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Title Suggestions

1. The Memoirs of a Bench - ST1 4th Primary, Greece, Foutzitzi M.

2.The Power of TOGETHER - 1st grade; Romania, Nicoleta Barbu

3. The Bench of Solitude-6th grade,Romania, Cristina Murarita

4. The Bench that changed everything - ST2, 4th Primary, Greece

5.Friendship, 4th grade primary school, Istanbul Türkiye, Serpil ÇANAKÇI ÇELİK

6.The friendship bench-4th primary, Veria, Katerina Kolitsa

7. The sharing bench - 3rd grade primary school, Craiova, Romania, Anișoara-Mariana Ciobotariu

Title Suggestions

8.A magical bench full of love and friendship, B2, 4th primary, Veria, Greece, Tsotsi A.

9. A bench full of our memories, C1, 4th Primary, Veria, Greece, Dimitris Maniotis

Preface

In the far corner of TWT Elementary’s schoolyard stood an old, faded bench—worn by time, but rich with memories. In this International school, where students from different backgrounds and countries come together, the bench became more than just a seat. It was the Bench of Friendship, where students made new friends, laughed, dreamed, resolved their differences, and supported one another. It became a place where students learned to be kind, to share their concerns—a silent witness to the important stories of their lives.

One day, however, the school principal announced a schoolyard renovation, meaning their beloved bench would be replaced with a brand-new one. To many, it was insignificant, but to these students, it was a symbol of friendship and belonging. They couldn't let it go without a fight. But how could they save it?

And so, their journey began—a mission to save the bench and what it represented. As they tried to defend it, they recalled the countless stories that had unfolded around it, those stories where a simple seat had the power to unite, inspire and change lives.

Let the stories begin….

4th Primary, Veria, Greece

The Lonely Newcomer

Anian was a new student at TWT Primary School. He had moved from France and felt lonely in this unfamiliar environment where he didn't know anyone. His English wasn’t good enough, making it difficult for him to communicate. He was nervous and too shy to approach others, fearing that his classmates might laugh at his accent or limited vocabulary. During recess, he often sat alone in a quiet corner, watching the other children play, secretly hoping that someone would talk to him.

One cloudy morning, Anian found himself sitting on an old, faded bench in the corner of the schoolyard. To him, it was just an ordinary bench—or so he thought. I wish I could go back home, where my best friends are waiting for me, he thought. Instead, he sat there, eating his sandwich alone.

A few minutes later, a boy named Eldi, who had come from Albania, approached him with a warm, friendly smile.

“I know how you feel,” Eldi said. “When I came to this school, I was lonely too. But when I sat on this bench, everything changed. This is the friendship bench!"

"The what?" Anian asked.

"The friendship bench," Eldi repeated. "When someone sits here alone, it means he wants to make friends. That’s how I made mine!"

At first, Anian was confused, but soon, other students joined them. They invited him to play games, talk, and laugh together. They shared stories about the bench and how it had helped them. They told him it was unique; they had all sat there once, and that was how they had met each other. For the first time, Anian felt welcome and not an outsider, he felt happy and accepted!

Now, Anian didn’t feel alone. He had found friendship, all because of a simple bench that was much more than just a place to sit—it was a place of friendship, belonging, and kindness. And now, he was no longer a newcomer—he was part of the school.

Maria Foutzitzi (ST1)

David GONZÁLEZ GÁNDARA

The bench of Solitude

On a warm June morning, Paul walked slowly to work, passing by his old school and noticing a rusted iron bench that triggered powerful memories. Years ago, that bench had been his quiet refuge during the darkest year of his life—a year marked by the death of his father and his mother's struggle to care for him and his two younger sisters. At just 12 years old, Paul had to grow up quickly. His mother, overwhelmed by financial burdens, relied on him to be responsible and mature. Despite her love, she didn’t know about his loneliness at school—how the other children ignored him, how his clothes stood out, or how he longed for the delicious food in their lunchboxes.

He never told her about the bench he named “Brick,” after his orange kitten who listened to his daily struggles. On Brick, Paul poured out his worries about math tests, grammar lessons, and his happiness during art class—his only escape. He kept it all from his mother, not wanting to add to her sadness over his father’s death, Maya’s fragile health, or Ana’s unhappiness.

But things started to change. Near the end of that difficult year, a classmate named Eva approached him during a break and offered him a slice of cheesecake. Though hesitant at first, Paul accepted, and soon it became a routine—Eva visiting Brick with food and companionship. Their laughter and connection drew the attention of other classmates, who eventually joined them. Slowly, Paul’s isolation faded as he realized they shared similar fears about school and life.

