The School of Activists has launched at G.R. Derzhavin Tambov State University, with 67 first-year students and activists from the TSU Student Council participating.
“The School aims to build a community ready to assume responsibility for societal change and manage the process of innovation," notes Dmitry Kharin, Advisor for Education and Interaction with Children's Public Organizations. "In a context of constant development and change in social and professional realities, the implementation of the Student Activism School project is particularly important for developing future leaders capable of making a significant contribution not only to the development of Derzhavin University but also to the region."
During The School of Activists, students are being prepared for leadership roles and taught the steps necessary for successful participation in community activities. Derzhavin students improve themselves, develop confidence, kindness, and the ability to listen and understand others. Project participants also have the opportunity to learn how to manage time and effort rationally, adapt to different environments, and develop a positive outlook for life, which is essential for future leadership positions.
“The School of Activists is the perfect place to bring your ideas to life. I enjoy participating in events that inspire new achievements, provide an opportunity to find like-minded people, and realize my creative potential," says Tatyana Belovol, a second-year student majoring in Journalism. "Each of us proves ourselves in different situations, analyzes and evaluates the results of our efforts, finds like-minded people, and learns how to find a way out of any situation."
The School of Activists offers work shops, practical classes, sports, and cultural events. The program's thematic modules are designed to provide students with a choice of activities that meet their interests, inclinations, and needs, allowing them to demonstrate their proactive approach to life, gain basic practical and theoretical knowledge, and try their hand at various roles.
During the Action School, the Youth Sports and Recreation Camp is participating in the situational role-playing game "Ready, Set, First!" A special economic zone, home to nine companies, operates for this purpose. Student investors are introduced to various opportunities offered by the university. The zone also houses a central bank, the economic zone's main financial institution, which oversees the banking system, issues currency, and ensures economic stability. It is governed by a board of directors—a team of organizers. Team mentors—brokers—help investors buy and sell securities on the financial market.
The Action School operates a dual incentive system. The "for yourself" system implies personal interest from participants. The main goal of each participant is to explore various creative activities to the fullest, earning tokens. Participants who earn the most tokens qualify for priority participation in the "Action School Leader" competition. The "for the team" system involves shaping the company's financial position—tokens of various denominations. The educational component of the organization program includes nine thematic blocks covering the areas of work of the university's Student Council. School participants select the areas that interest them most. Throughout the School, teams, together with their mentors, develop a roadmap for their Student Council area and present it to the jury on the final day. This will allow students to gain additional knowledge about the activities of Derzhavin University's student associations and the university itself, a crucial aspect of the program's implementation.
A separate innovation of the School is a dedicated track for departmental student council chairs, who exchange experiences and develop a student council work plan for the year.
