Studying Social Pedagogy Predetermined my
8. September 2023Mgr. Bianca Korchová graduated in Social Pedagogy at the Institute of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Humanities. She works at the Counselling and Crisis Centre, where she is a social worker in the social activation service for families with children. She supports families with children under the age of 18 who are facing challenging life circumstances. She is passionate about life wisdom, personal development, and nurturing the soul.
What motivated you to study Social Pedagogy? I must admit that for a long time, I didn’t even know about Social Pedagogy. After secondary school, I attended a higher vocational school specialising in tourism. I searched for my path in further education until I heard from a friend who had studied this field. What caught my attention was the wide range of career opportunities available to graduates. So, I applied, and a new chapter of my life began. What are your memories of your studies, classmates, and teachers? Is there anything in particular that stands out? Since I had studied before, I was a few years older than my classmates. I didn’t expect to form any longterm friendships, but I was pleasantly surprised. I met Martina, a classmate who has since become a close friend. I remember the teachers fondly, and they often come to mind when I reflect on my studies. I hope no one feels left out, but I’d especially like to mention Dr Skarupská and Dr Cejpek Blaštíková. Their knowledge and the way they shared it with us have stayed with me, and I often recall our discussions with gratitude. What do you see as the main benefits of studying Social Pedagogy? What has it “given and taken away” from you? The benefit for me is the versatility—it allows me to work in many different roles. I don’t have to commit to just one position for the rest of my career. I also believe the programme gave me a broad perspective in my field. As for what it took away. Honestly, nothing. The only thing I regret is not enrolling in this field straight after secondary school. But perhaps that’s how it was meant to be. My studies gave me knowledge, the opportunity to meet inspiring educators, and lasting friendships. You currently work at the Counselling and Crisis Centre in Zlín. What made you choose to work for this organization? Were you clear about your focus when you were studying? I remember when I was growing up, I used to dream of working as a street-worker. In one of my courses in social pedagogy, field work was discussed, and I was very interested in it. After I graduated from FHS, I spent quite a long time choosing a job to apply for. It wasn’t until one day that I came across an opening for a social worker in a social activation service for families with children. The attraction was mutual, I got the job, and I am still grateful for this opportunity. It was brave of my superiors to hire me right out of school. Looking back on it now, I got my wish by working in the field. What is the nature of your work and how do you perceive your job? My job is to provide a family with a child with support in dealing with their difficult life situation, especially in their natural environment. Studying Social Pedagogy Predetermined my Career 54 INTERVIEW So I go to families’ homes and try to support them in developing their social, parental or civic competences. The work is very varied, sometimes challenging, but very important and fulfilling. You merged with the Counselling Centre, what were the main reasons and how did this change affect you? I believe that the merger with the Counselling Centre happened for many reasons. In any case, I personally perceive it as a simplification of the services offered, which have a common mission – to provide assistance to people in difficult life situations throughout the Zlín Region. Now there are 6 services “under one roof”. Even before the merger, we referred users in some cases to the services of the Counselling Centre. Now we are one team and can coordinate the services provided to clients more efficiently. As a staff member, I have been affected by this reorganisation, particularly in the change of location. Originally, our social activation services for families with children were located in Burešov in Čipera’s Villa. Now we are located in the premises of the Zlín Municipal Theatre, at the rear part on Divadelní Street. Here, together with the Crisis Assistance service, we have a clinic where we can meet clients. We are responding to the situation in society and the alarming increase in children with mental health problems, the lack of child psychiatrists and clinical psychologists, and the long waiting times associated with this. Our service does not replace specialised psychiatric care; it primarily involves regular supportive care for families so that they can lead a full life and provide children with a safe and stable environment. This topic connects us with the Kapka Naděje Endowment Fund, with whom we have jointly prepared two events for the Zlín Film Festival – a professional roundtable on the topic of child psychiatry and a public lecture on positive parenting. How has your view of the field and the work involved changed since your student years? It hasn’t been that long since I graduated. Of course, I am aware of the lively discussions around the amendment to the Act on Pedagogical Workers. However, I am currently satisfied with the work I do and am focusing on the changes awaiting us in the organisation. Does your work affect your personal life? Without exaggeration, I have a great manager and colleagues. Really. And I think the team plays a significant role. My colleagues have been teaching me from the start not to take work home. I won’t lie – when it comes to more serious family issues, I often think about them at home. However, I try to limit these Is your organisation planning any further innovations, and what challenges lie ahead? There are plenty of innovations happening with us. The merger with the Counselling Centre kicked off the new year, and preparations immediately began for a major project aimed at supporting mental health in families in the Zlín region. This project directly involves our social activation service. Since June 2023, we have been able to work with families where one of the members is struggling with mental health issues. Our work team has expanded to include more social workers and a psychologist, and SAS’s reach has extended to the entire Zlín region. CONGRATULATIONS 55 thoughts and take care of my mental health, mainly by spending my free time on activities I enjoy. What do you enjoy doing, what makes you happy and fulfilled? What kind of person is Bianca? I love spending time outdoors with my friends and family, at the cottage, or enjoying something good to eat. I’m also happy when I take the dog for a walk and we’re alone somewhere in the forest or meadow with no one around. I like watching a good film, and I really enjoy listening to my favourite podcast ‘Opravdové zločiny’. Sometimes I watch combat sports. I enjoy following a bit of everything, and I think that’s a typical trait of mine. I get interested in different things all the time. People often say, “Take care”, but my friend prefers “Take care and go with the flow”. Do you prefer to hold on or let go and go with the flow? I don’t like to judge myself because I think those close to me might assess me differently. But I would say I like to have certain boundaries in my life that lightly guide me. However, whether I flow through them wildly or calmly, winding or straight, I like to leave that to the mood and experiences of the moment. What do you really wish for? At birthday celebrations, when people wished me good health, I used to see it as a clichéd and overused phrase. In recent years, I have come to understand the absolute importance of health, both physical and mental. I truly wish that everyone finds their way to overall health. And I also deeply wish that each of us has some activity, hobby, joy, talisman, or something that can bring at least a little comfort during challenging times.