Actualization of professional training for future social workers to work with military personnel and their families

Abstract

The article presents the results of an online survey conducted among students of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine (NULES) regarding their awareness of the problems and needs of military personnel. The survey involved 585 respondents, all of whom were full-time students. The survey results indicate that the majority of students have military personnel/veterans/combatants in their close circle. According to the students, military personnel/combatants/veterans most often face psychological problems provoked by participation in combat operations. The most common problems for military personnel/combatants who are studying include the inability to combine education with service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine; lack of respect from others; psychological issues related to the war; lack of understanding and acceptance by others; and difficulties in adapting to civilian life. According to the students, the problems faced by military personnel/combatants who are studying should be addressed by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine; the university rector; vice-rectors; public and charitable organizations, among others. An analysis of the curricula for students majoring in specialty 231 «Social Work» showed that only a few programs include an educational component that directly prepares them for psychosocial work with military personnel and their families, namely: «Socio-Psychological Counseling for Military Personnel and Their Families» (6 credits, bachelor's level, National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine); «Social Work with Military Personnel and Their Families» (3 credits, bachelor's level, Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University); «Military Social Work» (3 credits, master's level, National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy).