How 8 meetings changed an entire class

The project is implemented in partnership with the international organization World Vision with the financial support of Action Deutschland Hilft

Schools often struggle with bullying and student conflicts, yet sometimes just a few weeks can completely change the atmosphere. Such a story happened with the 6th-grade students at one Kyiv school who participated in a program at the child-friendly space “Vilni” run by the Arms of Mercy Charitable Foundation.

The Problem That Needed Solving

When the children first came to the center, the class atmosphere was tense. As Olena, the administrator of the “Vilni” space, explains, the main problem was conflict:

“There were 4–5 leaders in the class who were constantly competing with each other. They reacted sharply to any opinion that differed from their own. The girls, in particular, were often in conflict as they competed for influence and recognition within the group.”

The class teacher was looking for ways to improve the classroom atmosphere and found information about the child-friendly space “Vilni” nearby. This started a collaboration that lasted eight weeks.

How the Program Worked

Out of 28 students in the class, 24 initially came to the center— not all parents had immediately submitted the required forms. But after the first few meetings, the children who attended the center were so enthusiastic about sharing their experiences that a few more classmates joined them.

The program consisted of eight themed meetings. Since the children already knew each other, the first session focused not on introductions but on emotions— children learned to understand their own emotions and the needs behind them.

“At first, we had to win their attention and motivate them with various activities. But once they felt that this space was safe, that no one would mock or humiliate them, they began to open up. Our discussions always lasted longer than planned because everyone wanted to speak—even the quietest children,” recalls Olena.

An effective exercise involved children writing about their strengths and who they could become in the future, then doing the same for their classmates. Most spoke modestly about themselves but recognized positive qualities in others. This helped them begin to see the good in themselves and in those around them.

Results appeared faster than expected. After the second session, the girls who had previously been in conflict with the boys organized celebratory activities for them on Valentine’s Day, using games they had learned at the center.

“I was amazed at how the most conflict-prone children changed. Some boys tried to disrupt the class at first to show off. But gradually, they learned to see others and listen. By the end of the program, they were completely different children—there was respect for others’ opinions,” says the center administrator.

The Teacher’s Perspective

We also spoke with Daria Volodymyrivna, the class teacher of 6-A at Obolon Lyceum, who initiated the collaboration with the “Vilni” child-friendly space from the Arms of Mercy Charitable Foundation.

“I was just searching online for people near our lyceum who could help conduct interesting activities with the children. I found the ‘Vilni’ space and arranged the collaboration. It was very important for me to provide psychological support for children who had behavioral or interpersonal issues,” the teacher says.

The sessions turned out to be much more diverse than expected. In addition to psychological training sessions, children participated in creative workshops: making sweets, sculpting with clay, and making handmade crafts. This combination of serious discussions with fun practical activities helped the class bond faster.

A particularly special session was an open training on relationships, which eased the tension between boys and girls:

“Before this, they constantly giggled and teased each other. After the training, everything changed. Now they communicate as friends, not as boys and girls constantly looking for a reason to tease each other,” the teacher shares.

Interestingly, Daria Volodymyrivna didn’t just bring the children to the sessions—she also participated:

“I played their games too, and the children loved it. They even insisted that I always participate with them. This created a special kind of communication between me and the students—we were on the same level. They cared about my opinion, and I cared about theirs.”

Continuing Impact After the Program

Although the program has ended, its influence continues. Children have brought many of the games and activities they learned at the center into school life. They listen to each other better, express their opinions without aggression, and resolve conflicts peacefully.

According to the teacher, other school staff, learning about the 6-A class’s success, have also become interested in collaborating with the “Vilni” child-friendly space.

“The children were so happy to attend the sessions! We went to the center on Thursdays after classes, and we literally had to usher them home at 5 p.m.—they would have happily stayed until evening. Now they constantly ask when we will go back to the center,” Daria Volodymyrivna says with a smile.

We can see that a systematic approach with children, grounded in respect, trust, and safe-space principles, can quickly transform the atmosphere in a group. Even complex problems can be solved if the right approach is found and children are given the chance to be heard.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who supports children affected by the war. Special thanks to our partners—the international organization World Vision and Action Deutschland Hilft—for financially supporting this project.