Context:

In response to the pervasive patriotic education classes introduced by President Putin, some Russian parents and teachers are discreetly resisting the indoctrination efforts in schools. These activities, perceived as propaganda, aim to instill patriotism and conformity among the youth by portraying Russia as a victim and glorifying its military. Parents like Varvara and Irina employ strategies such as home-schooling and enrolling children in alternative activities to avoid participation in these classes. Teachers like Olga engage in subtle subversion by creating alternative curricula and ignoring state-mandated textbooks. Despite the challenges and risks, these individuals strive to protect children from what they view as a toxic educational atmosphere while fostering critical thinking and awareness of the war in Ukraine.

Dive Deeper:

• Faced with state-mandated patriotic education, some parents and teachers in Russia are undertaking covert efforts to shield children from propaganda that glorifies Russia's military and demonizes the West. Parents like Varvara are critical of activities that appear to support the war effort, such as performing military songs and attending pro-war talks.

• The Kremlin's indoctrination efforts, which began at the onset of the Ukraine invasion, have become entrenched in schools, with 'Important Conversations' lessons focusing on patriotism and military glory. These lessons are accepted by many as unavoidable, yet a significant number of parents and educators resist them through quiet sabotage and alternative uses of school time.

• Parents like Irina find ways for their children to skip propaganda classes by enrolling them in alternative activities, despite the risks of being perceived as antiwar dissenters. The fear of government retribution is palpable, as demonstrated by the case of a father losing custody of his daughter for her pro-Ukrainian expression.

• Home-schooling has become a refuge for some families, allowing them to escape the militarized environment of public schools. Vera, a single mother, withdrew her daughter from school to foster an upbringing centered on peace and acceptance rather than coercive patriotism.

• Teachers like Olga engage in 'creative bookkeeping' to avoid the official curriculum, providing students with their own history lessons while ignoring state-approved textbooks. Their commitment to nurturing independent thought in students is strong, even as many educators left their jobs in protest during the initial invasion period.

• Despite the risks, some educators remain dedicated to their profession and the well-being of their students, believing that children are capable of discerning the truth amid propaganda. Olga, a veteran teacher, continues to guide her students with a focus on critical thinking and an understanding of the real historical context.

• The resistance to state propaganda in Russian schools highlights the wider societal struggle against misinformation, with parents and teachers playing a critical role in fostering a generation capable of independent thought and resilience against state narratives.