"Dream and dare. It is you who will shape the future of Russia": Anastasia Zvyagina in an interview for "News of the First"

---

Our children want not only to listen to the history and achievements of their country, but also to share this history and tell others about Russia. This was said by Anastasia Zvyagina, Deputy Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA, in an interview for "News of the First". The recording of the conversation was published on the media platforms of the Movement of the First.

The talk within the "News of the First" programme focused on the implementation of original youth projects at the National Centre RUSSIA. It also covered modern opportunities for children, patriotic education, media trends and childhood dreams that came true in favourite pursuits.

Since its opening, the National Centre RUSSIA has hosted more than 50 youth events aimed at the younger generation, among them the Congress of the Movement of the First with the participation of President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin.

Anastasia Zvyagina spoke about one of the landmark original youth projects of the National Centre RUSSIA — the Young Tour Guides School of Russia. Its main goal is not just to teach children how to conduct tours, but to help them feel part of a great country. Through live dialogue with visitors, studying the exposition and working with materials, school students gain a deeper understanding of Russia’s history and culture, develop public speaking and communication skills, and learn to be proud of their country and share this feeling with others.

"The idea of the Young Tour Guides School of Russia was born during the International RUSSIA EXPO at VDNH. We offered the children the chance to learn tour guiding skills from our experienced guides. Later, at the National Centre RUSSIA, we launched the second intake — more than 40 people. This year we decided to expand it. On 26 September, training for more than 80 people will begin. Why is this important? Based on the children’s feedback, we realised that our children want not only to listen to the history and achievements of their country, but also to share this history and tell others about Russia," noted Anastasia Zvyagina.

Young guides give tours of the interactive exposition of the National Centre RUSSIA "Journey Across Russia", where in 90 minutes one can "travel" across the entire country — from Vladivostok to Kaliningrad.

The guest of the programme also shared her personal experience:

"In my childhood I dreamed of becoming a journalist or an archaeologist. I was interested in history, traditions, and dreamed about the future. In the end my dream came true — I worked as a journalist. Dare, your aspirations will certainly come true. Never give up; there are no straight paths. Believe in yourself, overcome difficulties, study and develop. It is you who will shape the future of our country," Anastasia Zvyagina encouraged the audience of the programme.

The full episode can be watched on the resources of the Movement of the First on its official pages on VKontakte, Odnoklassniki, and the Telegram channel.

"News of the First" is a daily youth public and social programme about school life and bright events of the Movement of the First from across the country. The project team makes reports on culture, ecology, technology and much more, as well as recording interviews with well-known artists, athletes and public figures. The hosts of the programme are young journalists from all over the country.