Work, Money & Values

Another inspiring English Speaking Practice for Kherson and Mariupol youth with our native speaker guest was held via Zoom!

This time, we explored the topic of values, lifestyles, and choices people make in life. Participants shared their opinions about what really matters to them, compared different ways of living, and discussed how values can shape our future.

We also practiced speculating on given situations and topics, using expressions to guess, predict, and imagine possibilities. It was a great chance to build confidence in speaking, think critically, and hear different perspectives in English.

A huge thanks to everyone who joined and made the discussion so thoughtful and engaging!

How would you describe your life style?

The last English Speaking session for adults was all about something very real — how to stay healthy when life is mostly… sitting

Participants shared their honest experiences, from “I don’t have time” to “I’m just too tired” — and turned them into something more practical and motivating

We discussed:

– why modern life is so sedentary;

– whether healthy living is realistic or just ideal;

– what small habits actually work.

We laughed through creative excuses (“my sofa needed me!”);

challenged them with reality checks;

and came up with simple, realistic solutions together.

The most powerful part?

Everyone reflected on their own habits and finished with one small change they’re ready to try.

Because sometimes, it’s not about big goals — it’s about small steps.

Skills that Matter

What skills do we actually need in real life?

Confidence? Communication? Or maybe… knowing how to fix things?

During our latest English speaking session for Kherson and Mariupol Youth within the native speaker, our friend Alana Underwood, participants explored this topic through fun and interactive activities:

“Useless vs Useful” — where even surprising skills sparked strong opinions;

“Would You Rather” — fast decisions and explaining choices;

Mini debates, real-life examples, and lots of spontaneous speaking.

Students showed a great interest in this topic, as they could speculate on given situations.

We didn’t just learn new vocabulary — we practiced expressing ideas, defending opinions, and thinking critically in English.

It was energetic, engaging, and full of laughter — exactly how language learning should feel!

Thank you to everyone who joined us and shared their ideas!

Healthy Mind

This week at our English Speaking Club for adults, we explored the topic of “Healthy Mind” — and it turned into a truly meaningful and thought-provoking discussion.

We started by sharing our personal views:

What does healthy living really mean?

How do we take care of our mental and physical well-being?

Which habits would we like to leave behind?

And why has being healthy become so fashionable nowadays?

Everyone brought unique perspectives, and it was inspiring to hear real-life experiences and honest reflections.

Then we switched gears and played our favorite interactive game “Ban it or Keep it”

One of the hottest debates? Our relationship with phones — especially:

• scrolling before going to bed

• grabbing the phone first thing in the morning

Let’s just say… not everyone agreed

It was a great mix of language practice, critical thinking, and self-reflection. Because learning English is not just about grammar — it’s also about talking about what truly matters.

What about you — would you BAN or KEEP your phone habits?

Identity after School

Who are we outside the classroom?

This week, our meeting of English Speaking Club for Kherson and Mariupol Youth, was dedicated to the topic “Identity After School” together with a native speaker. Participants reflected on who they are beyond grades, homework, and expectations — and discovered new ways to express themselves in English. We shared ideas about personal interests, passions, and future dreams; created “double lives” and imagined our hidden identities; asked honest questions and heard real-life experiences from a native speaker; debated whether school really shapes who we are; and most importantly — learned to speak about ourselves with confidence.

It was inspiring to see how open, thoughtful, and creative our participants were. Each voice mattered, and every story added something special to the conversation.

Because learning English is not just about language — it’s about discovering who you are and finding your voice in the world.

Act it Out!

Laughter, creativity, and a lot of spontaneous English filled our latest speaking session for Kherson and Mariupol Youth! This time, we turned our meeting into a real improvisation show, where participants stepped into different roles, acted out real life situations, and reacted on the spot — just like real actors.

From emotional role-plays and funny “bad advice” moments to unexpected twists in scenes — everyone had a chance to speak freely, think quickly, and most importantly… have fun in English! 

A special thanks to our native speaker, a VSPP Alana Underwood, for bringing energy, humor, and authentic expressions that inspired our participants to be bold and expressive.

This session was held as part of the All-Ukrainian Reading Week, and we are proud that our library is actively participating in this important initiative — promoting not only reading, but also communication, creativity, and lifelong learning.

Expectation VS Reality

What is reality… and is it the same for everyone?

This week, during our English Speaking Practice for Kherson and Mariupol Youth, we explored the thought-provoking topic “Expectation vs Reality.”

We began by reflecting on a big question: What is reality? Is it different for everyone?

Presenting the topic by Alana Underwood, our facilitator and VSPP, participants discussed how reality can be seen as “the world as it actually exists” — but also how our point of view, expectations, and experiences can completely change how we see it.

The most fun part was “Expectation vs Reality” meme challenge and Disaster Generator game!

From “perfect plans” turning into chaos to “productive days” ending in scrolling social media — the chat was full of laughter and relatable moments!

We also discussed:

• Why do people create unrealistic expectations?

• Can reality be different for each person?

• Is it better to expect more… or less?

A big thank you to our participants for their openness, creativity, and great sense of humor!

Eco-Friendly Living: Chat discussion

This week our English Speaking Club for Kherson and Mariupol Youth moved into the digital space and held a lively Telegram chat discussion on the topic “Eco-Friendly Living.”

Participants shared their thoughts on what it means to live sustainably in everyday life and reflected on the small choices that can make a big difference for our planet.

Through interactive chat activities such as quick polls, and short discussions, everyone had the chance to express opinions, respond to others, and practice English in a dynamic way.

These conversations not only helped improve English communication skills but also encouraged everyone to think about simple eco habits we can adopt in our daily lives.

Thank you to everyone who joined the discussion and made the chat active and inspiring!

Household Harmony. Do you know your chores?

