The development of volunteerism in educational organizations was discussed at the National Centre RUSSIA

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The event was organized within the framework of the educational program "Learning by Serving. The First," implemented by the Association of Volunteer Centres "Dobro.rf" and the Russian Movement of Children and Youth "Movement of the First."

On January 25, the National Centre RUSSIA hosted a strategic session on the systematic development of volunteerism in educational organizations in Russia. The event was organized within the framework of the educational program "Learning by Serving. The First," implemented by the Association of Volunteer Centres "Dobro.rf" and the Russian Movement of Children and Youth "Movement of the First," with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation, and the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh).

The event was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation, the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh), all-Russian public organizations, regional ministries for youth policy, regional branches of the "Movement of the First," associations of volunteer centres (Dobro.rf), parent communities, and student youth. 

The "Learning by Serving" program is being implemented in accordance with the directive of the President of the Russian Federation No. Pr-173GS dated January 29, 2023. Its goals and objectives align with the Presidential Decree of May 7, 2024, No. 309 "On the national development goals of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2030," the Presidential Decree of November 9, 2022, No. 809 "On the approval of the Fundamentals of State Policy for Preserving and Strengthening Traditional Russian Spiritual and Moral Values," and the objectives of the National Project "Youth and Children."

"Our task is to involve as many young people as possible in volunteerism and public activities. It is necessary to address this at all levels of education and in all areas of youth policy. That is why we gathered together on the platform of the National Centre RUSSIA. We are here to propose mechanisms that will make the system even more effective. I am confident that the cultural code of volunteerism is embedded in each resident of our country. It is what helps us unite in challenging times, to rejoice together, and simply always remain human, doing good for those in need," noted Olga Petrova, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.

The "Learning by Serving" program is one of the most powerful tools for shaping a socially responsible individual. Naturally, the sense of personal significance in addressing real-life issues brings many positive emotions to the participants. It's no wonder that more than 120 schools and over 400 universities in the country have already joined the project, and the "Learning by Serving" program has been integrated into the educational plans of most universities. 

"Our project helps engage young people in solving social problems and instills a sense of responsibility for the future of the country and for addressing important issues. In other words, you're not just volunteering but also helping to solve social tasks — this is what distinguishes the mechanism of our project's work from the general understanding of volunteerism. Participants understand that every young person can contribute to solving various issues," emphasized Kirill Antonov, Executive Director of the Association of Volunteer Centres, Nonprofit Organizations, and Institutes for Social Development Dobro.rf. 

During the event, group work was conducted to identify key barriers in building a seamless system for the development of volunteerism in educational organizations in Russia. A number of proposals were developed to enhance the effectiveness of this system, and a vision of the desired outcome was formulated. Volunteers who assisted in the work of Vladimir Putin's Central Election Headquarters in 2024 were awarded letters of gratitude from the President of the Russian Federation. The meeting concluded with a presentation of the results, the establishment of agreements, and the definition of key principles and plans for further work to achieve the national goal indicators.

More photos from the event can be found at the provided link.