Volkovysk College of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno

From Teacher Training Courses to a Modern College

The history of the college began in December 1939, when teacher training courses were organized in Volkovysk by the decision of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Belarus. A few months later, in February 1940, a pedagogical school was officially opened on the basis of these courses. The first director was Konstantin Bukinich. However, the development of the institution was interrupted by the Great Patriotic War.

After the liberation of Volkovysk in July 1944, the school resumed its work, and classes began again on September 20. The first 101 students were enrolled in the first to third years, and another 40 people entered the preparatory department. In 1946, the first group of graduates received diplomas with the qualification “Primary School Teacher.” From that moment, the school began to grow rapidly, building strong traditions of professional education.

Trials and Revival

In the early 1950s, the duration of study was extended to four years, and the material and technical base gradually improved. For student practice, a base school was assigned to the institution, where future teachers could develop practical teaching skills. In 1954, after the region’s schools had been staffed with teachers, the institution was temporarily closed. However, training resumed soon afterward – first in Berestovitsa, and in 1966, the pedagogical school returned to Volkovysk.

Since then, the institution has firmly established itself as a leading center of pedagogical education in the Grodno region. The quality of teacher training was recognized at the national level: between 1977 and 1984, the school received Honorary Diplomas from the Ministry of Education of the BSSR three times.

Expansion and Integration into the University

Over time, the Volkovysk Pedagogical School became increasingly multidisciplinary. In 1982, a new specialization, “Labor Education,” was introduced, followed by “Foreign Language Teaching” in 1997. In 2000, the school was reorganized into the Volkovysk State Pedagogical College, and in 2004 it became part of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno.

This integration marked a new stage in the college’s development: it gained access to the university’s modern educational resources, academic exchange, and research opportunities. In 2008, new programs were added – “Tourism and Hospitality” and “Graphic Design,” followed by “Preschool Education” in 2010. In 2022, training began in “Pedagogical Support.”

The College Today: Quality, Creativity, and Growth

Today, Volkovysk College is a modern educational institution with a well-structured and innovative learning environment. It offers programs in:

• Primary Education
   
• Service and Visual Arts
   
• Foreign Language Teaching (English, German)
   
• Graphic Design
   
• Tourism Services Management
   
• Preschool Education
   
• Pedagogical Support

The college actively implements innovative teaching methods, develops students’ creative abilities, and fosters an atmosphere of research and exploration. A strong emphasis is placed on teaching practice: future educators gain real-life experience during internships in local schools and kindergartens.

Since 1985, the college has hosted a historical and local studies museum that preserves unique documents, photographs, and artifacts about the institution’s past, its graduates, and faculty. The exhibits highlight the traditions of Belarusian pedagogy, the war period, the postwar revival of Volkovysk, and the development of education in the country.

Traditions and Continuity

Throughout its history, the college has graduated thousands of professionals – many of whom have become respected teachers, school principals, designers, and leaders of educational initiatives. Today, the institution not only preserves, but also enriches the best traditions of Belarusian education.

The college’s staff actively participate in scientific conferences, cultural and social projects, and collaborate with educational institutions in Belarus and abroad. Students are encouraged to develop their creative potential through art studios, volunteer organizations, and pedagogical workshops.

Why Choose Volkovysk College?

Enrolling at Volkovysk College of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno means gaining a high-quality education that is in demand on the job market, as well as joining the academic community of one of the leading universities in Belarus.

A friendly atmosphere, attentive attitude toward students, and a balanced combination of theory and practice make this college not only an educational institution, but also a true school of life – one that teaches not only a profession, but also kindness, responsibility, and creativity.