At home, things improved too—his mother found a better job, Maya’s health stabilized, and Ana made a new friend. The bench, once a symbol of loneliness, became the center of budding friendships and support. Paul's world shifted from one of quiet suffering to one of connection and growth.

Years later, Paul, now a successful architect, cherishes that bench. He chooses not to renovate it but preserve it as a symbol. He hopes that if another lonely child sits there, they too might find solace, strength, and the beginnings of lifelong friendships. What was once a secret he kept from his mother—his pain and solitude—has become a story of triumph he believes she must know.

Cristina Murarita

Do you want to play hide and seek?

Do you want to play a pantomime?

You are very beautiful with your glasses. Look, I am wearing them too.

How much I like it when we tell jokes and laugh.

It's all over now. You did it. You're a hero.

My leg hurts.

Don't be afraid. I'll go call the nurse.

Anastasia Tsotsi

Anastasia Tsotsi

Do you want to play rock, paper, pencil, scissors?

Don't pay attention when they make fun of you. Ignore them and let's go play.

Do you want me to give you some of my food?

I love you

Look, I brought you a new game, come on, let's play.

I love you too.

Do you want to sing together?

Anastasia Tsotsi

DOSTLUK

Portakal İlkokulu'nda sıradan bir gündü. Okula yeni başlayan Mary, ilk günü olduğu için zor zamanlar geçiriyordu. Okula yeni başladığı için onu dışlıyorlardı. Mary kendini yalnız hissediyordu. Bahçeye çıkıp biraz hava almak istiyordu. Bahçede dolaşırken kimsenin oturmadığı bir bank gördü. Gidip oturdu. Aynı sınıfta olan Arda gelip yanına oturdu. Mary ile aynı durumu yaşıyordu. Arda:

- "Sen de kendini yalnız mı hissediyorsun?" dedi. Mary:

- "Evet. Kimseyi tanımıyorum." Arda sakin bir şekilde şöyle dedi:

- "Benimle arkadaş olmak ister misin?" dedi Meryem, gözlerini parlayarak, "evet." Mary ve Arda çok yakın arkadaş oldular. O bankaya "Dostluk Bankası" adını verdiler.

Bankanın çevresini burada süsleyip, kendini yalnız hisseden herkesin neler yapabileceğini söylediler.

Serpil ÇANAKÇI ÇELİK

Elena Liliana Negrila

Each student brought a photo to get to know each other better.

They each wrote a letter for their fellow student who was expelled.

Elena Liliana Negrila

They created a true network of friendship.

I remember myself watching my classmates chasing each other while I was limping every step I made that first September in this school. While they cheered I kept thinking how different I was from them. And this bench, although it was big and comfortable it looked like my deserted island.

One warm, sunny October day Georgia came closer. Nick followed her. I remember Anthi coming after them carrying her pencilcase full of colourful crayons. I felt my heart beating fast as I was ready to turn them down kindly like I did since I came to this school.

"Peter can we sit with you?" started Georgia with her eyes bright open and a sincere smile on her face. "We are fed up playing alone" I was sitting there looking at their curious faces. A hope lit my heart that made me nod positively.

Georgia full of energy made me laugh with her stories while Nick wanted to tell me all about dinosaurs and I was ready to listen to him! Anthi drew fantastic pictures with her crayons that made me dream of extraodinary places and creatures . I started playing their games in my own way. We played board games, made stories , drew pictures and shared our secrets. The bench was full of loud laughs and I had found a place in their hearts and in this schoolyard. That was the beginning of my change. The bench from a symbol of seclusion for me turned into a vivid friendship hive. My mobility problems did not go way , but my feeling of loneliness had drifted away! From then on I had won the acceptance of my friends which was the biggest strength to move on. This bench tells the story of how I accepted myself and my uniqueness.

By Peter Kolitsa katerina

Anișoara-Mariana Ciobotariu

Talking and sharing thoughts

Playing games on the bench

Anișoara-Mariana Ciobotariu

Coming to the bench and sharing quality time

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"A Bench Full of our Memories"

Name: A Bench Full of our Memories
Author: 4dimver

4dimver, Ελένη Βουλιουβάση, ANASTASIA TSOTSI, AnaMC, Cristina Murarita, Dinu Madalina, NegrilaElena, Nicoleta Barbu, Serpil Çanakçı, dmaniotis, foutzitzi, mr_rookes

A collection of stories from international students about a 'Friendship Bench' that helps children overcome loneliness, bullying, and conflict, eventually leading to a mission to save the bench from being replaced.

(33 pages)

Privacy level: PUBLIC

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