The Young Journalists School of the National Centre RUSSIA to go online

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To explore careers as tour guides, managers, and exposition organisers, to learn how to speak about their country with passion and be heard – such opportunities are offered to young people by the National Centre RUSSIA. On 1 June, International Children's Day, a panel discussion titled "From Idea to Content: How the National Centre RUSSIA Helps Young People Find Their Place in the Media World" was held as part of the International Festival of Childhood and Youth, known as the Movement of the First Festival. More than 100 children participating in the Movement of the First attended the event.

Anastasia Zvyagina, Deputy Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA, announced that starting next year, young people from across the country will be able to join the Young Journalists School remotely.

"The National Centre RUSSIA was established on the instructions of President Vladimir Putin, and we are now opening branches in the regions. Spaces are already operating in the Primorye Territory, the Krasnoyarsk Territory, and the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area–Yugra. A nationwide network is taking shape, creating new jobs, new teams, and new opportunities for motivated young people whose eyes are sparkling with enthusiasm. School students come to us already having strong media literacy skills — they know how to film, edit videos, and work with basic software. We have our original Young Journalists School project, which helps participants gain a foundation in journalism and immediately apply their knowledge in practice while attending and covering hundreds of major events hosted at our venue. If you are interested, come and join us — we are always open to those who want to learn, explore media, and participate in modern educational projects," said Anastasia Zvyagina.

During the discussion, participants asked whether it is possible to begin a media career without prior experience, whether artificial intelligence will replace journalists, and many other questions. They were particularly interested in the Young Journalists School project. Many expressed a desire to take part but noted that traveling from distant regions for classes was difficult. In response, Anastasia Zvyagina said that the National Centre RUSSIA is ready to launch an online version of the programme to make participation accessible nationwide.

She also explained why technical skills and the ability to shoot videos alone are not enough to become a true media professional. "Real journalism is not only about speaking well or filming videos. Above all, it requires education, a broad outlook, and a constant desire to learn and discover new things. Today, when anyone can pick up a phone and start creating content, it is especially important to understand the difference between superficial popularity and genuine professionalism. You can learn to edit videos quickly or attract views, but without knowledge, depth, and an understanding of history, culture, and science, it is impossible to become someone who truly influences people."

As an example, Anastasia Zvyagina mentioned Yuri Senkevich, the legendary host of the television programme "Klub puteshestvennikov" ("Travelers' Club"). The show aired for 30 years, produced more than 2,000 episodes, and was recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the longest-running television project with a single host. Behind this TV programme stood a person who combined television work with serious scientific activity. Yuri Senkevich was a physician, explorer, and author of more than 60 scientific publications. According to Anastasia Zvyagina, stories like his demonstrate that real success in media is built not on likes and views, but on education, hard work, and integrity.

In closing, she advised aspiring journalists not to be afraid to write texts in their own words, and not overcomplicate those texts with lengthy sentences. Beginners, Anastasia Zvyagina noted, can read from notes if necessary; and important details such as dates and figures are best checked against written records to avoid mistakes. According to her, the most important thing is not to wait for perfect conditions, but to come to the National Centre RUSSIA now for experience, learning, and support.

The International Festival of Childhood and Youth, known as the Movement of the First Festival, took place at VDNH from 30 May to 1 June 2026, to honour International Children's Day. The fifth anniversary edition of the festival brought together more than 2,000 members of the Movement of the First from all 89 regions of Russia, as well as representatives of the International Association of Children's Organisations, and over 250,000 visitors. The VDNH venue featured exposition stands from partner organisations, including the Ministry of Education of Russia and the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs, as well as a festival town, sports zones, workshops, interactive activities, performances by popular artists, and special programmess dedicated to the Year of the Unity of the Peoples of Russia and the Year of Discoveries by the Movement of the First.