What do you imagine under the name of the program “The power of the Word”? We’ve been groping around, but now we know. The program was unique!
On that rainy November morning, programs in two sixth grades at a primary school in a nearby small village were gradually waiting for us.
What will come out of that? Ida is reading to the children the assignment for physical activity.
The children have already known Ida. They met together in September at bonding programs. In primary school, these sixth-graders formed one large collective, but when they became the Junior high age, the school management divided them into two classes and added to them some new children from the surrounding villages. This class division was not endured well at all by the pupils. Ida perceived the September bonding program as one of the most demanding.
This time, it seemed that the class groups had already “settled down” and the children were enjoying the program from the very beginning.
The program theme was “The Power of Word”.
I tried to imagine what it would be about… What came up captivated not only the children, but also me and the teacher.
Ida asked the plenary questions that the children thought about (and many also answered), and very sensitively alternated them with interesting videos, figurative demonstrations or narrated stories. There were also the game activities that complemented the topic and in the analysis of which it was possible to follow up how the children have it among themselves “here and now”.
The assignment is clear: 2 legs, 2 hands, 1 buttock, 1 forearm. We know which parts of our bodies together can touch the ground. Which team will fulfil the task as first?
Everything was concerned about what a simple word can cause!
How often do we praise each other?
How often do we complain?
Can we make mistakes in life?
What we learn out of them?
I must admit that I was moved time to time. I was able to hide the fact that tears were running out of my eyes only because I was sitting at the very back, behind all the children.
When Ida supplemented her narration by a biblical example of the power of the word, it was very natural and no one dwelled over that.
Both the children and the HY worker are amused. There is always a cheerful and relaxed atmosphere during Ida’s programs.
The atmosphere was very similar in the second class. I realized, even from my own HY ministry experiences, that children are willing to confide in personal belongings only in the moment they feel really safe. And they obviously felt that way here.
I think that this was one of the main bonuses of this discussion: the open and safe atmosphere caused that the children relaxed and enjoyed the program to the fullest.
The applause at the end was completely spontaneous and authentic. But it did not stick only at it. Pupils asked when the next program would be.
During the break, Ida has the space to discuss with the class teacher the important observations from the program.
Again, it got across to me, that if you want to work well with the class, you need to work together well with the teachers.
Also this Ida managed brilliantly. During the breaks, she always consulted with the teachers about the events and the atmosphere in the classroom.
It was only natural that during the farewell, the teacher was looking forward to another meeting with Ida.
Martin Stavjanik, the Authorised Supervisor of the HY Program workers
