The Projector program – a student voluntary organisation as a space for the implementation of original educational projects

Abstract

Thesis:  Volunteering is a free, selfless and conscious work for others. Currently, there are various forms and types of volunteer work, and anybody can freely become a volunteer and  engage in specific activites.

 Concepts diccussed: One form of volunteering which young people can participate in is the “Projector” student volunteer program. Its purpose is to reach children and young people from small towns and villages, engaging them with various activites and giving additional lessons created by volunteer university students. The offer applies to educational institutions, such as primary and secondary schools, and middle schools, as well as community centres, cultural centres and similar institutions. Students  organize additional lessons, implementing their own scenarios as part of start-up, specialist, systematic, holiday and special projects. The subject matter depends on the knowledge, skills and interests of volunteers. The topics of the lessons can be artistic, psychological and pedagogical, humanistic, mathematical, natural, historical, sports, tourist, etc..

 Results and conclusion:. By implementing educational projects in towns with up to 20,000 inhabitants, volunteers complement the school syllabus, at the same time developing their own teaching, pedagogic and management skills. Additionally, they pass on positive behaviour, and are encouraged to develop themselves and their social attitudes, passions and ideas.

  Originality / cognitive value of the approach: Thanks to students’ involvement in the "Projector” student volunteer program, they gain much pedagogic experience, become more aware of time management and teamwork, as well as the opportunity of having various courses and trainings.