Voluntary Work (5cr)

Evaluation scale

Hyväksytty/Hylätty

Content scheduling

Voluntary work placements are carried out in a third-sector organization in the social and educational sector. It can also be carried out outside the third sector, if the activity is clearly voluntary work and not free basic work in the social and educational sector. Voluntary work should be client work. In their voluntary work, students can seek out client groups and social work topics that are important to them. Please note: Voluntary work is not paid.

The course is completed independently during the studies. The right time can be planned with the tutor-teacher. You can register for the course right at the beginning of your studies and get familiar with the Itslearning material.

Course enrollment and Itslearning:

Students will have access to Itslearning and course materials once the enrollment has been approved.

The enrollment and review dates for planned voluntary work places are:
Autumn 2025: 29.8..2025, 30.9.2025, 31.10.2025, 28.11.2025 and 18.12.2025
Spring 2026: 30.1.2026, 27.2.2026, 31.3.2026, 30.4.2026, 29.5.2026, 12.6.2026

These dates are also return dates for documents of completed voluntary work. The teacher has three weeks to check the returned documents and assess the course. Wait patiently for the assessment to be completed.

Method of execution and number of hours:

The student searches for a voluntary work position independently. Students must receive orientation for their volunteer work in the organization. Volunteering can also be done in several organisations, at least one of which organizes orientation.

The total amount of voluntary work must be 135 hours. The hours are reported on a time tracking form, which is signed by a representative of the organization after the voluntary work has ended. You can find more detailed information in the course instructions.

Please note: For camp activities we accept a maximum of 12 hours per day.

Documents to be returned:

During the course, the student submits four documents to Itslearning:
1. Information on planned volunteering (before start)
2. Electronically signed contract with a voluntary organisation (before start)
3. Time tracking form + 1-2 page reflection (at the end)
4. A free-form signed certificate of work performed by a representative of the volunteering organisation (at the end).

More information can be found in the course instructions in Itslearning. Please avoid individual queries.

Credit transfer:
Students who have volunteered in a social or educational organization and meet the course requirements regarding the hours and training can apply for recognition according to the instructions in Messi ("Recognition of prior studies and competence"). There is no need to ask about credit transfer matters separately, the student submits the application via email to Olli Toivonen.

Assessment: Pass/Fail

Objective

· you understand the basic principles of voluntary work and its role and position in the service system
· you understand the meaning of voluntary work and its limits from the perspectives of different parties
· you are familiar with and recognise voluntary work organisations in social and education services
· you are able to interact with clients or clients groups in your work, supporting their well-being
· you are familiar with the concept of social sustainability and are able to comply with it

Content

· studying the principles, values and methods of voluntary work and/or participating in a voluntary work training
· performing voluntary work in a social and education service organisation or another organisation
· reflection on the experiences of voluntary work

Teaching methods

The student searches for a voluntary work position independently. Students must receive orientation for their volunteer work in the organization. Volunteering can also be done in several organisations, at least one of which organises orientation. The student reflects on their learning during and at the end of the voluntary work on the time tracking sheet.

Exam schedules

No exam

Completion alternatives

-

Student workload

135h:
The total amount of voluntary work must be 135 hours. In addition to actual client work, its preparation and the reporting of the hours, this includes finding a voluntary work place (max. 5h), orientation (max. 20h) and writing a final reflection of 1-2 pages (max. 5h). The hours are noted on a time tracking form, which is signed by a representative of the organization after the voluntary work has ended.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

To pass the course, the required number of hours must be completed and the required documents must be returned successfully to the Itslearning course platform.

Evaluation methods and criteria

To pass the course, the required number of voluntary work hours must be completed and the required documents must be returned successfully to the Itslearning course platform. Documents are evaluated monthly during the semester.

Further information

More information on Itslearning.