BLOG # 6

APRIL 23, 2019

In the past we have mentioned the changes that have occurred because of educational reforms. Teachers are implementing a more interactive approach in their teaching style.  The Ukrainian School in Molochansk  has taken this to another level.  They have chosen to use a program in their school entitled “Intellect of Ukraine” which incorporates an inter-disciplinary approach.  This new program costs each parent about 2000 Uah per year.  This includes all the workbooks, tests, videos, posters, charts, etc. that they will need.   We were invited to observe Grade 1 English and Ukrainian classes.    There was a lot of interaction between teacher and students, working in small groups.  New knowledge was reinforced by using games, rhymes, and songs.  They were reading and speaking and enjoying the learning process!   Mennonite Centre had helped pay for the necessary renovations in the classroom.

 The standard of musicianship in the Tokmak and Molochansk Music schools continues to impress us.  We enjoyed a vocal concert in Tokmak last week with performers ranging from age 6 and up, including the two instructors:  Irina and Sergei Lokotkov. 

We heard wonderful solos, duets, and ensembles, accompanied by very fine pianists.

  The  Molochansk Music School held their 4^th Annual Piano Festival in honor of Linda Stobbe.  Several years ago Linda had done piano masterclasses with the students and in her memory they began the festival.  It was evident that the students and teachers had worked very hard to give top-notch performances.  Both these schools provide the communities with dance, instrumental, and vocal instruction.  Mennonite Centre continues to support them in various ways.

The local interest in Mennonite history continues.  Right after our arrival last year a history group from Tokmak   visited  Mennonite Centre to question us about the experiences of our ancestors who used to live in these villages.  Since then they have produced a video showing many of the remaining Mennonite buildings and sharing descriptions about life here more than a hundred years ago.  Now we were invited to view this video at the Tokmak Museum.  It was good to see their efforts in trying to discover a history that was forbidden to the local people during Communist times.  In his remarks the mayor referred to the saying: “Those who do not know their history do not have a future.”    The instructor of the group said he was surprised that Mennonites had returned, after he had learned about the horrors they experienced here.  It was an opportunity for us to speak about the faith that sustains us and our reasons for returning and serving the local people.