Between June and September, Sumy hosted 10 blog cafés as part of the “Together We Can” programme. These meetings became safe spaces for trust, self-reflection, and growth. Participants talked about stress, emotions, empathy, and mental resilience – topics that resonate deeply across every community today.
Topic: Barrier-Free Communication: The Basics of Dignified Interaction with Different Social Groups
Trainer: Maryna Osiukhina
Participants discussed how words can build or destroy barriers, practiced understanding nonverbal cues, created a “barrier-free vocabulary,” and designed short social stories.
June 12 – Sumy
Topic: Emotional Intelligence: The Key to Understanding Yourself and Others
Trainer: Sofiia Solodchenko
From theory to practice – exercises like “Dictionary of Emotions,” “Emotional Cocktail,” and “Verbalizing Feelings” helped participants explore self-awareness and empathy.
June 25 – Sumy
Topic: Resilience: How to Stay Calm in a Changing World
Trainer: Vladyslava Stryzheus
How do we respond to stress? How can we recognize our emotional signals and manage them? The group explored these questions through discussions and relaxation techniques.
September 15 – Sumy
Topic: Active Listening Techniques: To Hear and Be Heard
Trainer: Kyryl Sementsov
A practical deep dive into the art of truly listening. Through exercises like “My Island” and “Listen – Reflect – Return,” participants practiced empathy, attention, and mindful communication.
September 16 – Sumy
Topic: Developing Emotional Intelligence: Why It Matters
Trainer: Mariia Shakhova
Colors, breathing, and drawing emotions – participants explored how creativity and mindful breathing help to better understand and express feelings.
September 19 – Sumy
Topic: Developing Emotional Intelligence: Why It Matters
Trainer: Maryna Osiukhina
A focus on stress and conflict response, teamwork, and effective communication. In the “Square Breathing” exercise, participants practiced balancing tension and calm.
September 20 – Sumy
Topic: How to Hear and Be Heard: Active Listening Techniques for Effective Communication
Trainer: Anastasiia Rashevska
Participants learned the difference between “hearing” and “listening,” practiced attentiveness through role-playing exercises like “Civilized Debate” and “Listen – Reflect – Return.”
September 22 – Sumy
Topic: Psychological Relaxation Techniques for Educators
Trainer: Sofiia Solodchenko
Emotional hygiene, restoring inner balance, and exercises like “My Mood” and “Emotional Cocktail” helped teachers discover practical ways to maintain calm in their daily work.
September 23 – Sumy
Topic: Resilience: How to Stay Calm in a Changing World
Trainer: Vladyslava Stryzheus
From brainstorming “Stress is…” to relaxation practices, participants discovered techniques to maintain balance and support others during turbulent times.
September 26 – Sumy
Topic: Living with Stress: Effective Coping Techniques
Trainer: Kseniia Denysenko
Participants explored mindful breathing, focus recovery, and personal “stress signals” through reflection exercises – a truly restorative experience for everyone.
These sessions were not just about knowledge – they were about connection, openness, and genuine care.
We thank all trainers, participants, and partners for their warmth, insight, and humanity.
The project is implemented by the NGO Human Rights Foundation as part of the “Together We Can” programme with the support of IFA and the Federal Foreign Office of Germany.
