Ordinarily, non-traditional (non-orthodox) Christian organizations inspire feelings of distrust and suspicion with slavic people. Some of them are still certain that protestants practice child-sacrifice and thoroughly "fleece" the "members" of their organizations. The ignorant stereotypes that Poltavans have formed over the course of decades are hard to dispel. Unfortunately, the level of religious education in the population leaves a lot to be desired. Churches, according to Ukrainian law, are not allowed to influence educational curricula. For their part, government institutions make no effort to develop policies that encourage religious tolerance among Ukrainians. Therefore, we need to resort to outside help.

Poltava has never seen an effort of this scale and quality before. A team of professional teachers from the United States came for two weeks. During the course of their effort they succeeded in both improving the Poltavans' level of English conversation and in witnessing to the efficacy of Biblical truths, demonstrating real Christian love by their own example. All of this took place in the Christian Center and the Born Again church building. No one called the effort blatant religious propaganda or "deception of the foolish". Even teachers from Poltava educational institutions were impressed with the professionalism and creativity of the teaching methods. Still, some students were disappointed...

 

Roma: "I came to study English, but now you are preaching to me about Jesus. I am not interested."

Everyone is entitled to his opinion. However, we the organizers were happy to hear that most of the responses indicate that the effort was well-received.

 

 

 

Yuriy Kulinich (elementary school teacher)

"My impression is very good. Meeting the people who traveled here ... They made a very good atmosphere ... very positive, and, in fact it seems like our level of English knowledge has improved. In general I really liked their approach, the way they structured the time ... starting the lesson with interesting songs ... By the way, I am going to start using the techniques that appealed to me not just for learning English, but also for my native language and for mathematics ..."

 

 

 

Ilona Dzyuban (student at the technical university)

"I really enjoyed the English lessons. This was a new type of school for me. I am taking another course and can compare the two. This school gave me a lot more, my conversation ability improved. I learned a lot of new words. The teachers related very well to me. I really liked the atmosphere. I didn't miss a single lesson."

 

 

 

 

 Anya (student)

"I'm a fifth year student in English and German. I am interested in improving my English, and in general in talking to Americans. I was left with a good impression. Such an organized effort ... it really couldn't be better."

 

 

 

 

 

Anya (student)

"The big advantage was in learning English with the help of Americans. It isn't like the university, for example, where the teachers try to explain something to you, but they don't know how. In particular, they don't know the nuances of grammar because they have never been out of the country. When you are talking with Americans who don't understand Ukrainian or Russian, you try to pick up words ... Really, it's quite a mental exercise where you are forced to dig and dig, trying to improve your English. We told about ourselves every time in the lessons. Really, it was just great."

 

 

 

 

 

Olga (teacher of foreign literature)

"I really enjoyed it. I am very thankful that I can participate. The lessons were interesting, accessible and fun. Thanks for the wonderful opportunity to talk with native speakers, it was great practice - and with a foreign language practice is the main thing. The teachers accommodated people of different ages and different levels of knowledge in learning English, in improving, and that is really remarkable. Thanks to all the organizers and teachers. Here the emphasis was on oral practice. I was able to pick up different teaching methods. It was interesting not just to learn, but to observe those who were teaching. It was nice to spend time in the company of fun-loving people. I got to know more people. There is a wonderful, friendly atmosphere here ..."

 

Photos here

Download photos (65MB) here