As part of the Vrlinoteka programme, students read two inspiring stories from Željana Radojičić Lukić’s book “Summer Buzz with the Fairy Sunčica” — “The Teleport Token” and “Vera’s Faith.” These stories served as a starting point for discussions on what it means to truly understand another person, how to recognize someone’s emotions, and the many ways we can support those who need help.

Students talked about inner courage, about those quiet moments when we show someone that they matter, and about the importance of standing by a friend when they are sad, scared, or worried. Many shared personal experiences — moments when they offered help, comforted a classmate, or chose to speak kindly even when it was difficult. Through these conversations, students discovered that empathy is not only a feeling but also a conscious decision to make someone’s day brighter.

Inspired by the stories, students created a large “Tree of Kindness,” filling its branches with colourful hearts and handwritten messages of support. Their notes included phrases like “Believe in yourself,” “We talk to him and listen,” “Everything will be fine,” and “Help a friend feel better.” Simple, honest, deeply meaningful words that show how capable children are of understanding the emotions of others.

Together, students reflected on the idea that kindness doesn’t always need to be grand. Sometimes, it is expressed through small gestures: a smile, patience, an encouraging word, inviting someone to play, or standing up for a friend. Through this activity, they realized that every good deed—no matter how small—creates a positive ripple.

Afterwards, using the digital tool Canva, they created a “Chain of Good Deeds.” Each link symbolised one thought, one action, or one message of kindness. By connecting all the links into a single circle, students sent a powerful message: kindness grows when it is shared, and its impact becomes stronger when hearts and actions come together.

One of the most memorable moments of the project was the online class with students from “Sestre Ilić” Primary School in Valjevo. During the virtual meeting, children exchanged messages of kindness, shared their examples of compassionate behaviour, and talked about how empathy shows up in everyday situations.

The conversation was full of smiles, warm reactions, and sincere curiosity. Students realised that, although they live in different cities, they think alike and share the same values: friendship, care, support, and the desire to spread goodness. Together, they built the first small bridge of friendship — one that will only grow stronger in the future.

These activities reminded students that compassion is not expressed only through big, heroic actions, but also through small, everyday gestures that brighten someone’s day.