19 universities in Tatarstan are implementing the "Service-Learning" program.

      Experts presented plans for the development of the federal "Service Learning" program in Tatarstan at a press conference at Tatar‑inform. Nineteen universities in the republic are already participating in the project, integrating real social projects into the academic process.

      The program allows students and schoolchildren, under the guidance of mentors, to carry out assignments from non‑profit organizations, government bodies or businesses. These projects become part of the educational process: coursework, internships, or even diploma projects.

      "You cannot raise a citizen if you do not give them a real opportunity from an early age to engage in social practice as a full participant," said Vladislav Usanov, Deputy Minister for Youth Affairs of the Republic of Tatarstan.

      He emphasized that the program implements an instruction from the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, and is a tool to counter trends that promote a "consumer society."

      "Students, under the guidance of a teacher, solve real problems faced by NGOs, government‑funded institutions or businesses. For example, IT specialists create websites adapted for the visually impaired, and medical workers learn sign language to communicate with deaf patients," offered Varvara Kulkova, Doctor of Economics and curator of "Service Learning" on the platform of the Public Chamber of the Republic of Tatarstan.

      In addition to the 19 universities, 65 partner organizations participate in the program. A unified standard has been developed for the program's systematic development. Ayrat Mubarakshin, executive director of the Information and Resource Center for Volunteering of the Republic of Tatarstan, spoke about it.

      "The standard is a step‑by‑step guide for colleges and universities that includes appointing coordinators, creating student teams, opening 'Dobro.Centers' and embedding the program into curricula. We will also encourage universities to develop internal measures to support volunteering and volunteer associations," Mubarakshin emphasized.

      The next step will be scaling the program to secondary vocational education and attracting a larger number of partners, especially from business. The key event of 2026 will be the seminar "Service Learning. Tatarstan," which will bring together 100 students and NGO representatives to exchange best practices.

      "Their hearts soften, and they become citizens. They understand that they can apply their professional competencies by doing good for people," Kulkova concluded.

      Photo: © Sultan Iskhakov / Tatar‑inform

      More news about the event:

      Tatarstan will develop a common standard for student volunteering

      A common standard for organizing volunteer work in universities and secondary vocational education institutions was created in Tatarstan. 13:35 24.11.2025 GTRK Tatarstan - Kazan

      19 universities in Tatarstan are implementing the "Service Learning" program

      Experts presented plans for the development of the federal "Service Learning" program in Tatarstan at a press conference at Tatar‑inform. 12:54 24.11.2025 IA Tatar‑inform - Kazan