THE INFLUENCE OF VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES ON THE SOCIALIZATION OF CHILDREN FROM ORPHANAGES BY MEANS OF ART

Abstract

Purpose of Study: The study is aimed at substantiating theoretically and methodologically the influence of volunteer activities on the socialization of children from orphanages using art and socio-cultural rehabilitation.
 Methodology:The study is divided into three stages, during which different methods of analysis and information collection are used. At the first stage, a preliminary analysis of secondary data from open sources is carried out. At the second stage, an analysis of the primary information received from the orphanage staff from semi-structured interviews and questionnaires developed by the authors of the study is carried out. At the third stage, conversations with children, as well as the observation during their activities and questionnaires for both the children and the volunteers, are carried out and projective methods are used.
 Main Findings: The study has revealed a significant role and influence that volunteers and their artistic and creative activities with children have on the process of socialization of children through art. Several practical recommendations have also been developed for organizing the selection of volunteers to work in orphanages and to organize, accompany and support volunteer activities there.
 Applications of this study: The results of the study can be used in pedagogical activities in the process of organization of leisure and extracurricular activities as additional education, both in orphanages for children with special needs and in educational institutions during the implementation of inclusive education. Besides, the results of the study can be used in the process of organization of psychological assistance and/or corrective work with children with special needs to help them socialize successfully through art.
 The novelty of the study: The theoretical and methodological substantiation of the positive influence of volunteer activities on the socialization of children from orphanages by means of art and socio-cultural rehabilitation. It was carried out with the help of questionnaires and surveys developed by the authors of the study, analysis and assessment of the degree of volunteers’ influence on the process of socialization of children with special needs, with identifying the main requirements for volunteers, practical recommendations for psychological support and support of volunteers and their work with children with special needs in orphanages.