Future Leaders Train Through Hands-On Social Work in Nizhny Novgorod
Participants in the Heroes of Nizhny Novgorod Region program recently visited the Avtozavodsky Psychoneurological Care Home. The trip aimed to explore the facility's operations and better understand the needs of residents with intellectual disabilities. During their time there, visitors led interactive workshops in pottery, football painting, gardening, and cooking.
The program, launched earlier this year, focuses on training future leaders with a human-centred approach to social challenges. It also seeks to integrate participants and veterans into regional government and local businesses.
The initiative began in March 2025 when the Nizhny Novgorod Regional Government, RANEPA, and the Coordinating Council for Veterans and Patriotic Organizations signed an agreement. By August, 60 individuals were selected for the core educational track, while another 30 joined a separate track aimed at encouraging professionals to return to the region. A second stream of 85 participants started in June, though the exact total across both tracks remains unconfirmed.
Roman Markov, acting Minister of Personnel Policy, explained that the program's mission is to develop leaders who prioritise social welfare. Meanwhile, Igor Sedykh, Minister of Social Development and Family Policy, held a meeting on regional social policy with the participants. Yekaterina Kantonova and Andrei Panurov also briefed the group on existing support systems for people with intellectual disabilities. The visit to the care home formed part of the program's third educational module. Through hands-on activities, participants engaged directly with residents, gaining practical insights into their daily lives and care requirements.
The program continues to expand, with its latest module focusing on real-world social engagement. By combining education with direct experience, it prepares participants for roles in government and local enterprises. The next steps will likely involve further integration of trained professionals into regional systems.
