Social and Educational Work with Children in the Community

Abstract

The article examines the practical experience of implementing social and educational work with children in the context of a territorial community using the example of the city of Uman. Particular attention is paid to the organization of activities for the improvement and recreation of children as a component of state social policy. It is noted that in modern conditions the problem of supporting mental health, social adaptation and harmonious development of children is gaining particular relevance. The focus of the study is the activities of the Center for Leisure and Recreation for Children "Barvogray", created as a result of social partnership between the Uman City Council, the Department of Labor and Social Protection of the Population and the Pavlo Tychyna Uman State Pedagogical University. The main areas of the Center's work are analyzed: cultural and leisure, sports and mass and social. It is shown how patriotic consciousness, emotional stability, communication skills, tolerance and respect for work are formed through thematic changes, master classes, games, competitions and sports events. Emphasis is placed on the importance of reaching children from vulnerable categories: from large and low-income families, children with disabilities and IDPs. The results of a survey of parents and children on the level of satisfaction with the organization of recreation are presented. It is determined that such models of cooperation between the community and educational institutions contribute not only to recovery, but also to the socialization and development of the child's personality. Purpose. The purpose of the article is to highlight the experience of organizing and implementing activities for the improvement and recreation of children in the city of Uman as one of the priority areas of social and educational work in the community, in particular by creating a safe environment, forming civic values, meaningful leisure, and supporting mental health. Results. The Uman city program of health and recreation demonstrates a successful model of interagency cooperation: social protection departments, educational institutions and higher education institutions. A key example is the cooperation project with the Pavlo Tychyna Uman State Pedagogical University, within the framework of which students undergo training at the Barvogray Center. The main areas of activity of the Center are cultural and leisure, sports and mass and social work with children, with a special focus on children from vulnerable categories. The Center promotes the development of creative, physical, communicative and social competencies, forms patriotism, responsibility, respect for work and a healthy lifestyle. Conclusions. The described experience demonstrates the effectiveness of an integrated approach to organizing children's leisure in the community, based on educational and social partnership. Such initiatives contribute not only to the health of children, but also to the harmonious development of their personality, social integration and strengthening of mental health. The practice of the Barvogray Center can be recommended for implementation in other communities as a successful model of social and educational work with children.