At this moment, the pivotal juncture for meaningful collaboration between universities and non-profit entities should not be overlooked, underscores Elena Isaeva. This is because higher education institutions embody the final bastion where an individual’s core values can be shaped. As such, it would be shortsighted to merely impart professional competencies to students, neglecting the cultivation of patriotism, civic responsibility, and broader philosophical perspectives.

“NGO leaders, being the most active proponents of the right cause, wield the potential to profoundly influence the development of civic character on an emotional level,” affirms Isaeva. “No one can resonate with the depths of the human soul quite like an NGO leader who herself is a mother to a differently-abled child. Her motivations transcend mere remuneration; her commitment arises from an unshakeable conviction that a different path in life is inconceivable, and she dedicates herself to alleviating the challenges faced by her child and those akin to him or her. Consequently, the integration of authentic, environment-born projects into the educational process is of paramount significance, as opposed to relying on contrived academic constructs.”

“We are currently at the stage of fostering a partnership culture between NGOs and universities. The data from the Presidential Grants Fund substantiates a burgeoning landscape where thousands of projects feature universities collaborating with NGOs,” remarks Artem Shadrin, Director of the Institute of Socio-Economic Design at the National Research University Higher School of Economics.

The scope of collaboration between universities and NGOs is extensive, spanning:

• The inclusion of nonprofits in the development and execution of educational programs: teaching, internships, practical experiences, and the establishment of collaborative structural units resembling foundational departments;

• The implementation of joint volunteer initiatives, involving not just students but also university staff;

• The orchestration of analytical research and the assessment of socio-economic outcomes for NGOs by universities;

• Collaboration in the execution of supplementary professional education programs and online courses;

• Allocation of dedicated spaces;

• Joint participation in formulating strategic developmental blueprints for territories, for instance, within the framework of “boiling point” initiatives, and much more.

In Artem Metelev’s perspective, the success of the “Service Learning” module hinges upon several factors:

1) The seamless amalgamation of theoretical education and hands-on societal involvement into a cohesive journey;

2) The cultivation and nourishment of partnerships between universities and NGOs;

3) The motivation of students to actively engage in resolving tangible social issues and challenges;

4) The formation of university-based teams comprising educators, methodologists, and proactive students, united in implementing the methodology;

5) The stimulation of regional NGOs to actively solicit their projects on the DOBRO.RF platform;

6) The expansion of students’ opportunities to partake in practice-oriented education and instilling in them a sense of solidarity towards the predicaments of others.

“Thus, after receiving knowledge in the classroom, students can leave the university grounds and venture forth to extend assistance, implement social initiatives, undergo internships, and actively contribute. In this dynamic, they effectively embody the role of both volunteers and aspirants seeking practical experience within their field of expertise.” – notes the expert.