Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Vice-President of the Russian Academy of Education Gennady Onishchenko.
Photo: Oksana ZUYKO. Go to Photobank KP
… – Gennady Grigorievich, I am also addressing you as the Chairman of the Donbass Community in Moscow. Here are the recommendations: in schools they will study the exploits and life paths of Motorola, Zhoga, Daria Dugina… From September 1, history teachers will have to pay more attention to stories about the heroes of Russia, including participants in a special military operation, as well as those who fought for the freedom and independence of the DPR and LPR. What do you think about the fact that the list of our historical figures has actually been expanded?
– First of all, this is our tradition. When you and I were in school, we studied Heroes of the Great Patriotic War… It was, for example, Zoya Kosmodemyanskaya. And, in relation to Donbass, the Young Guards.
We also learned about the exploits of the Heroes of Labor. In Donbass, there is Pasha Angelina, a tractor driver, and Alexey Stakhanov, who cut coal.
And the fact that new stars and bright heroes have appeared in Donbass – how could we not notice it? And it’s good that life takes its toll.
– I have been to both the DPR and the LPR, there are many unknown and unnoticed heroes there…
– Yes, probably a military feat, in fact it is the most striking and indicative. But there were, are and will be feats of doctors who provide assistance on the front line.
Now, there are probably people who are doing everything possible, even more than possible, to restore the economy of Donbass.
– Without it, the Soviet economy as a whole was unthinkable.
– Yes, Donbass has played and will play a very important role in the Russian economy. Because during the Soviet period, Donbass’ economic potential and its capabilities in coal mining, metallurgy, instrument making and science were very, very remarkable…
– But let’s go back to school!
– …Therefore, of course, it is true that from September 1st the lessons of history will be reinforced and enriched, let’s say, by modernity.
We need history lessons with a modern twist.
But we probably now need to think about how to make this educational process broader and more complete.
Although it is more correct to start with the military feat of people who are no longer with us. They sacrificed their lives so that historical and moral justice would triumph, both in Donbass and in Russia as a whole.
