The students told about their studies and work.
Alexey Kolmakov, 2nd year of Master's degree, social pedagogue at school № 42 in Belgorod and performer of the role of Passepartout in the Fort Boyard TV Show:
1) You have studied in two different specialties, graduating from secular (Belgorod State National Research University) and spiritual (Belgorod Orthodox Theological Seminary) educational institutions. Why have you chosen this particular learning strategy?
I have chosen a strategy of studying in two different specialties – secular and spiritual, as I have always sought to broaden my horizons and understanding of various spheres of life. When I moved to Belgorod, I told my relatives that I wanted to learn to sing in the church choir, and just at that moment there was a set for Sunday school at the church of Faith, Hope, Love and their mother Sofia, which is located on Koroleva Street. It became interesting for me to study the history of Orthodoxy, and I decided to follow this path. At Sunday school I learned to sing, studied the Church Slavonic language, completed bell ringer courses and began to read the Apostle during the liturgy in our church. Then, in 2014, I joined the NGO "Emergency Youth Assistance", which to this day provides assistance to citizens in our region and beyond in solving various social issues and problems as well as organizes events and educational forums. I was the organizer of a regional forum where lectures, seminars and talks on topical topics, including spiritual ones, were held. All these forums were held every year, and the audience was always young people. I believe that the foundation of any state is precisely youth. After graduating from Belgorod State National Research University I have received an education in a secular specialty, which helped me develop the analytical and technical skills necessary in the modern world. At the same time studying at the Belgorod Orthodox Theological Seminary gave me the opportunity to immerse myself in the spiritual sphere, deepen my faith and acquire knowledge about religious traditions and values.
2) Does spiritual education help you in your work?
Spiritual education certainly helps me in my work. It has taught me to be more tolerant and attentive to the needs and feelings of others. Thanks to this education, I am able to find a common language with different people and help them solve their questions and problems. Spiritual education also helps me maintain an ethical approach to work and take care of the well-being and spiritual development of those with whom I work.
3) Now you are working as a social pedagogue at school № 42 in Belgorod. What does your working day look like?
It is difficult to work as a social pedagogue at school. My working day in this position is varied. It begins with the organization of a morning meeting for students who are brought up in dysfunctional families and are registered. Then I conduct individual consultations with students who have learning difficulties, and work with parents to jointly seek a solution to this problem. During full-time study I walk around the classrooms and see if these children are in the classroom. If there are no children at school, then through the class teacher we call the parents and find out where and why the child has not come to school at the moment and we have not been notified about it. If the parent does not get in touch or tries to avoid a direct question, then we visit the family at their place of residence and communicate with the parent and child with the registration of protocols on the conversation and visit. If this happens again and our requests are not responded to, then we write a letter about this family to the police, where they are visited by a juvenile affairs inspector and have an explanatory conversation with them. In addition, the social teacher at the school organizes preferential travel and meals. Personally, I have a duty to provide information on preferential travel. Moreover, teachers may come during the day with complaints about a student, and I definitely have to take this issue and solve it.
4) You play the role of Passepartout in the Fort Boyard show. Does your media activity help you work with children and young people?
My media activity in the role of Passepartout really helps me in working with children. With my participation I can attract the attention of their inquisitive mind and bring an element of fun and surprise to my classes. Thanks to this, I can create a more trusting relationship with my audience and help them develop as individuals. My media activity also allows me to learn more about their interests and problems in order to be more effective in my work. I am more often seen and recognized on the street, which makes it clear to children that they need to be active, optimistic, participate in grant projects, etc., as this will greatly help in the future to form their inner self.
Valeria Orobinskaya, 4th year Bachelor's degree, Consultant of the Department of Youth Initiatives and Public Communications of the Ministry of Youth Affairs of the Belgorod Region:
1) Why have you decided to enroll in the specialty "Organization of youth work"?
8 years ago I discovered volunteering. It was this that became the foundation for further self-development, the emergence of love for a major "Organization of youth work".
It has all started with promotions, small-scale assistance in organizing events. Then I spent all my free time in the youth department of my native district. After graduating from high school I already clearly understood who I wanted to become.
2) Why did you start working in the Ministry of Youth Affairs of the Belgorod Region?
In 2020 I successfully enrolled where I wanted to go, but I did not have time to experience student life. The pandemic swept the whole world, and at the end of November I returned to my native area, having learned what distance learning is.
At first I worked in the youth policy department of the Volokonovsky district administration. In three years I became a chief specialist. Then a dream arose in me, I realized that I was ready to move further up the career ladder. Last year this dream came true.
3) What position are you currently in? What are your responsibilities?
I am a consultant for the Department of Youth Initiatives and Public Communications of the Ministry of Youth Affairs of the Belgorod Region. My responsibilities include organizing a forum campaign, an annual regional competition for employees in the field of state youth policy, a competition for young entrepreneurs of the region, compiling reports, programs as well as working in various electronic databases.
4) What do you find the most interesting in your work?
I sincerely believe that the most important value in work is people. Every day we meet new people who become our students and teachers. Moreover, I sincerely love the jokes of colleagues in work chats, business trips that do not let you get bored.
5) To your mind, is it necessary for a student majoring in "Organization of youth work" to gain work experience in youth organizations/structures during his/her studies?
"Skills make you rich, not theories" are the words of entrepreneur Robert Kiyosaki, with whom I absolutely agree. A strong theoretical base is not always a guarantee of a specialist's success. It is necessary to touch the "real" youth policy in order to love it with all your soul.