The Things We Pretend to Enjoy

Last meeting, we had another engaging English Speaking Practice for adults, and this time we explored the topic: “The Things We Pretend to Enjoy”.

Together, we shared unpopular opinions, discussed social pressure, laughed about awkward adult experiences, and practiced expressing honest thoughts in English. From networking events and group chats to productivity culture and small talk - participants bravely admitted what people often pretend to enjoy just because society expects it.

The meeting was full of lively debates, humor, personal stories, and meaningful conversations that helped everyone practice speaking naturally and confidently.

Since our practice took place on Vyshyvanka Day, we also took time to talk about Ukrainian traditions, cultural identity, and the meaning behind embroidered patterns and symbols. It was a wonderful opportunity to combine English practice with appreciation for our heritage and traditions.

Thanks everyone who joined, shared their ideas, and created such a warm and open atmosphere!

Keeping the Mind Active & Planning During Summer

“Keeping the Mind Active & Planning During Summer” - another inspiring English Speaking Practice for Kherson and Mariupol youth within our friend, a VSPP, Alana Underwood.
This time, together with a native speaker, we talked about how to make summer not only fun, but also meaningful. Through interactive games, debates, speed chats, and creative activities, participants shared their ideas about productivity, personal growth, social media habits, and summer goals.

We discussed questions like:

• Should summer always be productive?
• How can we balance rest and self-improvement?
• What skills do teenagers really want to develop?
• What would our “future selves” thank us for?

Participants created their dream summer plans, invented fun summer challenges, defended hot takes, and practiced expressing opinions naturally in English. The atmosphere was energetic, supportive, and full of laughter and thoughtful conversations.

Another great exercise we did was learning idioms related to summer.
A huge thanks to our native speaker for making the discussion engaging and authentic, and to all the participants for their creativity, openness, and active participation!

 

Kindness changes everything. English Speaking Practice for Kherson and Mariupol Youth

This week, we held another engaging and energetic English Speaking Practice for Kherson and Mariupol Youth together with our wonderful native speaker guest, a VSPP, Alana Underwood.

The meeting focused on communication, teamwork, and building confidence in speaking English through interactive activities and real-life discussions. Participants practiced useful phrasal verbs such as keep in touch, speak up, count on, make up, and look after while completing speaking tasks, guessing games, and discussion challenges.

Our students shared personal opinions, answered thought-provoking questions, and practiced expressing themselves naturally in English. They discussed friendship, communication, relationships, trust, and situations where it is important to speak up or support others. The atmosphere was friendly, supportive, and full of laughter and active participation.

One of the highlights of the meeting was the opportunity to communicate with a native speaker, which helped participants improve their listening skills, pronunciation, and confidence in real conversations. Alana encouraged everyone to participate actively and made the class both educational and enjoyable.

We are incredibly proud of our youth for stepping out of their comfort zones, practicing new vocabulary, and supporting one another throughout the activities. Every meeting is another step toward becoming more confident English speakers!

Work Smarter. Live Better

Today’s English Speaking Practice for adults was all about working smarter and living better. Together with our participants and an English Teacher, Victoria who lives in Canada, we explored modern work habits, productivity, and the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. During the session, we discussed whether being constantly busy really means being productive and shared our own strategies for avoiding burnout and staying motivated.

Participants practiced useful phrasal verbs and expressions connected with work and communication, such as follow up, get through, get on with, and many others. We also completed interactive vocabulary activities and used the new phrases in discussions and real-life situations.

One of the most engaging parts of the meeting was our debate section, where participants exchanged opinions on topics like remote work, multitasking, technology, and balancing career goals with personal well-being. The conversation was lively, thoughtful, and full of great ideas and personal experiences.

Thanks everyone who joined us for another meaningful evening of English practice, communication, and learning together.

English Speaking Practice for Kherson and Mariupol

This week at our English Speaking Practice for Kherson and Mariupol youth, we explored a topic that feels very real for many teenagers and young adults — worries about the future, career choices, pressure to succeed, and learning to trust yourself along the way.

Participants openly shared their thoughts about the fear of making the “wrong” decision, comparing themselves to others, and feeling like they need to have everything planned already. Together, we discussed why it is completely normal not to know your full path yet and how every experience can teach us something valuable.

Through interactive games, debates, roleplays, and speaking activities, we discovered personal strengths, matched skills with possible careers, imagined our future selves, and practiced giving advice to friends facing uncertainty.

The session was full of honest conversations, laughter, encouragement, and new vocabulary. Most importantly, it reminded us that success is not one straight road — it is a journey of learning, trying, making mistakes, adapting, and growing.