SEE YOU ON THE FRIENDSHIP BENCH

The international educational‑humanitarian project Friendship Bench was launched to prevent peer violence and promote inclusion, empathy, and tolerance among children through creative activities and play. Children are encouraged to build meaningful, healthy friendships.

The Friendship Bench is a painted wooden bench, and the one that will be displayed in City Center one is the very bench you will have the chance to paint. Any child can sit on the bench if they are looking for company, want to start a new game, or join one already in progress. Sitting on the bench is a sign that the child wants contact and interaction with other children.

Research shows that after Friendship Benches were introduced, children became more open, communicative, and empathetic. The amount of peer violence decreased, while awareness of inclusion increased. Children from sensitive groups also began joining games more often.

Alongside the educational workshop, a cheerful “Paint and Juice” workshop awaits — where little ones will create their own artworks to take home.

See you on Saturday!