Are you interested in becoming a really good friend? We were desperately curious. And thanks to Rut and her program we already know…
INCZ has been supporting Rut since January 2022. After the worst waves of the coronavirus pandemic have subsided, her work in schools has picked up nicely again.
In March 2022, I had the opportunity to be present on one of her programs for third graders called “the Principles of Good Friendship”. The discomfort of a too-small school seat was greatly eased by the flow and almost fairy-tale-like atmosphere of the program which I was able to enjoy very nicely with the children.
Rut likes to use various effectives aids during her programs. This is what helps children to remember the program, its topic and main thoughts.
The program is thought out very well:
it combines a balanced presentation with activities and involvement of the children. There are no new ideas to be discovered, just good old principles that will always be useful for interpersonal relations. Those are divine principles: simple, yet very effective.
On the top of that, Rut presents everything dynamically and with great passion and love. She plays and demonstrates different model situations rather than just explaining or lecturing in a strict way.
Children like to be drawn into the talk about life and relationships. And they can “discover” most of the important principles on their own!
During the program, they sing together the song “No matter whether you are small or big” using hands and gestures to express the content of the text. It is a joyful moment!
There is a certain situation within a program. Rut quotes a Bible verse ad says to the children, “This wisdom comes from a book which is most translated in the whole word. Do you guess what is this book?” To our surprise some children say that it is the Bible, because this book is very important for so many people!
Pleasant and relaxed atmosphere, cheerful faces. This also can be the way to discuss difficult topics.
A very profound moment comes in the last part of the program:
With a serious expression, Rut declares, “The best is to be friend only with someone who has no faults. I don’t want a friend with faults!” But the children are not fooled and show their disapproval. Rut askes, “What’s wrong with that?” The children answer, “Each of us has faults!” Rut pretends to be very surprised and asks, “Are you saying that I have faults as well?” But even here the children do not hesitate.
Several of them carefully say, “Sure. We all have faults.” Others agree.
It is a touching moment once Rut steps out of her role and praises the children for being able to tell the truth to her face. “You have passed the test,” she tells them with a broad smile.
Rut is ready to listen to the children. She is interested in their thoughts, feelings, worries… Children know it and enthusiastically share what they need to say.
Rut was in this class for the first time a year ago. Still, the children remembered her and correctly recalled the theme of the previous program. One of the girls came forward and said she still had had the materials from the first program at home nicely colored and carefully stored.
The teacher, who was present at this program, also made it clear that today’s program was very powerful for her as her eyes were full of tears.
I believe the children will remember a lot from today.
In addition, they will certainly have a good impression and a deep experience of how the amazing HY worker had a nice and pleasant conversation about important things in life with them!
Petr Horacek, the Executive Director of INCZ
