On Saturday, December 7, 2024, we held the third module of the VolonTERRA educational program for teachers, this time dedicated to the theme of social skills. Led by the experienced social pedagogue Duška Milinković, the workshop offered participants the opportunity to reflect, learn, and work together on issues that increasingly define work with children—alienation, difficulties in recognizing emotions, and communication challenges. This module is a continuation of the already established program and previous activities, where we focused on volunteer clubs and the process of founding and managing them.
Leading volunteer clubs involves much more than handling logistics and administration. These clubs offer an opportunity to address deeper educational questions that are often neglected in traditional teaching but are crucial for shaping empathetic individuals of the future.
Teachers’ expectations: building bridges through connection
The workshop began by setting expectations using associative cards. The teachers expressed hopes for a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, new knowledge, and ideas to help them foster “bridges of connection.” As they shared their experiences, one challenge resonated strongly—children increasingly struggle to recognize their own and others’ emotions, leading to growing isolation.
For teachers, the greatest challenge lies in establishing effective communication among students, especially in an era when parents themselves often show little support for participatory workshops. “Sometimes it feels like we’re giving up,” one participant admitted, reflecting on the frustrations brought on by these challenges.
First steps toward connection: “Rainbow of Similarities and Differences”
To experience firsthand how simple activities can foster a sense of connection, the participants engaged in the “Rainbow of Similarities and Differences” activity. In pairs, they identified characteristics that connected them, as well as those that made them unique. The exercise quickly inspired a sense of unity and relaxation among the teachers, laying a foundation for further exploration of ways to connect children.
Duška then introduced optical illusions as examples of differing perceptions—a reminder that every child may see a situation in their own way, but understanding these differences can create opportunities for acceptance and openness.
How play, humor, empathy, and nonviolent communication build community
“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.“ Duška emphasized this idea, quoting George Bernard Shaw.
The discussion about the importance of play in children’s development was a key moment of the workshop. The participants agreed—games that require children to overcome external obstacles together, listen to and support each other, and celebrate each other’s successes are essential for developing social skills like patience and tolerance.
One teacher highlighted the importance of allowing children to resolve conflicts independently. “Sometimes the most important thing is to step aside and give children the space to try to resolve the situation themselves,” she said. This approach not only fosters a sense of independence but also helps children feel like part of a collective.
Humor was also emphasized as a powerful tool for connecting with students and creating a relaxed atmosphere that encourages open communication. Duška presented a range of activities that teachers can use with children to develop nonviolent communication, empathy, assertiveness, and self-confidence—crucial skills for addressing future challenges.
Volunteer clubs: opportunities for change
The problem of alienation and the inability to manage emotions deeply affects children and their relationships. Without the ability to recognize and express emotions, children become isolated and struggle to build communities. In such circumstances, school volunteer clubs represent an opportunity for change. Through shared activities involving different age groups within the club, children learn to collaborate, express their needs, respect others, and build positive relationships.
At the end of the workshop, the evaluation showed that participants were motivated to try out the presented activities and continue working on this important topic. This workshop demonstrated that the value of the VolonTERRA project—Active Schools Drive Change!—goes far beyond merely bringing students together for environmental activities. It fosters connection and equips teachers with tools to create a sustainable future—step by step, workshop by workshop.
School volunteer clubs are not just spaces for volunteer activities—they are spaces for nurturing future generations who will understand the importance of community, tolerance, and empathy. If you would like to establish a volunteer club in your school but don’t know how, contact us at [email protected], and we will support you in the process.
