Within the framework of the international Erasmus+ project “BONDS – Sustainable Skills Building towards the Prevention and Management of Delinquent Behaviours at Schools”, the project team of Oleksandr Dovzhenko Hlukhiv National Pedagogical University conducted the second focus group at Yampil Lyceum No. 2 of the Yampil Village Council, Sumy District.

The meeting was organized using the same methodology as the first focus group and included a brief presentation of the BONDS project, work with self-assessment tools aimed at evaluating teachers’ professional self-efficacy, and an in-depth discussion of the key challenges faced by primary school teachers in their daily practice.

The focus group brought together six primary school teachers who shared their experiences in working with students demonstrating challenging behaviour, discussed approaches to social and emotional learning, and expressed their expectations regarding the support and practical tools to be developed within the BONDS project.

Of particular significance was the fact that the meeting took place under difficult conditions—despite the cold and the lack of electricity. These circumstances did not hinder open professional dialogue, mutual support, or active exchange of ideas. On the contrary, they highlighted the high level of professional motivation, responsibility, and resilience of Ukrainian teachers.

The frank discussions, practical examples from real school contexts, and strong engagement of the participants confirmed the relevance of the BONDS project as an initiative grounded in the real needs of educators and aimed at fostering a supportive, safe, and inclusive educational environment.

We sincerely thank the teaching staff of Yampil Lyceum No. 2 for their active participation and partnership. The insights and recommendations collected during the focus group will make an important contribution to the further development of the BONDS project tools.

The work continues — together we are building a supportive school.