Student Leadership Forum of the Northwest: Review

The participants of the Forum of Student Leaders of the Northwest, held at PetrSU, embarked on a creative endeavor to learn something new, generate ideas, and ask questions.

The Forum featured six topical sessions: “Volunteering”, “International Relations”, “Area Development”, “Public Control. Protection of Students’ Rights”, “NGO School”, and the “19th World Festival of Youth and Students”.

Experts of the “Volunteering” drew attention to the projects aimed at improving students’ skills and performance.

The “International Relations” sessions featured discussions of tolerance, modern approaches to establishing harmonious relations in the multicultural society, integration of folklife culture and preservation of cultural identity.

The participants of the “Area Development” events looked for the answers to such questions as “How do you make the place you live better?”, “What is considered a modern urban area?”, “City of tomorrow, what is it like?” and others. They were also introduced to the All-Russian project “City Renovations” aimed at improvement of the urban environment.

At the “19th World Festival of Youth and Students” Anastasiya Dadonova, advisor to the head of national steering committee of the World Festival of Youth and Students told the participants about the events that will take place prior to the Festival. Those present also discussed the promotion of the Festival, dates of events, volunteer program and others.

The educational program was complemented with cultural events: city tour around Petrozavodsk, a visit to the largest sled-dog kennel in Russia the “Homestead of Karelian Father Frost Talvi Ukko”.

The participants shared their impressions of the Forum:

Aleksandra Ageeva (Kaliningrad): “We learned a lot about youth policy and we can use this knowledge in our region! Once again I thank for the organization of this forum, and for the opportunity to acquire useful connections and see the amazing city of Petrozavodsk! Thank you for the chance to plunge into the culture of the Republic of Karelia! We stayed in a nice place and worked with the best speakers, trainers, and professionals! We had the best volunteers and organizers! The forum gathered the best activists of the Northwestern Federal District of Russia, and it was a super festival!”

Valeriya Korelina, Vologda State University: “The Forum met my expectations. I’ve come here for new creative ideas. We have encountered the problem of youth “burning out” when they don’t create new, do not see the excitement, and can’t offer fresh solutions to existing problems. On the second day of the forum, we generated ideas, tried to combine what cannot be combined, pondered on how to solve a problem, it all had been very useful”.

Yurii Belousov, expert of the “NGO School” sessions, deputy chairman of the All-Russian non-governmental organization “Russian Youth Union”: “The Forum has gathered people who really understand why they are here. I was delighted that the participants were able to see not only positive things in each area but the drawbacks as well, that they were able to analyze and look for solutions to problems. The forum gave a chance to pay attention to everyone and answer all the questions. We have made this forum together, and each of us has made their contribution”.

Irina Ignatik, Petrozavodsk State University: “I particularly enjoyed practical tasks, when we weren’t just sitting and listening to lectures, but used what we learned in practice. I also liked that the teams were changed and we could talk to students from other cities”.

Timur Baibekov, Baltic State Technical University “Voenmech” n.a. D.F. Ustinov, the head of the student union for support of students’ initiatives and entrepreneurial skills: “The main qualities of a leader are the abilities to listen, hear and coordinate. The team has different people and the ability to combine their thoughts and get things going is what makes a leader. A leader would say “Guys, we will do it!”, while a boss would say “Guys, you’ll do it!”. This is the key difference. I am greatly impressed by the organization, everything is great and everyone is friendly. Emotions spilled over, especially during the excursions. Many thanks to the administration of the university and the region for their support”.

Anna Filina, trainer of the forum, trainer of non-formal education, expert in youth educational programs, trainer of independent nonprofit organization “ROST Corporation”, organizer of shifts for specialists in NGO and international relations at the All-Russian Youth Education Forum “Territory of Meanings on Klyazma – 2016”: “I have favourable impressions of the forum. I feel that the participants are energetic, motivated to be the part of what’s happening here. I am very pleased that they want to communicate with each other and share experience, but they also ask insightful questions to experts, us and each other. With what results will they leave? They will have several instruments they can bring to their region and use in practice, and they’ll have a plan of actions: what has to be done, how, when and with what. And the greatest outcome is the result of networking, as easily 98 contacts are the people who can help in organization and promotion of events”.