Power Outages

During our last inspiring English-speaking session with our adult learners we discussed an essential topic “Power Outages” and it turned out to be a true lesson in flexibility and resilience. We started our class on Zoom, practicing vocabulary and real-life situations connected to electricity, power outages, and unstable connection — something everyone in Ukraine deals with almost daily. We discussed how to explain technical problems in English, learned new expressions, and shared personal experiences of recent blackouts.

But right in the middle of the lesson…the power went out. For many groups, that would be the end — but not for us.

Within a few minutes, we smoothly moved our discussion to Telegram and continued practicing in the chat. It became a perfect real-life exercise.

Despite the challenges around us, the atmosphere stayed warm, supportive, and full of humor. We proved once again that learning never stops — not even when the electricity does.

Thank you to everyone who stayed connected (in every possible way!), adapted quickly, and kept the conversation alive. Your motivation is truly inspiring.

The importance of keeping in touch

Do you think it’s essential to keep in touch with people you were connected ti? During our last English-speaking session for Kherson and Mariupol youth, we explored the topic of “Relationships and Communication.” The meeting was full of lively discussions, new vocabulary, and meaningful reflections on what helps us build strong connections with others.

We kicked off with a fun warm-up activity called “Hot Takes,” where participants shared their opinions on thought-provoking statements — for example, “It’s OK to have many possessions.” Everyone had to agree or disagree and explain their choice, which set the tone for spontaneous and confident speaking.

Next, we moved on to learning and practicing phrasal verbs related to communication — such as keep in touch, speak up, make up, and count on etc. Using interactive slides, we discussed real-life examples and shared personal stories:

What’s the best way to keep in touch with friends who live far away?

How do you usually make up after an argument?

What qualities do you look for in someone you can count on?

With engaging visuals and friendly atmosphere, participants practiced not only their English but also valuable communication skills — listening, expressing opinions, and supporting one another.

Great thanks to our friend, a VSPP, Alana Underwood for being a part of our group

This week at our English Speaking Club, we dived into the world of funny fails — and it was absolutely hilarious! Together with our active members of advanced group, we watched some classic Fail Army moments, described them in English, and practiced phrases like mess up, screw up, epic fail, and learn the hard way.

We also played Fail Bingo, shared our own “epic fail” stories, and ended with a Fail Fortune Wheel to see how we’d react to everyday mishaps. “Failing doesn’t mean you’re a failure — it just means you tried something new.”

From screen to dream!

 

Our latest English Speaking Practice for Kherson and Mariupol Youth was all about movies — and it truly felt like being on set!

Together with our American guest, Alana Underwood, we explored the world of cinema through fun vocabulary games, quizzes, and inspiring movie quotes.

From guessing famous lines like “May the Force be with you” to discussing what makes movies meaningful, everyone had a chance to share, laugh, and think deeply.

We even played an interactive “Movie Quiz” where participants tested their knowledge of film vocabulary — from trailers to directors!

The highlight of the session? Each participant created their own “movie quote of life” — a phrase that reflects their personality and values.

Thank you to everyone for bringing your energy and creativity — you made this session truly cinematic!

“I’ll do it later…” or “Let’s get it done now!” Which one are you?

At our latest English Speaking Practice for Kherson and Mariupol youth, we talked all about procrastination — why we postpone things, rush through them, or sometimes do both!

We started off with a fun “This or That” game —

Do it now or do it later?

Work under pressure or plan ahead?

Perfect it or just finish it?

Everyone shared their habits, funny stories, and tips on how to stop putting things off (well… at least sometimes ).

Big thanks to everyone who joined — you made the discussion honest, fun, and super relatable!

Remember: it’s not about being perfect — it’s about finding your own pace.

Music is the international language of healing!

Music is the universal language of healing! That was a topic we discussed during our Speaking Session for Kherson and Mariupol Youth.

We started off with a fun “Would You Rather?” speaking game — full of laughter, surprising choices, and great English practice! After such a warmup, we dived into the topic. We explored how music connects people, lifts our mood, and even helps us heal. Together with our American friend, Alana, we talked about the transformative power of music — how it helps us relax, cope, and express emotions. Participants shared their favorite songs, discussed how music influences their feelings, and practiced English through interactive activities and learning new vocabulary.

It was a wonderful session full of good vibes, meaningful conversations, and plenty of English practice — proving once again that music truly brings us together.

How to Deal with Challenges?

Today’s session of our youth speaking club gathered on Zoom for an inspiring interactive workshop “How to Deal with Challenges?” with our special guest – Alana Underwood, an American volunteer, social worker, and psychologist.

