Interview with Marina Sheludko

How is the donor movement of the Tula State Lev Tolstoy Pedagogical University organised? Who is involved in the donor movement?

Traditionally, three times a year, a group of students donate blood for patients of the hematology department of the Tula Regional Children's Hospital. The active part of the donor movement includes caring, warm-hearted students, for whom it is important to be useful to society. “We not only lead a healthy lifestyle, we give health to others!” is the motto of our donor students.

What are your goals?

Blood donation raising high moral principles in students - humanism, kindness, responsiveness, patriotism. This is exactly what modern society needs.

Describe the entire cycle of preparation for the Donor Day at the university.

In the issue of donation, the system of motivation is important: young people become blood donors consciously, understanding what benefits they bring to people. In this regard, throughout the academic year, discussions are held about the donor movement in our country, about new technologies for blood transfusion, and about interesting events in this area. A lot of information work is being carried out at all levels. The Center for Support and Development of the Volunteer Movement works on a permanent basis, teachers-curators are responsible for student groups, the United Council of Students also makes its contribution. And, of course, regular Donor Day events at the university help to involve young people in blood donation.

What moments do you focus on in organizing the Donor Day?

For many years, students and university staff have donated blood for patients in the hematology department of the Tula Regional Children's Hospital. The most important motive for donation among students is a sense of duty and responsibility to sick children. It means that students, making a decision to donate blood, are primarily guided by moral principles.

How do you support blood donors on the Donor day?

Donation of blood and its components is very important for the state and national healthcare, therefore special attention is paid by the management to the perception of the concept of "donation". There are conversations with students that their help is always important and invaluable. Donation is useful, not dangerous, honorable. For many, blood donation has become a way of life. Participants of the action are waiting for free meals, expert advice and, if necessary, exemption from classes.

What events, besides Donor Days, do you provide throughout the school year?

Huge work is being done with children of school and preschool age, aimed at the formation of the principles of humanism and the education of the social and moral qualities of the individual. We organize the Regional Festival of Children's Creativity "Spring drops" - for children from orphanages in the Tula region. We are preparing events for Children's Day. We initiate patronage trips to organize and hold holidays, sports competitions in orphanages. With the help of the university, we hold concerts and educational events in schools.

How does the university help you?

Every year, all participants in the donor movement are awarded tickets from partners for a free visit to the Tula Academic Drama Theatre, federal state museums, exhibitions, cultural and entertainment events in Tula.

And our traditional question: what would you wish donors and those who are just about to join the donor program?

The active participation of students in donation corresponds to the goals of the state in the field of security and social policy - the formation of a healthy generation, a physically and spiritually strong society. Let donation become an integral part of your life! If you have the opportunity and desire, then help, become part of a large donor community!