Позитивные изменения. Том 3, № 3 (2023). Positive changes. Volume 3, Issue 3 (2023)

THE STATE EMBRACES THE PATH OF SERVICE LEARNING

Currently, the focus of state attention in Russia is shifting towards a practical and worldview-oriented approach to education. This approach facilitates the application of academic knowledge within real social contexts to address society’s pertinent challenges. A crucial element of this process involves close collaboration with nonprofits to address genuine issues affecting people and society at large.

As of September 1, 2023, systematic efforts have been launched to foster collaboration between universities and the social sector. Towards the end of the previous year, the President of the Russian Federation issued the relevant directive.[57] The endeavor of incorporating the “Service Learning” module into higher education curricula materialized through a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia, the Ministry of Labor of Russia, Rosmolodezh, and the Association of Volunteer Centers (AVC).

Explaining this initiative, Olga Petrova, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, commented, “Our goal is to propose implementation formats that seamlessly integrate with educational programs. Various universities have already integrated this module, with a considerable number of students displaying a distinct interest in service, evidenced by their participation in initiatives like #WeAreTogether, Dobro.Centers, and patriotic clubs such as #IAmProud, along with active involvement in volunteer activities.”[58]

Artem Metelev, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Youth Policy and Chair of the Association of Volunteer Centers, elucidates why it was AVC that was tasked with developing and integrating the “Service Learning” course into higher education programs. Since 2014, the organization has been collaboratively advancing the infrastructure supporting the volunteer movement, while proposing, lobbying and implementing specialized legislative initiatives. Additionally, they have crafted methodological guidelines and standards for volunteer activities across various domains. In 2020, AVC published the “Service Learning” methodological manual, offering insights into the essence, objectives, principles, content, methods, and forms of this educational methodology that cultivates social responsibility. It also outlines steps for its implementation within educational and community organizations. Ultimately, this guide was endorsed by the Ministry of Education of Russia and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation for integration into educational institutions.