“StudMentor” Program

4.4.2025

“StudMentor” Program as a stage of professional development and social support for students of Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University.

A bachelor’s student majoring in 231 “Social Work” of Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University successfully completed participation in the 9th wave of the “StudMentor” program, which is implemented by the public organization “Study for Ukraine” with the support of UNICEF in Ukraine and funding from GPE.

The program became an important stage in the professional development of the student, as she gained valuable experience in pedagogical activities and the implementation of modern teaching methods. From January to March 2025, she conducted biology classes for 7th grade students from the front-line regions of Ukraine, helping to overcome educational losses caused by the pandemic and full-scale invasion.

In her pedagogical practice, Alona actively applied approaches focused on the personal development of students, using interactive teaching methods and elements of psychological support. In particular, she implemented technologies aimed at engaging students in an active learning process through online platforms, multimedia resources, and interactive exercises. During the classes, problem-based learning methods were used that stimulated students to solve real-world problems. She also actively included elements of collective learning to develop social interaction among students.

The program included supervision meetings for mentors, where participants discussed challenges, shared experiences, and received recommendations for overcoming difficulties. This contributed to the development of pedagogical and social skills, improving the quality of work with students. The classes were also attended by subject area and mentoring mentors, who noted the high level of professionalism of the student, her ability to integrate modern teaching methods, and effectively interact with students.

In addition, Alona focused on social support for students, promoting the development of non-violent communication skills and academic integrity, as well as using psychological techniques to support students’ emotional state and their adaptation to new learning conditions.

Participation in the StudMentor program allowed not only to improve social and pedagogical skills, but also to effectively apply theoretical knowledge gained at the university, using modern technologies and in-depth knowledge in social work. This experience broadened her professional horizons, preparing her to work with students from different social and emotional groups in difficult conditions.

The StudMentor program became an important opportunity for the graduate to become a mentor and a responsible person for the formation of the future generation, able to overcome difficulties and develop in the conditions of modern challenges.