On December 12th, 2018, IX International Festival of National Cultures "We Study in Russia" was held at GSU. It presented the culture of the peoples of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Cuba, El Salvador and other countries. To organize such a significant event, more than 30 members of the volunteer club, mostly freshmen, graduates of the school of the student asset "Promotion 2018" were involved.

For many students this experience was their first step towards volunteering. Volunteers took part in the registration and accompaniment of guests who arrived to participate in the festival, helped them navigate, accompanied to GSU Museum of Decorative and Applied Arts, to various master classes. The forces of volunteers organized a friendship dinner at which the participants of the festival presented their national cuisine.

The university pays great attention to the organization of the volunteer movement; therefore, in 2013, a volunteer club was organized, the purpose of which is to develop the socialization and self-realization of students through their involvement in carrying out socially significant events and projects.

The international festival of national cultures “We Study in Russia” is one of the socially significant projects. Its organization and implementation are carried out by the university administration, the joint student council and, of course, the volunteer club. To prepare for the festival and its results, working meetings were held at which organizational issues were discussed, an activity plan was developed and work was summarized, positive and negative aspects in the work of volunteers were determined.

Opinion of a third-year student of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design Angelina Garbuzova: “In December, I was once again lucky enough to take part in the festival “We Study in Russia”. Last year I performed on stage, represented Russia, this time I was a volunteer. On the eve of this event, the organizers distributed responsibilities among the volunteers, explained what to look for, how to communicate with the guests. I think it is thanks to a well-organized organization that the festival is held at such a high level.

First-year students Anastasia Usevich and Valeria Artyomova shared their impressions:

“That was my first time as a volunteer. It is very responsible, but at the same time interesting. My task was to register the arriving guests, - says Anastasia. - Most of all I liked the atmosphere of this event, students of different nationalities, dressed in their folk costumes, created a festive mood. We successfully coped with their responsibilities. I decided that I would participate as a volunteer in other events held at the university. ”

“Not so long ago I had the opportunity to participate in the festival “We Study in Russia” as a volunteer. My task was to accompany the guests at the exhibition "Consonance Crafts" and help in organizing and conducting master classes. In my free time, I even managed to learn in a master class. I liked everything very much, this is a good experience!” - Valeria Artyomova says.

Participation of students in such events as the festival “We Study in Russia” gives them vast experience in preparing and conducting mass sociocultural, informational, educational and sporting events, helps to foster active citizenship, the formation of leadership and moral ethical qualities, feelings patriotism, allows you to meet interesting people, share experiences with students of other educational organizations.

The volunteers who showed the greatest activity during the festival will be marked by letters of thanks.

E. A. Elina,

social work specialist