Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, schools have become increasingly involved in supporting the army. By the fifth year of the war, some of them have effectively turned into “sewing units,” producing military supplies directly during classes and in large quantities.
According to a joint study by «Ne Norma» and «Verstka», at least 1,017 schools across 77 regions reported on their official VK pages that students make items for participants in the war during “Technology” (labor) classes.
“The girls carefully stitch seam after seam, skillfully threading elastic bands. They turn pieces of fabric into underwear,” — wrote one school.
“During technology classes and in their free time, students sew identification armbands, bedding, and orthopedic pillows for SMO soldiers,” — reported another.
“Sewing underwear is a way to show our support and solidarity with those defending our country,” — stated a school administration.
During labor classes, students have produced at least 57 types of military supplies.
▪️ Sewing clothing and bedding — from underwear and socks to pillows and pillowcases.
▪️ Making elements of equipment — chevrons, “friend-or-foe” armbands, knee pads.
▪️ Weaving camouflage nets, hoods, helmet covers, and “Kikimora” suits.
▪️ Assembling medical supplies — stretchers, tourniquets, hospital pillows.
Trench candles and camouflage nets are the most common items made by children. In many cases, this is large-scale production. For example, in the Moscow region, students in grades 5–9 sewed at least 408 “bone-shaped” pillows and 124 pillowcases for hospitals over 14 months during class.
Labor classes are a mandatory part of the curriculum, which makes refusing to participate in such activities effectively impossible. And the longer the war continues, the more schools involve children in this work.
❗️Read the full investigation by Ne Norma and Verstka on how Russian schools have turned into “sewing units” and how child labor is used for the army here: https://verstka.media/detskie-shveybaty-kak-shkolnikov-zastavlyayut-rabotat-na-nuzhdy-armii
Cover: Dmitry Osinnikov, Verstka
