- Actually, the idea came up a long time ago. Back in 2023, we did a similar pilot project, but with a different organisation. They had their own methodology. It overlaps somewhat with non-violent communication, but it doesn't have such a clear focus. Important points are not emphasised. When we implemented that project, we saw that children really need events where they can get together, where they can socialise, where they can discuss things and recharge their batteries. And non-violent communication is very useful in these areas. So we decided to combine that methodology with what we already know and can do. When I say ‘we,’ I mean the team, that is, everyone who was involved in developing the project. We had experience working with children and conducting events on non-violent communication.
At first, there were people on the team who said, ‘Let's not involve anyone else, let's just do it ourselves.’ But I was persistent and argued that we would not be able to reach a large number of children on our own.

- Now it is clear how the idea of involving facilitators came about.

- Then, our partner and donor, Eriks, asked us: what about the adults who surround these children, teachers and parents? We thought that was a good idea. I imagined that children go to classes, where they are taught about feelings and needs, and then they go home with this knowledge, but will their parents understand it? What about teachers at school? So we planned training for them too, although on a much smaller scale. But this way, they will be aware of what the children are doing. Moreover, from what I have already heard from the team, they have even started practising at home, together. A shared reality is emerging. And, of course, it's great when parents, children and teachers are all on the same wavelength.

- Were there any expectations for this project?

- Well, there were and still are expectations. I am still stuck with this idea that I want to measure, measure the result. Unfortunately, I am not entirely satisfied yet. We had questionnaires, so to speak, ‘input’ ones, and the team developed output ones. So that we could compare. For example: the stress level was this, and now it is that, cognitive abilities have improved, emotional intelligence has grown. So that we could say: ‘Oh! NVC works.’ But I hear from the facilitators that it is still difficult for children to answer the questions in the questionnaires. And for adults too. Our plan to conduct two or three surveys did not work out. In other words, we can see that nonviolent communication works because it works, but there is no evidence base with specific figures. Still, I hope that the changes can be measured — we just need to think about how.

- Was there anything during the project that surprised you?

- It wasn't so much that I was ‘surprised’ as I was delighted that the facilitation teams did more for the children than was planned. In other words, people didn't just go and do what they were told. There is a lot of flexibility in the "Ostriv Bezpeky", there is room for creativity, and it was used to the full.

- What do you expect from the continuation of the project?

- "Ostriv Bezpeky" is an experiment, and the continuation will be a continuation of the experiment. The teams that are already working will start talking to teenagers about conflicts, how to resolve them, mediation, and conflict prevention. I have worked with children on the topic of conflicts, but it was short-term communication—one, two, or three meetings. This will be a series over three months. So there will be a different dynamic. And that's interesting!

- Will the experience gained be summarised at the end, and will maybe a new methodology be developed?

- We are working on it. At first, we thought that the people involved in developing this project would get together and write a manual. Then we decided that this would not be entirely correct. And now our facilitators are gradually recording the exercises they have come up with and are doing. Because there is a lot of experience, a lot of accumulated knowledge, but it's all in people's heads. It is important that this is not lost, that other people have the opportunity to either repeat it or come up with something of their own, based on what we describe. Our team also plans to add structure and some theory. So there will be a manual.

- What words of advice would you give to those who are planning to join the project?

- It is important to me that the people at "Ostriv Bezpeky" are motivated. That they want to do what they do, that they find it interesting, that they enjoy it. That the project is a safe place not only for children and adults, but also for the facilitators themselves. That there is room for creativity and self-fulfilment.

- I have no further questions. Would you like to add anything?

- I am very glad that we have a partner who believes in what we do. It gives us a feeling that we are not alone and that what we are doing is really important.