Russia to introduce ‘patriotism lessons’ in kindergartens
Russia's government is to introduce a new programme of what human rights activists call "systematic state propaganda" for children as young as three.
The "Conversations About Important Things" lessons will be held in state-run kindergartens in Moscow and 22 other Russian regions, as well as in the annexed Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Luhansk.
The initiative will begin on 1 September as a pilot programme. A decision on whether to extend the lessons to all state-run kindergartens nationwide will be made later this year.
The classes, aimed at children aged three to seven, officially cover topics such as family, friendship, and moral qualities, but also include learning about Russian history and "loving one's homeland."
According to Russia's Education Minister Sergei Kravtsov, the activities will be "clear and engaging" and will include interactive elements such as games and creative exercises.
The lessons, which human rights activists have criticised as propaganda, have already been introduced in Russian schools since 2022. There, students are taught about love for the homeland and, from the fifth grade, about the so-called "special military operation" in Ukraine.
The idea was first proposed by President Vladimir Putin in October 2024, who said authorities must instill "certain fundamental things from a very young age." Following his comments, several kindergartens reportedly began holding the sessions.
The programme has been criticised as a tool of ideological control. It is said to focus on promoting "the cult of the homeland" and justifying the war in Ukraine. Human rights activists argue it is "systematic state propaganda" designed to build loyalty to the regime from an early age.
Daniil Yermolayev, a Russian youth and education expert, warned that a child's psyche could be affected if they encounter contradictions in the programme's content. He noted that at this age, a child's brain is "highly receptive to new ideas" and with the right approach, an educator could instill the "unquestioning love for the homeland."
Translation by Iurie Tataru
