Native American Indian Wisdom

Welcome to English-Speaking Club. Last month we had a variety of topics discussed:17.05 Liberia
24।05 Native Americans – history of USA
31.05 Native American Indian Wisdom
Today’s topic was devoted to the sayings of native American Indians.
“One rain does not make a crop”
“If we wonder often, the gift of knowledge will come”
“Each person is his own judge”
These and many other sayings really keep much sense and undoubtedly could be applied to our today’s life notwithstanding they appeared long time ago. Our participants got acquainted with the offered material and discussed the meaning of each saying.

American and Ukrainian Educational Systems

On May 24, WOA center was happy to host meeting with Turkey pupils, pupils from Sumy gymnasium and told them about the peculiarities of American and Ukrainian educational systems, dwelled on the advantages and disadvantages of each system. Americans place a high value on education. All participants remembered Kennedy’s words: "Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education". Our guests showed a great interest and asked a lot of questions about the opportunities of getting education and internships in the U.S.

India. Watching the photo exhibition about India

Welcome to English-Speaking Club। Last month we had a variety of topics discussed:5।04 “India. Watching the photo exhibition about India”

The participants of our English-speaking club were suggested watching the photo-exhibition “India. Culture. Traditions”. After that they were asked to share their impressions on what they had seen. Each of the participants expressed his or her opinion about what the life in India was like. After that they read an article about India and had a discussion about it.
12.04 “Interesting Facts about India”
19.04 Playing the Game “Scrabble”
26.04 Ethic Questions

Project Window on America centers in Sumy

On April 29, Regional Interagency Scientific Conference"Innovation as a factor of Library Development” took place at Sumy Oblast Research Library. There was a presentation of the project of the US Embassy in Ukraine «Window on America Centers». The director of Sumy WOA center acquainted librarians with collections, services and activities of WOA center in Sumy. She provided the audience with information how we use new media tools: Facebook, YouTube, LibraryThing, blogs, online resources, host different clubs, games and innovative programs.

USA Quiz

On April 20, the pupils from school № 8 visited WOA center. They were presented to WOA center’s resources, encyclopedias Americana and Britannica, dictionaries.
The main topic of our meeting was to know a lot of interesting facts about the USA, its geography, history, the presidents, it’s people. We had gathered together to hold the quiz. It was dedicated to the USA. We travelled about the USA, our trip was merry and interesting. This competition showed achievements and good knowledge of pupils.

Family Law in the USA and Ukraine

On April 12, the students of the Sumy Branch of Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs had a chance to take part in the discussion with the native speaker, PCV Arden Stone on family law in the USA and Ukraine. The discussion was very informative and touched on marriages, divorces, adoption, prenuptial agreements, child custody, and property settlements. Historically, in the United States, family law was based on European feudalism. Marriage, as defined by law before the beginning of the 20th century, enabled the husband to become the owner of the wife property’s as well as her legal guardian, despite property laws that gave women more rights regarding property ownership.
It was interesting to know that child custody had been traditionally awarded to mothers from the onset of the 20th century, but as the father's role in the family evolved, laws changed to allow fathers custody, and eventually, the concept of joint custody was created. In joint custody, both parents share the responsibility of taking care of the child. Court decisions do not always make both parents happy.
Students got their interest in the event and expressed a great wish to meet again.

Speaking about Social Issues

Welcome to English-Speaking Club। Last month we had a variety of topics discussed:15.03 “Idioms. World News” 22.03 “Eating Habits” 29.03 “Speaking about Social Issues” Is it possible for a man and a woman to be friends? Is it obligatory to wear a school uniform in Ukrainian schools? What musical style would you prefer if you could play a musical instrument? What school subjects should be added to the curriculum? These and other matters concerning social issues were discussed at the meeting of our English-speaking club. The participants were given various questions and talked them over in the groups of two. After that each participant had a chance to share his opinion with the whole group and to tell his pros and corns.