Andrei Checherin checked the condition of the schools in the Bolshemurashkinsky district and their readiness for the new school year.

      Photo: "Znamya" newspaper and the press service of the Government of the Nizhny Novgorod Region

      On July 15, Deputy Governor of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Andrey Checherin made a working visit to the Bolshemurashkinsky municipal district. He visited three educational institutions—the secondary school in Kishkino village, the boarding school for children with hearing impairments and late deafness, as well as the correctional boarding school in Bolshoye Murashkino settlement.

      The deputy governor, along with the Minister of Education and Science of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Mikhail Puchkov, the head of local self-government of the Bolshemurashkinsky district Nikolay Belyakov, and State Duma deputy Vladimir Pakov, checked the material and technical condition of the facilities and the schools' readiness for the new academic year.

      According to the Ministry of Education and Science of the region, Kishkino Secondary School is the oldest in the district, founded in 1897. The modern building was constructed in 1937, and in the second half of the last century, an additional educational building, a sports hall, and an assembly hall were attached.

      "Last year, the school underwent major repairs—beautiful modern classrooms have been created here, and high-quality equipment installed. It is important to understand: if we invest significant funds in renovating a small school—here about 50 children are enrolled—the educational institution should be given a 'second life.'

      It should not only conduct general education classes but also develop extracurricular programs, establish clubs and sections, to keep children actively engaged outside of school hours. Moreover, it is necessary to organize summer camps on this site and in other similar schools, including shifts focused on patriotism, sports, and education," emphasized Andrey Checherin.

      The Bolshemurashkinsky boarding school for children with hearing impairments and late deafness is one of the two specialized institutions for children with hearing impairments in the region. About 50 students are enrolled here, with classes conducted in small groups—up to six children.

      "In the past three years, over 8 million rubles from the regional budget have been allocated to strengthen the material and technical base of the school. The pride of this educational institution is new rooms for defectologists and psychologists, where both group and individual lessons are held.

      At the boarding school, children not only master the educational program well but also develop professional skills. Each year, the children participate in the All-Russian championship 'Abilympics' in competencies such as sign language singing, woodworking, and crocheting, earning prize places," said Mikhail Puchkov, Minister of Education and Science of the Nizhny Novgorod Region.

      The minister reminded that today, the 'Abilympics' movement is part of the presidential platform 'Russia — a Land of Opportunities.' The championship's holding is included in the federal project "Professionalism," which is part of the new national project "Youth and Children."

      Students at the Bolshemurashkinsky correctional school also actively participate in 'Abilympics' and other competitions where practical skills can be demonstrated. Thanks to the 'Good School' project implemented by the Russian Ministry of Education to improve methods of teaching children with health limitations, modern workshops have been established here.

      "We saw how children are taught cooking, carpentry, and sewing. It’s important that the school has not only the necessary technical conditions for mastering these professions but also highly qualified teachers who are truly passionate about their work. Today, the Bolshemurashkinsky correctional school functions essentially as a regional competence center. Since 2023, a regional festival for children with disabilities has been held here, where kids can showcase their talents in various fields," noted Andrey Checherin.

      According to the director of the educational institution, Alexander Kuraagin, over the past three years, the number of students has increased from 65 to 93. These children come from both the Bolshemurashkinsky district and other municipalities of the region.

      "Our team is well staffed—more than 30 teachers work with the children, all dedicated to their work. It is encouraging that more young specialists are coming to us. Now, there are as many as 12 pedagogical staff members under 35 years old," he said.

      It is worth recalling that the national project "Youth and Children" has been implemented across the country by order of Russian President Vladimir Putin since 2025. It addresses tasks previously outlined in the "Education" and "Science and Universities" national projects. The new national project includes nine federal projects and programs: "Russia — a Land of Opportunities," "We Are Together," "Russia in the World," "The Best for Children," "Leading Schools," "Teachers and Mentors," "Creating a Network of Modern Campuses," "Universities for the Generation of Leaders," and "Professionalism."