NON-FORMAL EDUCATION AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AS A RESOURCE FOR MORAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The article examines the significance of non-formal education and extracurricular activities in supporting students’ moral and personal development. The aim of the study is to explore the potential of non-formal and extracurricular activities for fostering students’ moral values, personal responsibility, and social relationships, as well as to identify the main challenges associated with the implementation of such activities. The study was conducted in seven schools in the Gori Municipality and involved students, teachers, and parents. A quantitative research method was employed using a structured questionnaire, and the collected data were analyzed through descriptive statistics. The findings indicate that non-formal education and extracurricular activities play an important role in promoting students’ moral and personal development. Their significance was particularly evident in fostering a sense of justice, responsibility, mutual respect, empathy, and cooperation. At the same time, several challenges were identified, including insufficient student participation, inadequate consideration of age-related characteristics, limited teacher time and resources, and differences in opportunities among schools. The findings demonstrate that the effectiveness of extracurricular activities depends not only on their availability but also on purposeful planning, age appropriateness, active student participation, opportunities for reflection, and cooperation between schools and families. Accordingly, non-formal education and extracurricular activities can be regarded as an important educational resource for students’ moral and personal development.