From one school to another: young guides of the National Centre RUSSIA led a tour for young journalists

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Two original youth projects of the National Centre RUSSIA came together on 28 March at the exposition "Journey Across Russia". Participants of the Young Journalists School learned more about the history, culture, traditions, landmarks, and achievements of all federal districts of the country through the eyes of their peers — members of the project "Young Tour Guides School of Russia". The event became not only an introduction to the exposition for young journalists, but also an important step towards friendship and cooperation between the two projects, united by a shared mission — to tell people about Russia sincerely, creatively, and with love and pride for their country.

"I am glad that participants of the Young Tour Guides School of Russia and the Young Journalists School have met. Our task is for you to stay in touch with each other, because communication is truly important: the more of it there is, and the warmer it is, the better the results of your learning. Right now, you have a truly golden time when you can fully immerse yourselves in the profession, understand who you want to become, and choose your direction. You now have a unique opportunity to focus on knowledge, and knowledge is a great value," said Deputy Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA, Anastasia Zvyagina.

The tour "Journey Across Russia through the Eyes of Children" was led by participants of the "Young Tour Guides School of Russia". Its main feature was the authors’ additions to the narrative, prepared by the students themselves, guided by their personal experience, emotions, and preferences. For example, the host of the tour programme, Alyona Zak, shared with her peers her impressions of traditional Siberian treats — such as fragrant honey and herbal tea made from aromatic wild plants.

The family of 12-year-old guide Marya Makarycheva loves travelling and bringing back unique video reports from each trip. The schoolgirl also shared a dream with the young journalists.

"I have never been to Crimea, but I hope that soon I will be able to see its beauty with my own eyes. I would also really like to visit Artek, give a tour there, and film a video. My parents and I love filming, so I hope that soon our home video collection will have another episode," said Marya Makarycheva.

The vivid tour programme prepared by their peers left a strong impression on the young journalists. According to Natalia Meshkova, listening to people of her own age speaking about the country with such pride is very different from taking part in a standard tour.

"I think it is very important that it is young guides who talk about our country, because when an adult leads a tour, it feels like a teacher, a scholar, or a researcher is speaking. But when the story is told by someone your own age or even younger, the impression is completely different. I also feel proud of them, because I understand that they are the future of our Russia," said 16-year-old participant of the Young Journalists School, Natalia Meshkova.

The "Young Tour Guides School of Russia" is an original project of the National Centre RUSSIA. It continues the Young Tour Guides School launched at the International RUSSIA EXPO. The programme is based not only on mastering theory, but also on mentor support in developing an individual guiding style.

The original project "Young Journalists School" was launched at the National Centre RUSSIA on 1 March. The first cohort includes teenagers aged 12 to 17 who were selected following a remote stage, in-person interviews, and a contest essay. The participants now face an intensive programme — from mastering theoretical foundations to creating their own media projects.

The co-organiser of the Young Journalists School is the Movement of the First, while programme partners include ANO "Dialogue" and the New Media Workshop. The project is implemented with the support of the Ministry of Education of Russia. The strategic partner is the Russian Children and Youth Centre.