Marginalised Communities as Co-Teachers

The project involves people with various disadvantages (addiction, homelessness, anorexia, etc…) in the courses for students of Social work programme at the Faculty of Social Studies in Ostrava. It is a first project in the Czech Republic. So called „teaching consultants“ have a history of using social services. Now they act as „co-teachers“. They share their life experiences with students through storytelling method and help students to identify the needs of people in difficult life situations. The teaching consultants are offered a prestigious work experience at the university.

The perspectives of the marginalised and excluded are missing from social work education and training at the university. These same communities also do not have access to academia. Their voices are not represented; this exclusion is reflected at the university and in social service institutions.

The project offers lessons and interactions from marginalised communities at the Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Ostrava. The programme is an opportunity to develop skills as “co-teachers” for individuals who are often excluded from jobs in the labour market. These lessons also deepen the students’ and co-teachers’ relationships and perspectives of social work.

Marginalised communities who use social services serve as “co-teachers” at the university. They share their life experiences with students through storytelling to help them identify the needs of people in difficult life situations. The co-teachers also prepare students for their work with discrimination, drug use, homelessness, etc.

Social work students are better prepared for their jobs and field of practice. Marginalised communities are offered prestigious work opportunities at the university; they improve their self-confidence and quality of life.

Sharing the experiences of the marginalised can be applied to plan local and regional social services to end discrimination and social stigma. As of this year, the co-teachers will represent the needs of disadvantaged communities and assist community building in the Moravian-Silesian Region.