Children all over Russia returned to school, dressed in white shirts and carrying bouquets. However, this year, the Kremlin’s narratives about the war in Ukraine and its confrontation with the West took on an even more prominent role. The students are now expected to listen to Russia’s national anthem and witness the raising of the country’s tricolor flag on a weekly basis. Additionally, a new subject called “Conversations about Important Things” has been introduced to instill patriotism among the students.
The high school history textbook now includes a chapter on the annexation of Crimea and the “special military operation” in Ukraine, referred to by the Kremlin as a euphemism for the war. Basic military training has been added to the curriculum, specifically focusing on self-defense and first aid.
President Vladimir Putin himself has become involved in the education system, meeting with 30 school students from different regions and emphasizing the invincible spirit of the Russian nation. This meeting was part of the “Conversations About Important Things” program.
Nikolay Petrov, a visiting researcher at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, believes that schools play a significant role in shaping individuals to be loyal to the state. The Kremlin realized the potential influence schools have on young minds after the unauthorized protests organized by opposition leader Alexei Navalny attracted a large number of teenagers and students.
To push their political narrative, the authorities have increased investments in promoting their agenda. This move stemmed from the realization that the younger generation, who grew up under Putin’s presidency, might think differently from what the Kremlin desires.
There have been reports of teachers reprimanding or even involving the police against students expressing pro-opposition or anti-government views. This crackdown intensified after the deployment of Russian troops to Ukraine. Teachers who refused to conduct the mandatory “Conversations About Important Things” sessions were fired or forced to quit, and parents faced pressure from authorities if their children skipped these lessons.
Furthermore, the Education Ministry has released an 11th-grade history textbook that justifies Russia’s actions in Crimea and Ukraine, portraying the West as hostile towards Moscow. The final history exam, released by the authorities, contained questions about the conflicts.
The practical self-defense and first aid course now includes basic military training, covering various weapons, information warfare, and the dangers of extremist groups. This inclusion of military elements in the curriculum has worried some parents, who feel that their children are being exposed to a militarized mindset.
However, not all parents are concerned. Some are grateful for teachers who have found ways to navigate around the political directives while others are appreciative of schools that refrain from aggressive propaganda. They believe that well-educated and critical-thinking teachers can incorporate their own depoliticized content into the lessons and quietly resist the mandates imposed by the state.
In conclusion, the Russian education system has undergone significant changes aimed at promoting the Kremlin’s narratives and instilling patriotism among students. While some parents express concerns about ideological indoctrination and militarization, others appreciate the efforts of teachers who navigate around the directives. The influence of schools on shaping young minds is significant, and the Kremlin recognizes the importance of controlling this narrative.
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