

In the concert part, the idea of joint performances became new for the organizers. On one scene performed ordinary schoolchildren, and children with special needs. The most sensual for the audience was a part when one of the pupil of the school № 42 Kravtsov Danil and pupils of the boarding school "Dzherelo" sang a song. The ninth-grader sang a touching song about his mother, and deaf children "sang" in sign language. Wonderful was a part of the pupils of the school No. 38. Bobkova Maria and the dancing collective "Barbariki" (boarding school "Svitanok") danced a very emotional dance. By the way, cheerful "Barbariki" were on the stage three times. And each time it was hard for spectators to sit still, their feet started dancing.

No less memorable were the participation of the youngest actors - the kids from the “Kangaroo” program of the “Florence Centre” and the children from the

“Prometheus” rehabilitation center. Very excited on the big stage was the debutant of this year, Alexander Dankov, a pupil of the social rehabilitation department of children with disabilities of the Khortitsky district.

"For such a small organization as the" Florence "Centre, this concert is very consuming both in human and financial resorces, - Lyudmila Romanenkova shared. - Every year we think, maybe we do not need to invest so much efforts. But when we see how happy the children are, how mothers cry and rejoice, when they see children on stage, how much fun the teachers and the staff of the Centre receive ... next year, the decision to hold such a concert again comes somehow by itself. Events like this are necessary for people, concerts bring love and kindness of people to each other. Next day after the concert the staff is so tired that they hardly remember where and when they need to go to work! "

Thanks to the support of the hypermarket Auchan-Zaporizhzhya and the head of the Service for Children Matveeva AI. all participants of the concert got small gift sets.

And without the support of the “ Mennonite Family Home” the event would not be possible at all!

One of the biggest difficulties during the organization of the integrative concert, was the heavy workload of schools in the spring. The number of events that they planned in the spring simply did not allow schoolchildren to attend one of the most humane activities in the city.

Finishing the article we would like to say: "The World of Big Hearts" does not say goodbye to you! It says: "Until we meet again!"

More photos you can find on the site vk.com, a video interview on our channel on YouTube