Every day is scheduled to the minute, each event gives new knowledge, impressions, emotions: schoolchildren from the Kherson region continue their “University Session” at SPbGASU calling it the coolest. As the guys say, they like the profound program, allowing them to learn about the university faculties and fields of study, to participate in interesting extracurricular student activities and the cultural life of the Northern capital. In addition, the guys met with representatives of the Russian movement of children and youth “Movement of the First”.

Natalya Smyshlyaeva, a specialist at the regional branch of the “Movement of the First” in St Petersburg, emphasized that “University Sessions” is one of the flagship all-Russian projects of the “Movement of the First”.

“In each session there is a “Day of the Firsts”, during which participants get acquainted with the values and directions of the movement. Thanks to this event, teenagers have the opportunity to learn about interesting projects in which they can take part,” explained Natalya Smyshlyaeva.

Head of the SPbGASU Division of Social and Extracurricular Student Activities Irina Nuryeva, Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Assembly of St Petersburg Pavel Itkin, group leaders

“Our university joined this movement, realizing that it helps students promote their talents and fulfil their ideas. “Day of the First” gave schoolchildren the opportunity to learn about the mission, values and directions of the movement, opportunities for development and self-realization in it. The events held on this day motivated the children to participate in the activities of the “Movement of the First”, which is based on traditional Russian spiritual and moral values, team work,” added Irina Nuryeva, head of the SPbGASU Division of Social and Extracurricular Student Activities.

Schoolchildren playing “Be on the Move!”

Station game

According to Natalya Smyshlyaeva, SPbGASU organized a station game “Be on the Move!”. Having passed twelve stations, the guys became acquainted with all directions of the “Movement of the First”. Teams performed logical, creative, and sports tasks.

“I took part in this game with great pleasure, despite the fact that I had already visited these stations before. While maintaining the rules, the organizers introduce strong creativity and new tasks into each game, so it’s always interesting to play!” – the schoolboy Nazar Ivanenko shared his impressions.

• As part of the Day of the First, schoolchildren also took part in a master class on first aid from the St Petersburg regional branch of the Russian Red Cross.

Subbotnik in the Marshal Govorov's garden

Irina Nuryeva emphasized that, by implementing the “University Session,” SPbGASU provided support to the city’s environmental project: the guys took part in the socially useful action “Good Deed of the First,” organized on the Unified Day of City Improvement in the Marshal Govorov's garden. The action participants were welcomed by the St Petersburg Vice-Governor Aleksey Korabelnikov, Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Assembly Pavel Itkin, Head of the Admiralteysky District Administration Sergey Overchuk.

Kira Cheskidova, head of the Department of youth policy and interaction with public organizations of the St Petersburg Admiralteysky District Administration, explained that it was no coincidence that Marshal Govorov’s garden was chosen as the central site of the regional action: the event was dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the lifting of the blockade, and Marshal Govorov fought on the Leningrad front and is directly related to this historical event. “We invited the children from the Kherson region to take part in such an event in order to draw their attention to a significant event for the city and the country. Moreover, this kind action will allow the children to join the united family of our common Motherland and learn its history,” said Kira Cheskidova.

To get acquainted with the history of the city and the country, the architecture of historical buildings, and to feel the patriotism of compatriots even more - this is why Nazar Ivanenko came to the Northern capital. What he saw exceeded all his expectations. “I am impressed by my stay at the National Show Museum “Grand Maket Russia”. This is a large-scale project that shows our entire vast Russia! And I got similar impressions from each of the events. Everything is great, including the subbotnik!” said Nazar.

The head of the schoolchildren group, a teacher of additional education at the Genetic Center for Children and Youth Creativity, Natalia Salova, noted the deep content and diversity of the “University Session” program. “We are grateful to SPbGASU for the very warm welcome and organization of our stay in the city. The program is thought out to the smallest detail: from excellent nutrition and excellent living conditions to educational, cultural, and physical fitness activities. We admire senior students. Watching such creative, active guys, we understand that the future of our country is in good hands. Communicating with teachers, I took note of many useful things for my professional activities. I also appreciated today’s action “Good Deed of the First”. We don’t have similar projects in our education system yet, but the idea is interesting in order to introduce it,” said Natalia Salova.

"Everything's super! – the schoolgirl Viktoria Yaremchuk agrees with the teacher. – The positive emotions from the events at SPbGASU are simply off the charts! We took part in competitions, danced, and even played constructors and made models of buildings. I’m also delighted with the play “Scarlet Sails,” which we watched at the Youth Theater. I will remember my trip to St Petersburg for the rest of my life!” – Viktoria smiles.