A community of kindness and support: the National Centre RUSSIA hosted a traditional volunteer appreciation ceremony
On 19 September, the National Centre RUSSIA held a formal ceremony to mark the results of the latest stage of its volunteer programme and to thank its participants. Traditionally, the event honoured volunteers who worked at the Centre from April to June, as well as in the first weeks of September 2025.
During this reporting period, 315 volunteers took part in the programme. From the very beginning, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation has been actively involved in its implementation, so 170 of the volunteers were students from seven universities in Moscow and the Moscow region. Together, they completed 416 volunteer shifts, while during the May holidays and the first month of summer, 195 open-call participants also joined the programme, many of them serving dozens of shifts during the summer break.
Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Olga Petrova addressed the volunteers.
"Many thanks to the students who find time to help and do good deeds. Without this support, a lot of things would simply not have been possible. Volunteering has already become a way of life. We have many student volunteers. One of the targets we must reach by 2030 is 45% of students engaged in volunteering at universities. We are confident we will achieve this because we have a large community of caring and active citizens who, by their example, show how important it is to help," said the Deputy Minister.
In her speech, Olga Petrova also thanked the National Centre RUSSIA for organising events involving student volunteers. She noted that within the Centre’s space, young people receive support from experienced silver-aged volunteers, together forming a united community of caring helpers.
"When students and seasoned volunteers work side by side, a unique community is born that plays a huge role. In any situation, wherever a person finds themselves, they look first for a volunteer — because that is the one who will help, guide and support," she added.
More than 70 volunteers received commendation from the National Centre RUSSIA for their active involvement in the programme and for promoting the values of volunteering.
"We have already organised countless events together — they are impossible to count. Every day we work with people, trying to make their lives better, and we often say among ourselves: the National Centre RUSSIA begins with the volunteers. With you. Because you are the ones who greet people, smile at them, and lend a hand. We are always glad to see you," said Anastasia Zvyagina, Deputy Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA.
She stressed that since the start of the joint programme with the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, more than 24 universities have joined the Centre. By the end of the year, more than 150 events are planned, with volunteers also set to take part.
"The energy of kindness really makes the world go round. Never lose this quality. You are young — keep nurturing it further and further! It is kindness that teaches us to love one another, to help, and to make our world better," she added.
The ceremony also recognised vice-rectors for educational work who supported the implementation of the joint volunteer programme with the Ministry. In total, more than 1,300 volunteers have contributed since November.
