The People's Social University presented in Vitebsk

The People's Social University (PSU) has been launched in Vitebsk at the territorial center for social services for the population (TCSOP) of the Pervomaisky district, a BELTA correspondent reports. BELTA.

As reported by the head of the PSU and director of the territorial center, Tatyana Starinskaya, the new structure, in accordance with its name, is a cultural and educational center for everyone. It combines formal and informal education and will promote integration with state and non-state institutions. The PSU pursues important goals: the development of a person as an individual, the satisfaction of their individual educational needs, and the creation of conditions for attracting citizens to active social and public activities. But most importantly, classes at the PSU will contribute to the psychological rehabilitation of everyone who finds themselves in a difficult life situation.

"The idea of creating a people's university arose after familiarizing ourselves with this form of education during the implementation of the international project "Learning Region: Education for All Generations" under the FRG's support program for Belarus. The project ended in 2014 and made it clear that informal education is in demand among the population. Various forms of people's institutions existed in our country before, and their concept in tsarist Russia is particularly interesting: famous city professionals shared their experience with everyone. We took it as a model," explained Tatyana Starinskaya.

The first PSU courses started back in 2014. During this time, the project has been tested, the core of the work structure has been determined, and the number of training programs and faculties has increased. Today, this list includes Orthodoxy, Catholic education, the Faculty of Psychology and Foreign Languages, Journalism, Tourism and Local History, the World of New Technologies, the Faculty of Physical and Motor Activity, the Musical and Theater Faculty, Creative Workshops, Education, and Enlightenment.

In addition to the TSON of the Pervomaysky district, the university also carries out its practical activities on the basis of organizations, enterprises, and institutions of the city with which there are agreements on gratuitous cooperation. Specialists from various fields of knowledge, distinguished, authoritative, and interesting people of the city are involved in teaching. Classes are held according to the programs once a week. Training is free and available to all residents of the city. Primarily, courses are attended by able-bodied citizens aged 30-50 years. NSU students can choose several faculties at their discretion. Upon completion of the courses, they receive a certificate of completion.

Ekaterina Knyazeva