Project idea
The "Stronger Together" project, created by ANO "Center 'Sodeistvie'," is aimed at supporting adolescents with special health needs and young specialists working with this category of children. The project includes three core components: group classes for teenagers, educational programs for students, and the coordination of recreational activities.
The project's objective is to strengthen and broaden the social connections of adolescents with special health needs and to assist emerging professionals in their work with this group of children. The project aims to create conditions for developing adolescents' communication skills, expanding their social networks, and improving their quality of life. Also, it focuses on the professional development of students by providing them with practical experience and knowledge in working with children with special health needs.
To achieve the set goals, the following will be created and implemented:
- Regular group work sessions for adolescents with special health needs:
- The organization of at least 3 groups for adolescents with special health needs (at least 18 children aged 14 to 18).
- Meetings are to be conducted on a regular basis, twice a week for two hours each session.
- The group sessions will be openly available to students and will offer a foundation for acquiring practical job-related skills.
- Student training and practice:
- Conducting an elective course (36 hours) at the Southern Federal University (SFedU) for students of the Faculty of Social Work and the Pedagogical College.
- The classes will be led by personnel from two non-profit organizations: ANO "Center 'Sodeistvie'" and the Rostov branch of the interregional NGO "Big Brothers Big Sisters."
- The course will cover techniques for engaging with children who have developmental disabilities, training in mentorship, and principles of social design.
- Organizing leisure activities:
- Conducting 8 activities (once a month) for adolescents with special health needs and students.
The activities will focus on introductions, informal communication, and forming mentoring pairs through the use of the "Big Brothers Big Sisters" techniques.
The "Stronger Together" project unites the efforts of various organizations, such as the SfedU and "Big Brothers Big Sisters", to offer holistic support to adolescents with special health needs. University leaders envision the project's continuation through the students' development of initiatives and grant proposals aimed at engaging with teenagers from "Rosmolodezh" and the #WEARETOGETHER movement.
Relevance
Statistics show that in the Rostov region, there are 14,936 children with disabilities, of which 3,509 are adolescents aged 15 to 17. These figures indicate that the need for specialized programs to support and develop these young people is very high.
ANO "Center 'Sodeistvie'" already has experience working with adolescents with special health needs, and last year, 353 applications were submitted to participate in their programs, of which 127 were from adolescents over 14 years old. The demand for the center's services is thus confirmed, necessitating the expansion of support.
A survey of parents showed that all of them see the need to develop communication skills in their children and expand their social circle. They also expressed a desire for their children to be accompanied by trained and knowledgeable mentors. This is important, as mentors can assist adolescents in not only socializing but also in engaging in shared activities such as going for walks, attending events, and participating in various recreational pursuits, all of which foster their social adaptation and integration.
Quite a number of SFedU Faculty of Social Work students also have a great interest in working with people with special health needs. Most students want to receive additional training and practical experience in this field, and some even want to become mentors or create social projects to support adolescents with special health needs
Social effect
The project aims to improve the quality of life for adolescents with disabilities in Rostov-on-Don by implementing and expanding group interaction practices, mentoring, participation in events, and developing new social projects. Additionally, the project fosters the professional growth of aspiring social work specialists, which is crucial for the advancement of social services within the region.
KPI
KPI
Project Results
Qualitative changes in the functional skills of adolescents who completed the "Me in the Group" program. According to a COPM assessment, skill growth was observed in the participants' communication, social, and everyday skills, as well as increased independence in decision-making, action planning, and understanding the emotions of others.
ANO "Center 'Sodeistvie'" gained experience in building work to form mentoring pairs. We consider it valuable and intend to continue the endeavor.
As part of the project, a training course was developed and conducted for students on working with people with disabilities. The students demonstrated good knowledge of the course topics in their exams.
Project progress after CSS funding
Once the initial funding ends, the project will continue to develop with the support of businesses and individual donations. This will ensure the sustainability and long-term growth of the initiative, contributing to social well-being.
