Vladimir Putin: "The current generation of educators faces major and responsible tasks"

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On 17 April, the National Centre RUSSIA hosted the Congress of Educators organised by the Russian society Znanie. Lecturers and partners from all regions of the country discussed the results of five years of work since the relaunch in 2021, elected new governing bodies and outlined plans for the future. A highlight of the programme was the award ceremony honouring those who have made a significant contribution to education and the upbringing of younger generations. The Congress was held as part of the national project "Youth and Children".

At the ceremonial opening of the plenary session, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of Russia and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Russian society Znanie Sergei Kiriyenko read out a greeting from the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin.

"Today, as we face serious challenges, the current generation of educators is entrusted with major and responsible tasks. It is therefore especially important that the Russian society Znanie continues to move forward, looks to the future, updates the format of its activities and fills them with creative and innovative ideas. It is essential to focus efforts on promoting the outstanding achievements of domestic science, the economy, culture and education, and to ensure that your work, experience, dedication and inspiration contribute to preserving our historical memory and to the patriotic and moral education of young people. I would like to sincerely thank everyone for whom the educational mission has become a vocation and a way of life. I would also like to particularly highlight the contribution of participants and veterans of the special military operation to the development of the educational movement and mentorship. I wish the delegates of the Congress success and new achievements," Vladimir Putin noted in his welcome letter.

First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of Russia Sergei Kiriyenko expressed gratitude to the Congress participants, thanks to whom the relaunch of the Russian society Znanie on a modern digital platform became possible. Over five years, the renewed educational organisation has gained high recognition: 66% of Russians are familiar with the activities of the Russian society Znanie, and 74% of them trust it. These results have been achieved thanks to a large community of lecturers, who, as in the past, play a central role in education.

"This is true dedication, and to work in this way, it is not enough simply to pass on knowledge — one must invest heart and soul. Thank you very much! Today, the community of lecturers of the Russian society Znanie includes more than 32,000 people of different professions and ages. The oldest lecturer is 100 years old, while the youngest are seventh-grade school students. The work of the Russian society Znanie and the personal example of the President of the Russian Federation have restored interest in and respect for education and for the status of the lecturer," said Sergei Kiriyenko.

Sergei Kiriyenko also expressed special gratitude to veterans of the special military operation, noting that nearly 700 participants, having returned from the front, have become lecturers of the Russian society Znanie.

Director General of the Russian society Znanie Maxim Dreval spoke about the results of five years of work. One of the key outcomes is that educational content helps to shape and strengthen values such as productive work, service to the Fatherland and family creation, encouraging people to see more opportunities for self-realisation in Russia. For example, a survey of participants of the Znanie.First marathon dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory showed that 96% of attendees wanted to learn more about relatives who fought in the Great Patriotic War, while 84% felt more confident in their opportunities for self-realisation in Russia.

Regional branches of the Russian society Znanie operate in every federal subject of Russia, with supervisory boards established in 76 regions. Houses of Knowledge have been opened in 16 cities across Russia and in Abkhazia. Many projects are implemented in partnership with leading organisations from various sectors. This comprehensive approach has made it possible to reach virtually all categories of citizens.

At the Congress, teachers from colleges and universities, schoolteachers, librarians, public officials, lecturers, partners and staff of the educational organisation received awards from the President of the Russian Federation and the Russian society Znanie for their contribution to education. The awards were presented by First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of Russia Sergei Kiriyenko and Director General of the Russian society Znanie Maxim Dreval.

Participants of the business programme discussed the development of education in the country and the challenges it faces. During the Congress, new compositions of the Supervisory and Coordination Councils of the Russian society Znanie were approved, along with a new version of the organisation’s Charter.