PREPARATION OF FUTURE SOCIAL WORKERS FOR ORGANIZING VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES WITH VULNERABLE POPULATIONS

Abstract

Introduction. This article addresses the current issue of preparing future social workers to organize volunteer activities with vulnerable population groups. The historical origins of volunteering are examined, beginning with the activities of A. Dunant and the establishment of the Red Cross, up to the identification of modern approaches to organizing volunteer initiatives. Special attention is paid to the legal and ethical regulation of volunteer activities in Ukraine and its international interpretation. The study also analyzes the specifics of preparing higher education students to organize and participate in volunteer projects. The research emphasizes the role of volunteering in developing professional competencies, communication skills, social responsibility, and an active civic stance among future social workers. Objective of the article. To popularize the experience of preparing future social workers to organize volunteer activities. Scientific Novelty. This study is the first to highlight the process of preparing future social workers to organize volunteer activities with vulnerable population groups, using the example of the State Higher Educational Institution “Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University” It identifies the specifics of integrating volunteer practices into the educational process, as well as the key factors influencing the development of professional competencies, social responsibility, and an active civic position among higher education students. The systematization of historical, legal, and methodological aspects of volunteering, along with the description of effective approaches to practical training of future social workers, provides a foundation for developing educational programs (educationalprofessional curricula) and recommendations for organizing volunteer initiatives in higher education institutions. Results. The study analyzed contemporary approaches to organizing volunteer activities and preparing future social workers. It was established that participation in volunteer projects contributes to the development of students’ professional competencies. Key factors facilitating the successful implementation of volunteer practices were identified: systematic integration of volunteer activities into the educational process, active participation of higher education students in socially significant projects, support from the university, and faculty mentorship.