“Understanding pain – easy for children”: MHB project for elementary school pupils

Neuruppin, 15 May 2025

“Understanding pain – easy for children” is the title of a project which the Integrated working group „Medical ethics and history“ of the Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane (MHB) shared with the Montessori elementary school in Neuruppin on its recent parent-organized day. The MHB was represented by Magdalena Ruppert, health teacher and co-founder of the group, neurosurgeon Finn-Hannes Ruppert and medical students Sundus Alkilani and Lilly-Theresa Hahn. The event was meant to give children a better understanding of pain, its causes and coping strategies.

An interactive round of talks with the experts invited pupils to answer questions like: Have you ever experienced pain? How do we perceive pain? What does our body tell us? And what can be done to relieve pain? The experts had easy-to-understand explanations which helped to reduce fears of pain and injuries in general.

A “doctoring” session followed with intensive exchange in small groups where the children fixed up their cuddly toys under the empathetic supervision of the two medical students who are also active in the MHB teddy clinic.

The MHB body model was a particular highlight for the schoolchildren. They eagerly explored various organs, learned about their functions and got insights into how the human body responds to injuries and heals itself.

Medical knowledge was one key aspect; another was the ethical perspective. Understanding pain means not only to correctly interpret physical signals but also to develop empathy for others. A conscious and respectful approach to pain and suffering constitutes a basic ethical element of healthcare. Children learn that pain is an alarm signal of the body that deserves attention, and that compassion and mutual support play a significant role in coping with illness and suffering.

Magdalena Ruppert says it is important for children to be informed about pain at an early time so that they can develop a healthy awareness of the body and know how to handle pain. The medical students were highly satisfied with the successful project and happy to encounter so much interest and curiosity on the part of the children.