Last time at our English Speaking Practice for adults, we explored a topic that everyone can relate to — household responsibilities and the art of living together in harmony.

Participants shared honest “chore confessions”, discussed the division of labor at home, and reflected on the often invisible but very real mental load that comes with managing everyday life.

Through lively discussions and role-plays, we practiced advanced vocabulary and useful expressions like “pull your weight,” “delegate tasks,” and “chip in.” We also explored how language can help us communicate frustrations politely using structures like “I wish…” and “If only…” — turning complaints into constructive conversations.

One of the most engaging moments was our chore negotiation activity, where participants had to find realistic compromises and create a fair system of responsibilities. It turned out that achieving household harmony sometimes requires not only teamwork — but also a good sense of humor!

Thank you to everyone who joined and contributed to such thoughtful and lively conversations. Moments like these remind us that learning a language is also about learning to understand each other better.

Spring Fever

This week our English Speaking Club for Kherson and Mariupol Youth turned into a space of ideas, dreams, and confidence-building conversations.

Together with a native speaker, a VSPP, Alana Underwood, our students explored the theme of spring — not only as a season, but as a symbol of fresh starts and new opportunities.

One of the most engaging parts was our live chat challenge. Students had to quickly respond to unfinished prompts, then expand their ideas using conditionals and more advanced vocabulary. After that, they asked each other follow-up questions and “upgraded” their answers to sound more natural and expressive.

It was amazing to see how:

simple answers turned into detailed stories;

shy responses became confident statements;

grammar structures came alive in real conversation.

Spring is often associated with renewal — and this session truly felt like growth in action.

So proud of our young speakers for their openness, creativity, and willingness to challenge themselves in English

Confidence & Belonging

This week, during our last English Speaking Practice for Kherson and Mariupol Youth we had an amazing meeting, which became a safe space for something deeper than grammar and vocabulary. Together with a native speaker, a VSPP Alana Underwood, we explored the powerful topic of confidence and belonging.

We talked about moments when we felt out of place… and moments when we felt truly accepted.

We shared stories about moving to new cities, starting new schools, speaking English with mistakes, and learning how to step outside our comfort zones.

Through real-life scenarios, honest discussions, and even a “letter to my future confident self,” participants practiced not only English — but self-belief.

What made this session special was the openness. The courage to speak. The willingness to listen. The understanding that belonging is not about being the same — it’s about being accepted for who you are.

Every meeting reminds us:

Confidence grows when we use our voice.

Belonging begins when we create space for each other.

So proud of our Kherson and Mariupol youth for showing resilience, depth, and heart

English speaking session with Kherson and Mariupol

Last English speaking session with Kherson and Mariupol youth was all about something we all face sooner or later - how to connect with people in new environments. Together with a native speaker, we explored what it’s really like to make friends after school, start conversations in new places, and communicate both online and offline.

We talked about the difference between small talk and deeper conversations, practiced real-life situations, and shared honest thoughts about shyness and social anxiety. It was especially powerful to see how open, supportive, and understanding the group was - a reminder that feeling nervous in new situations is completely normal.

Through discussions, role-plays, and reflections, participants practiced not just English, but also confidence, empathy, and listening skills.

Thank you to everyone who joined, shared, and supported each other. New environments can feel scary - but with the right words and the right people, they can also become places where real friendships begin.

What is Success really?

What is SUCCESS really? Having lots of money? Possessing tons of things?

Our Kherson and Mariupol Youth, who joined English Speaking Session tried to find the definition of this term. Even though we met online, the atmosphere was full of energy, openness, and genuine connection.

Thanks to Alana Underwood, our American friend, who helped us talk without fear, share our thoughts and get support.

During the session, participants didn’t just practice English — they communicated, laughed, shared personal thoughts, played interactive speaking games, and learned to express themselves more confidently. Step by step, English became a tool not only for learning, but for connection and self-expression.

For many of the young people, these meetings are a safe space where they can speak freely, make mistakes without fear, and feel supported. Seeing their engagement, smiles, and willingness to participate reminds us why these sessions matter so much — especially now.

We are incredibly proud of the youth who join us regularly, bring their ideas, and support one another. Each meeting strengthens confidence, builds communication skills, and shows that community can exist even across screens

Small Talk. Big Impact

This week’s English speaking session for advanced group was all about something we all do—but rarely think about: small talk.

Together, we explored how short, simple conversations can actually have a big impact:

building trust

creating connection

opening doors to deeper conversations

Through interactive activities and games, participants practiced turning “boring” everyday phrases into natural, engaging conversations, learned how to keep small talk alive, and—just as importantly—how to exit conversations politely and confidently.

What stood out most was this realization:

small talk isn’t about being interesting — it’s about being interested.

Lots of laughter, honest reflections, real-life situations, and practical language that can be used right away — at work, in social settings, and in everyday life.

Grateful for this group and the energy they bring to every session

Small talk may be small, but its impact is greater.

Inspirational Voices of Freedom

First English Speaking Practice of the Year – New Round Begins

We were happy to start the first English practice of the 2026 for youth from Kherson and Mariupol — and it truly felt like the start of a new inspiring round of sessions.

This meeting was all about leadership, freedom, and doing for others even when it’s hard. Together, we explored what real leadership means today — not titles, but relationships, teamwork, empathy, and positive change. Participants reflected on different leadership styles, shared their thoughts, and discovered their own strengths as collaborators and change-makers.

A special thank to our guest speaker Alana Underwood, a VSPP, for guiding the discussion, sharing insights, and creating a safe, supportive space where every voice mattered.

This was just the beginning. More sessions are coming, and we’re excited to continue this journey of growth, confidence, and English practice together.

Thanks to all participants for their openness and engagement. See you at the next meeting!