Fruits and vegetables....for beginners...

Today we were teaching again at the UNICEF tent...warm doesn't describe it. 
We had been given a good game by our friends in Krakow, which Joanna coordinated. The game consisted of identifying vegetables, making shopping lists etc.
The details don't matter. However, what was interesting were the children.
Most are refugee children, who have probably had no regular education for  nearly 4 years. Initially, when they were at the table, it was very difficult to engage with them...banging on the table...no concentration span...little eye contact.  We carried on...after some 15 to 20 minutes, they started listening to what was being said and became engaged with the game.

I really fear for these children. Will they ever catch up? Will the trauma of what has happened to them recede, or influence their lives long term? I have no answer. But, by the end of the lesson, there were smiles and the game had become enjoyable. I will not forget these children. I hope Ukraine, after the war has ended, will support their extra needs.

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