The authorities of Serbia have developed and introduced a new Rulebook on performing socially useful work, (i.e. humanitarian) in educational institutions. It details the conditions, methodology, content and other matters of importance for this type of work in education and training institutions (Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia, number 10 of February 9, 2024).

To continue with the good practice of extensive, strategic inclusion of the Reference Framework of Competences for Democratic Culture (RFCDC) in the entire formal education system done as part of the joint European Union and Council of Europe action “Quality education for all”, this new Rulebook now makes direct reference to the RFCDC in article 5 stating that:

Socially useful work has a preventive function and contributes to the development of empathy, solidarity and co-operation, activism, as well as basic moral values and, with the improvement of cross-curricular competence, responsible participation in a democratic society, in accordance with the reference framework of competences for democratic culture of the Council of Europe.

The purpose of community service is, among other things, for students to improve the competencies needed for responsible participation in society, as well as to be empowered to respect and promote human rights.

The Rulebook includes activities that develop the socially responsible behaviour of students which the school organises in the annual work plan within the plan for protection against violence.  It aims to include all students in the planning and implementation of that work, as well as promoting socially beneficial and humanitarian work, which is carried out as part of an enhanced educational remit.

The Rulebook is obligatory for all educational institutions in the Republic of Serbia.