In March, Christine set up her first prayer space in France. During the first week of the prayer space, the school director asked the 190 pupils at the school to discover the prayer space. I explained the concept and all wanted to get involved with the activities. All of the pupils really enjoyed the space and were surprised and delighted with what had been arranged for them.

During the second week, pupils could chose if they wanted to come along to the prayer space again and it was open during breaks and after school. I was surprised by the crowd waiting behind the door the first day and scrambling to be the first to enter. Therefore, I made a schedule for each class to facilitate management and flow. Every day, during lunch time between 40 and 60 children came along to the prayer space and after school between 20 and 30 children.

The children found the prayer space to be relaxing, calm, peaceful and they were able to express themselves freely without shame and judgment. They were able to take the time to reflect on themselves, others, the world and God. Prayer spaces really meet a need!

The pupils really enjoyed the following activities:

“Leave your worries behind” – some students expressed that they were worried about school work, friendships and life at home.

“Forgive” and “excuse me” – in view of the number of stones in the basket at the end of the day, many needed to ask for forgiveness and forgive others.

“I found it good for me, a moment of tenderness”. (11 years old)

“It’s calm, we have the feeling of being listened to” (10 years old)

“This place calms me down, especially when I get upset after the teachers.” (9 years old)

“It’s a moment of relaxation, you can write everything you have in your head.” (10 years old)

“It’s good to hear what others think about me, we do not have the opportunity to hear and say it.” (11 years old)

“It’s good to be able to leave your worries.” (7years old)

“Here it’s calm, it’s good, because in class and at recess there is always noise”. (8 years old)

A parent said his daughter had explained the “the prayer space” to him by describing it as a place to pause and reflect on herself, others and God.

I am delighted to see that the children have understood the concept, it is a great satisfaction! It was so successful that many students ask for the prayer space to return. The director was really pleased and asked for the prayer space to run again in May.