Social-educational practice as a space for initiatives, support, and youth work

Social-educational field practice is an important component of the professional training of students majoring in I10 “Social Work and Counselling”/231“Social Work”. Its purpose is to develop professional skills related to organizing social-educational and educational activities in real-life settings involving children and youth.

During the practice period, students of groups 203SR(a)-z and 203SR(b)-z had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the specifics of social-educational work in different types of institutions and organizations, participate in the organization of educational, social, motivational, and leisure activities, and develop professional competencies in the field of work with children and youth.

The practice bases included educational institutions, public organizations, and institutions engaged in social-educational activities with children and youth, including the NGO “Agency of Creative Initiatives ‘Bilʹshe’,” Pereshchepyne Lyceum of the Pereshchepyne City Council, Dnipro Scientific Lyceum of Information Technologies of the Dnipro City Council, Novopokrovskyi Lyceum named after V.M. Syvolob, Gymnasium No. 158 of the Dniprovskyi District of Kyiv, Vocational School No. 71, Delzhyler Lyceum of the Tatarbunary City Council, as well as the Department of Social Work and Inclusive Education of BSPU.

The practice allowed students to observe various areas of social-educational activity, including the organization of educational work in schools, implementation of youth and social initiatives, support for children with special educational needs, organization of awareness-raising and motivational events, leisure activities, and work with school and university youth.

Students who completed their practice at educational institutions participated in organizing educational activities, observed the work of teaching staff, took part in planning social-educational work, assisted in organizing the educational process, and interacted with children and youth. Special attention was paid to developing communication skills, support strategies, teamwork organization, and creating a safe and supportive environment.

An important component of the practice was work in an inclusive educational environment. Students who completed their practice at Pereshchepyne Lyceum had the opportunity to work directly and interact with children with disabilities.

“The practice helped us realize the importance of supporting every child and the significance of inclusive education in modern society. The atmosphere within the lyceum staff was friendly and supportive, while communication with children brought many sincere emotions and inspiration,” the student trainees noted.

Practice within public organizations provided students with the opportunity to engage in social and youth initiatives, awareness-raising activities, and community work. In particular, students who completed their practice at the NGO “Agency of Creative Initiatives ‘Bilʹshe’” participated in activities aimed at developing youth initiatives, supporting active youth, and implementing socially significant projects.

Some students completed their practice at their workplaces, which allowed them to combine professional duties with the objectives of social-educational practice, deepen their skills in organizing educational activities, and analyze the specifics of interaction with different categories of children and youth in real professional settings.

A separate area of the practice involved organizing and conducting activities dedicated to World Social Work Day 2026. Within the framework of social-educational activities, students participated in preparing and conducting thematic online meetings, professional meet-ups, and motivational events devoted to humanity, support, inclusion, and social initiatives.

One of these events was the professional meeting “Case Management in Inclusive Practice: Experience Working with Children with Special Educational Needs,” presented by student Inna Piatak. During the meeting, participants discussed the specifics of socio-pedagogical support for children with special educational needs, the importance of cooperation with parents, teachers, and support team specialists, as well as practical aspects of creating a supportive environment for every child.

“Participation in such an event became a valuable opportunity not only to share experience but also to emphasize the importance of the social worker profession, which is based on humanity, support, and assistance to those who need it,” Inna Piatak shared.

Another important event was the open meeting “Humanity in Action: How Do Social Initiatives Change Communities?”, conducted by Mariia Epelbaum – a student majoring in I10 “Social Work and Counselling,” volunteer, youth worker, and author of the blog “Christian Reflections.”

During the meeting, Mariia shared her experience in implementing youth and social initiatives, organizing concerts, children’s camps, meetings, and support projects for older adults.

“For me, social work is прежде all a calling to humanity that is born in the heart. To change lives, it is not necessary to have large budgets – it is enough to have the desire to become a source of light where there is a need,” Mariia noted during the meeting.

As part of the practice, an online meeting titled “Life of Refugees Abroad: Challenges, Experiences, and New Opportunities” was also organized. The event focused on issues of adaptation, support, and integration of Ukrainians abroad. Participants discussed the difficulties of adapting to a new environment, the importance of community support, and the role of communication and mutual assistance in the integration process.

Some students completed their practice at the Department of Social Work and Inclusive Education of BSPU, participating in the organization of faculty social-educational events, online meetings, motivational initiatives, and activities dedicated to World Social Work Day. This provided students with an opportunity to try themselves in the role of organizers of student and awareness-raising events, as well as to develop skills in working with youth audiences and teamwork.

As a result of the practice, students improved their skills in organizing social-educational activities, planning and conducting events, teamwork, communication with children and youth, developing creative approaches, and implementing social initiatives. The practice also contributed to the development of responsibility, empathy, creativity, and the ability to work under contemporary social challenges.

Social-educational practice once again confirmed that a future social worker is not only a support specialist but also an organizer of an environment of trust, development, interaction, and humanity.

Based on materials provided by the Department of Social Work and Inclusive Education