11.12.2025
In early December, Russia celebrated Volunteer Day. Irina Karyakina, Head of the Center and a student herself, spoke about her path in volunteering.
How does this holiday influence young people and change attitudes toward volunteering today?
Volunteer Day is a great opportunity to show students and all young people how meaningful and valuable volunteer activity is. […]
You became Head of RSUH Volunteer Center at the age of 19. Tell us how your volunteering journey began and how you managed to take on such a responsible position.
My journey began back in the 10th grade—almost by chance. At first, I helped with school events, then took part in citywide and nationwide projects. At university, new horizons opened up for me—here, all opportunities were literally in my hands.
Why is it important for students to try volunteering?
Volunteering is an entire world of discovery, inspiration, and kindness. And student life is the time when it is especially important to try new things, search for yourself, and find like-minded people. Our Center provides exactly this opportunity. We take part in events of various scales and every RSUH student can become a part of them. […]
The Center has more than 200 active volunteers. How do you maintain a high level of engagement and motivation?
Our Center helps volunteers develop comprehensively: gain new experience, improve professional skills, and build a portfolio. Many of our activists regularly receive an increased state academic scholarship. Volunteering is unpaid work, but we are convinced that any effort should be noticed and rewarded. We create an environment for this: at the beginning of the year, we hold an “Opening of the Season” for newcomers, and the best volunteers of key events—from the Admissions Committee to international forums—are regularly awarded letters of appreciation and branded merchandise by the administration. The ceremonial awards traditionally take place on December 5, Volunteer Day. […]
What would you wish to students who are only thinking about joining the volunteer movement?
Don’t be afraid to take the first step—go for it! RSUH Volunteer Center will support you. Let’s make the world a better place together!
