“Oh, Lera is coming!” exclaims Andriy, and together with his friends, they rush to greet the girl who has just opened the doors of the Reimer Center. Then come the hugs, shouts, unstoppable children’s laughter, and an instant game of tag. This is how almost every meeting of the English Club for the younger group at the Christian Center begins. Seven children, aged 8-9, have been learning the language for almost a year and love doing it together.
The lessons take place in a relaxed atmosphere, which helps the children feel comfortable and safe. Group games and interactive exercises make it easier to absorb the material. The children eagerly participate and enjoy competing with each other, especially the boys Maksym and Andriy. Sometimes, the lessons end with a chat over a cup of tea, especially in winter. Then, the children run to their parents, excitedly sharing what they learned that day and begging for permission to play together in the Center a little longer.
Beyond language learning, this club also fosters the socialization of the children. Most of the students are classmates at school. They see each other almost every day through a computer screen. However, they eagerly await Thursday – the day they get to sit together in the same classroom. They tug at each other, “fight” with their feet under the table, doodle in each other’s notebooks, and are not always attentive. But sitting at home in front of a computer, where would they learn study habits? How would they learn to stop when they get too rowdy? Or practice patience?! “A year ago, 30 minutes was the maximum time they could stay focused in a lesson. Today, if they are engaged in a topic, they are surprised when an hour has passed,” shares the group’s teacher. She sees how these children not only acquire new knowledge but also develop useful habits that will help them in their future studies.
The English Club is not just about language; it is about support, socialization, and the opportunity to build a future even when today is filled with challenges. It is a place where children can be children. The Reimer Center team shares the vision that during a war that has already lasted three years, it is crucial to create spaces that help children grow, dream, and look to the future with confidence.
