Another “Conversations About Important Things” lesson was held today in Russian schools under the theme “Cities of Russia.” With the autumn holidays approaching on November 4, the lesson was tied to National Unity Day.
The key values emphasized were “the unity of the peoples of Russia” and “civic consciousness.” According to the authors, the lesson was intended to foster in students “an awareness of Russian civic identity,” the “development of an internal personal stance based on spiritual and moral values,” as well as an “anti-corruption worldview.”
In the first part of the lesson, teachers explained that National Unity Day is “not just a holiday, but a symbol of the unity of our people, capable of overcoming difficulties and fighting for freedom and independence.”
Students were told that Russia has repeatedly faced enemy attacks and other hardships, but has endured thanks to the unity of its people.
“Our country has gone through difficult trials—periods of internal strife, epidemics and crop failures, invasions by conquerors—but all of this was overcome thanks to unity and mutual support!” — the teacher says.
After discussing the people’s militia, teachers asked students what it means to stand up for one’s country and to give examples of “national unity in the fight against invaders.”
The lesson also included a patriotic promotional element. Students were shown an interview with singer Tatyana Kurtukova, who performs the song “Mother Earth.” According to her, she first sang the song ten years ago, but it has only recently become popular because “people have become interested in the truth” and in “authentic history.”
