RSU leads Baltic-German university project for the development of social work education

The Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Department of Rehabilitation is implementing a project entitled Social Work History Re-examined - from a Shared History to a Shared Future the field of social welfare. The project began on 13 October 2025 and will conclude on 15 November 2025. The project brings together five outstanding higher education institutions from Germany and the Baltic States, each with unique strengths in critically evaluating historical perspectives in the field of social work education.

The aim of the project is to critically examine social work education – Eurocentric social work models in a national and historical context, which form the basis for the development and social justice of any democratic country. The social work profession defends vulnerable groups in society, human rights, and social inclusion. The project seeks to foster close cooperation between academic staff and students in the three Baltic states and Germany.

As the lead partner, RSU will share its expertise on the historical development of social work and its influence on the design of study programmes in Latvia. Mykolas Romeris University in Lithuania will contribute to the implementation of a common learning model within an international digital environment. The Catholic University of Applied Sciences in Munich, Germany, recognised for its practice-based social work methods, will strengthen the shared cooperation framework. Lecturers will contribute to the development of a joint comparative research methodology, which will enhance the international and reflective dimension of the project. Meanwhile, partners from the Protestant University of Applied Sciences Ludwigsburg in Germany are known for their community-oriented and ethically grounded approach to social work education, which provides an in-depth understanding of inclusive and socially just practices. Tallinn University in Estonia brings strong expertise in critical analysis and a practical approach to social work education.

All project partner universities are united in their commitment to promoting intercultural dialogue and strengthening ethical, social, and professional development. This will be achieved through the creation of a historically informed and contextually appropriate social work learning model.