During the session, participants explored everyday challenges that teenagers face — from school stress to friendships, family expectations, and future goals. Together with Alana, we learned that challenges are not just obstacles, but also opportunities for growth and self-discovery. We also reflected on personal difficulties by creating our own Challenge Maps, Discussed in small groups what helps us deal with stress and pressure. After that we played the “Silver Lining” game to practice seeing the positive side in tough situations. The workshop gave us not only new English vocabulary and speaking practice, but also practical tools to use in real life. Most importantly, it reminded us that no one is alone in facing challenges — we can support each other and grow stronger together.

A huge thank you to Alana for her warmth, energy, and wisdom, and to our amazing participants for being so active and open-hearted!

In Love with AI

During our last English Speaking Practice for advanced learners we dove into debates on technology and other everyday tools. Participants chose hot topics like AI, video games, gig economy, and genetics, picked their side, and defended their opinions. One of the most thought-provoking statements was: “AI will make people dumber, not smarter. ”It sparked lively discussions, strong arguments, and lots of laughter! The format not only helped everyone practice fluency and critical thinking but also encouraged students to listen actively, respond quickly, and express their ideas clearly in English.

Great job to all participants for your energy and creativity — debates like this prove that learning English can be both educational and fun!

Small Joys

We finally got started our meetings for Kherson and Mariupol Youth with the support of Peace Corps Ukraine and our friend, a VSPP, Alana Underwood.

Yesterday we gathered online on the Speaking Practice — and it was all about the little things that make life brighter.

Together with our American volunteer, we talked about “small joys” — from a warm cup of coffee and favorite music to sunsets and time with friends.

Participants created a Joy Collage, shared their own stories, and discovered how even simple moments can bring happiness.

It was not only a chance to practice English, but also to notice the beauty in everyday life.

We’re so happy to see how confidently everyone spoke and how much positive energy this topic brought!

Stay tuned for our next sessions — more fun topics, useful English, and inspiring conversations ahead!

Never have I ever!

After a long summer break, most of us are finally back to our routines. For some, it felt like nothing special — just business as usual. For others, it was a real pleasure: a chance to start new projects, make changes in daily life, or add small but meaningful adjustments. During our latest English Speaking Practice, we explored this topic together. We also learned and used some powerful expressions to describe such experiences — like hit the wall, sink or swim, hold on to junk, strip things back, or stuck in a rut.

To make it practical (and fun!), participants completed sentences with their own creative ideas, sharing personal experiences and stories. This way, everyone got to practice fluency while also learning vocabulary that really applies to everyday life.

It was inspiring to see how much English can help us express what’s going on in our routines, challenges, and new beginnings.

Looking forward to the next meeting! 

Reinventing yourself after a break!

After a short break, our English Speaking Practice sessions have returned – and we started strong with the topic “Reinventing Yourself After a Break.” Together, we explored how to make changes in life – from small steps like new playlists and morning routines, to bigger shifts such as career changes, moving abroad, or reinventing yourself online.

Participants practiced speaking in groups, shared personal insights, and learned fresh idioms to sound more natural in English, including: to turn over a new leaf; to bite the bullet; to recharge one’s batteries; to go the whole hog.It was a lively, motivating, and language-rich discussion – perfect to get back into learning mode after summer! Our Speaking Club is open for everyone who wants to: practice real-life English, expand vocabulary, meet new people, and get inspired by meaningful conversations.

Don’t miss the next session – come practice with us and boost your English confidence!

English Club meetings for youth are back!

Вау-можливість! За підтримки наших партнерів, Корпусу миру США в Україні, учні старших класів та перших курсів навчальних закладів можуть покращити свою англійську разом з носієм мови.

Що чекає у розмовному клубі?

щотижневі онлайн зустрічі у Zoom (вівторки, 17:00 - 17:50)

нові знайомства та покращення англійської

веселі ігри

жваві дискусії

групові завдання

корисні фрази

позитивна атмосфера

Зустрічі проводитиме американка Алана, учасниця Пілотної програми віртуальної служби Корпусу миру США в Україні.

Участь безкоштовна, проте кількість місць, на жаль, обмежена. Тому не пропустіть можливість стати частиною нашої дружньої спільноти, де кожен зможе знайти підтримку та нових друзів!

Записуйтесь вже сьогодні та зробіть перший крок до свого успішного майбутнього!

Реєстрація відкрита до 12 вересня включно за цим посиланням: https://forms.gle/V254Eo6PxW9WchUJ6