Ilsur Metshin on patriotism

Patriotic education is a task that requires a delicate approach. We cannot force a person to become a patriot. Patriotic education is a big and sensitive job. We see how important it is today. Civic consciousness develops gradually and only in combination with the surrounding environment, there are no trifles in this work.

To love the Homeland, you need to love your home, your yard, and the football pitch, and the public transport you use to go to work. Therefore, everything we do is a component of a great work called “Our Homeland”. We must improve it every single day: remove snow on time, renovate housing, social institutions, build new roads and create jobs. All this is a reason to be proud of your country, this is the way to become patriots. This issue should be put at the forefront throughout the country. It is in our hands, within our power and in our capabilities.

No doubt, the most important area of our work is schools. There is no need to force anyone, it is necessary to communicate and explain. Remember how the Good Kazan charity fairs were launched. The first was school No.19, and then there were five schools. Today, information about fairs has reached every child: they draw pictures, do crafts and construct. Then it is all implemented. The children without parents and classroom teachers decide whom the collected funds will go to, they become truly responsible for decision-making. You need to see their eyes – they feel proud that they were able to do this and provide help.

Today the country is facing new challenges, and this is a good reason to explain everything to children by examples. In the beginning, there will be a few volunteers, then dozens. We need to launch patriotic education without waiting for any instructions. If we do not work in this area, others would impose alien values. There is a lot of work to be done, but we know how to do it.