For a year now, the youngest schoolchildren have been gathering at the Reimer Center to learn English together. Every week, they joyfully run to their classes to meet friends, play, and discover something new.
Olha, the group’s teacher, speaks warmly about her students. She notes that over the past year, the children have grown significantly: they’ve become more attentive, curious, and open to learning. Most importantly, their English skills have truly improved. They now recognize letters more confidently, form words, and try reading simple texts. These first steps are essential, as they build a foundation for future language learning.
“For me, it’s not just about teaching,” Olha shares, “but about showing that learning English isn’t just useful—it can also be fun and interesting. I want to inspire them to grow in this and enjoy the process.”
The lessons are built around play and interaction. Movement games, word activities, fun exercises with a competitive twist—all help children absorb the language naturally. They also love learning rhymes with new words—not only does it boost memory, but it builds pronunciation confidence. Children often practice these rhymes at home with their parents and later recite them in class. After 7-year-old Ulyana recited a long rhyme without a single mistake, her mother shared that she had simply given her the text, and Ulyana memorized it all by herself. Children can be incredibly driven when they’re motivated.
“Can I keep coming? I liked learning here,” asked Halia after attending her first class at a friend’s invitation. “I don’t know English very well, so my mom and I decided I should start studying.”
These simple, sincere words reflect trust. They show that the Reimer Center has become more than just a place of learning—it’s a space where children feel accepted, supported, and encouraged to grow. Even in a frontline city, even in difficult times, you can hear children laughing and speaking new English words.
Many of the children attending the English club are also part of the Center’s children’s club. It’s another space where they can play, listen to Bible stories, sing, and just be kids.
Because the most important thing given to them here isn’t just knowledge—it’s a sense of belonging. Here, they are awaited. And that changes more than any textbook ever could.
