Volunteer Tourism as a Tool for Social Integration of Forcedly Displaced Persons During the Russian Military Invasion

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to substantiate the significance and features of volunteer tourism for the social integration of forcibly displaced persons during the russian military invasion. The article proves that the challenges associated with the russian armed aggression against Ukraine necessitated the adoption of effective decisions aimed at social adaptation and integration into the public life of persons who, to avoid the negative consequences of war and temporary occupation, were forced to leave their place of residence and found temporary shelter in other regions of the country. It was determined that volunteer tourism occupies a special place among the measures that contribute to the social integration of forced migrants into life in the territorial communities of Ukraine, where they currently live and plan to stay for a long time. Volunteer tourism ensures the convergence of identities of displaced persons and the communities in which they live the establishment of communication, and formation of harmonious cultural forms between forcibly displaced persons and all other members of society. It was established that in the conditions of the russian military invasion, thanks to the joint efforts of volunteers and the partnership of public organizations, there is an opportunity to implement social projects at the national level, which contribute to the social adaptation of people who were forced to leave their usual places of residence, escaping from the military threat. The organization and conduct of tourist activities helps to establish and create a healthy psychological climate through the active, relaxed communicative activity of the event participants, contributes to their psycho-emotional relief, the formation of a positive mood, and mutual satisfaction with the learning process. The article substantiates that the involvement of caring, active, conscious volunteers in the implementation of projects forms a new culture aimed at the spread of universal human values, peace, freedom, security, humanism, personal growth through awareness of human potential.