The Story of Social Friday in Schools: Fridays, Reinvented

Turning the least productive day into the most meaningful. Social Friday in Schools connects students with their communities—bridging generations, tackling challenges, and building skills that last a lifetime.

Imagine this: It’s a Friday afternoon. The energy is fading, the weekend is calling, and classrooms everywhere are just coasting. But not here—not with Social Friday in Schools.

Here, Fridays are alive with purpose. A group of sixth-graders in Switzerland, a country synonymous with excellence in education, is sitting not in their usual desks but alongside senior citizens. They’re sharing stories, laughter, and ideas. Together, they’re building more than just relationships—they’re building understanding, empathy, and a better world.

And this isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a tested one. The program, first piloted in Switzerland, earned the highest grades from educators and participants alike. In a nation known for its world-class education system, Social Friday in Schools proved that it’s possible to teach more than math and science—it’s possible to teach connection.

A Big Idea, Backed by Real Impact

It all started as a simple idea: what if we took the most overlooked part of the week and made it extraordinary?

In Switzerland, students partnered with seniors in intergenerational projects that broke down stereotypes and built lasting bonds. Teachers reported improved social-emotional skills like empathy, communication, and teamwork among their students. Seniors shared how these connections brought joy and purpose back into their lives.

But the vision goes beyond just one community—or one kind of project. This program can adapt to almost any cause or challenge. Imagine students teaming up to tackle environmental issues—planting trees, cleaning up parks, or brainstorming sustainability solutions. Picture them collaborating with marginalized groups to promote inclusion and understanding. Wherever there’s a need for connection, Social Friday in Schools can be the answer.

And the best part? The program is ready for global implementation. Schools anywhere in the world can get started with the Social Friday Starter Kit—a carefully crafted resource packed with ready-to-use templates, step-by-step activity plans, and practical tools. With everything laid out, educators can seamlessly bring this vision to life in their classrooms.

Why Fridays Matter

Let’s face it: Fridays have a bad rap in education. They’re the “coast day,” the “nothing gets done” day. Social Friday in Schools flips that narrative.

It turns the least productive hours of the week into a celebration of connection, creativity, and action. Students build social-emotional skills—like empathy, adaptability, and teamwork—that will carry them far beyond the classroom. And communities? They gain a generation that’s ready to engage, contribute, and make a difference.

From Switzerland to the World

What makes this program special is that it started in one of the most respected education systems in the world. Switzerland isn’t just known for its chocolate and mountains; it’s also a global leader in innovation and education.

And here’s the kicker: the program works. The pilot wasn’t just successful—it was transformative. Students reflected on their own behavior, became more self-aware, and developed skills they’ll carry for life. Seniors felt seen, valued, and energized. Teachers found a new way to reach their students and make education truly holistic.

But Social Friday in Schools isn’t just for Switzerland. It’s for every school, in every city, in every country. With the Social Friday Starter Kit, schools across the globe can adapt the program to their own unique needs—whether it’s connecting students with seniors, tackling environmental challenges, or building bridges with marginalized communities.

What Happens Next Is Up to You

This isn’t just a program—it’s an invitation. An invitation to turn ordinary Fridays into something extraordinary. To teach kids that connection matters, that kindness counts, and that even small actions can create big change.

The question is: Are you ready to take the leap?

• 🌍 Bring Social Friday in Schools to your community.
• 📦 Get the Social Friday Starter Kit and see how easy it is to get started.

The world doesn’t change on its own. It changes when people like you decide to do something about it. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s make Fridays matter.

Quick Facts About Social Friday in Schools

• Origins: Piloted in Switzerland, a global leader in education innovation.
• Recognition: Awarded top marks by teachers and participants for its transformative impact.
• Flexibility: Adaptable to various causes, from intergenerational connections to environmental sustainability.
• Tools: Comes with an easy-to-use Social Friday Starter Kit for schools worldwide.