A thematic shift titled "Time of the First. The First Among the First" has started in the Nizhny Novgorod region.

      On July 20th, the Lazurny Children's Center hosted a themed session for children from all over the Nizhny Novgorod region titled "Time of the First. The First Among the First." Over 500 kids from various districts of the region have been engaging in project-based and event activities of the First Movement and Rosmolodyozh, enhancing their skills and exploring opportunities for youth in the region from July 17th to August 6th. This year's session is part of the national project "Youth and Children."

      Participants and finalists of flagship projects of the First Movement, winners and laureates of Olympiads, competitions, sports events, student self-governance leaders, volunteers, and youth projects gathered at one site. All participants were divided into eight interest groups: "Volunteering," "Entrepreneurship and Business," "Creativity," "Grant Activities," "Media," "Science," "Patriotism and Historical Memory," and "Skill Development." Additionally, the program includes a career guidance component supported by the Leaders of Russia Club "Elbrus," the Corporate University of the Government of Nizhny Novgorod Region, and Vyksunsky Metallurgical Plant, via the project "Try on a Profession in Nizhny."

      "Our project is a real launchpad for future leaders and an essential part of our overall work with youth. This year, we brought together 150 talented kids at Lazurny in a joint project of the Ministry of Youth Policy, the Youth Center "Vysota," and the First Movement. Participants are already creating projects that can change the region, and they have additional opportunities to develop skills in education, volunteering, creativity, and other directions of youth policy. We don’t just talk about opportunities — we provide them. And this project is just one step on that path. The experience gained will help participants reach new heights, and we will continue expanding opportunities for youth," said Svetlana Anufrieva, Minister of Youth Policy of Nizhny Novgorod Region.

      After three weeks of educational activities, participants will present final products in their respective areas, prepared with mentors and curators throughout the session.

      "Finding an idea, creating a project, and defending it is not just a process but an exciting journey where dreams turn into reality. During the themed session, kids will learn to share their ideas, inspire listeners, and find like-minded peers because the most remarkable achievements are born through joint work," said Elena Perenkova, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Nizhny Novgorod Region, at the opening.

      Mentors for the kids include leading specialists and experts from Nizhny Novgorod Region: Anastasia Belous, head of the Talent Development Department at the Youth Center "Vysota" ("Creativity" direction); Alexandra Panova, head of the Competition and Grant Support Department at "Vysota" ("Grant Activities"); Ekaterina Pavlova, head of PR at "Vysota" ("Media"); Maria Samodelkina, General Director of the NGO "Volunteers of Nizhny Novgorod Region" ("Volunteering"); Daria Bausheva, Junior Research Fellow at the Photonics Center of NNSU named after N.I. Lobachevsky ("Science"); Alexander Ineshin, Deputy Executive Director of the "Vanguard" Center for Patriotic Education ("Patriotism and Historical Memory"); Svetlana Andrianova, Head of the Youth Entrepreneurship Development Department at "Vysota" ("Entrepreneurship and Business"); and Elizaveta Ushakova, Chief Specialist of the Competency Development Department at "Vysota" ("Skill Development").

      "The new summer season again gathered the First among the First at the traditional session 'Time of the First. The First Among the First.' Each participant proved themselves through the journey they've undertaken to spend this summer at Lazurny. As usual, we are launching the session together with the regional Youth Policy Ministry team, the Youth Center 'Vysota,' and with support from the regional Ministry of Education and Science. I am confident that every day will bring new knowledge, new acquaintances, and wonderful holidays. The 'Firsts' are paving the way for new achievements and embodying the core principle of the Movement: co-authorship between children and adults is the key format of our joint work," said Vyacheslav Amosov, Chairman of the Regional Branch Council of the First Movement of Nizhny Novgorod Region.

      In addition to the educational program, every day participants will enjoy creative and practical master classes from project partners, themed days, evening events, and the summer recreation program at the children's center.

      For example, Nikita Plakhov from Dzerzhinsk (Media direction) shared his expectations: "This is my second time here, and I believe that this session is for very brave kids who aren’t afraid to move forward and can show themselves and their abilities. This year, I want to create a final product that will genuinely be useful and interesting to others. And, of course, I hope to find new friends to move forward with together."

      The session organizers are the Youth Center "Vysota" and the regional branch of the First Movement, supported by the Ministry of Youth Policy and the Ministry of Education and Science.