Today’s WOA’s English Speaking Club session started with a brief reminder of the tragic events of 9/11/2001. The Club members were asked to find time tomorrow and commemorate the tragic death of 3000 persons by the minute of silence.

After that the club member Vladislav made a report about his unforgettable trip to Hawaii. He made a photo presentation with comments about the most interesting details of his journey.

The club members asked him many questions about his experiences on the famous American resort.

The second part of the session was dedicated to the International day of Democracy, celebrated on September, 15. 2011 theme for this day is: “What do Citizens expect from their Parliament?”

We have read and translated an article about the definition of democracy. Democracy is both an ideal and a set of institutions and practices.

 As an ideal, it expresses two very simple principles:

-that the members of any group or association should have control over the group's rules and policies; and

-that those members should treat each other, and be treated, as equals.

In modern States, these principles are realized through a continually evolving and complex set of institutions and practices that include:

- a legal framework that guarantees peoples' rights

- governing institutions that are representative and accountable to the people

- an active citizen body or civil society

- political parties that articulate the views and aspirations of the people

- communication media that inform people about public affairs.

We have watched and discussed the You Tube videos about the Ukrainian political situation which is described by the “Voice of America” reporter as “a test for democracy “.

To sum up the topic we have discussed the political caricatures about democracy. This activity was enjoyed by all the present as it showed differences of perception in different generation groups.

The number of participants – 25 persons.
Have a look at more pictures, please