MOSCOW, September 1. /TASS/. As of September 1, Russian schools are going to start conducting a nationwide character-building curriculum, which will instill students with spiritual and moral values and foster volunteer activities, the Education Ministry’s press service reported.

"The minister said that from September 2020, schools must work on creating and gradually implementing character-building programs. In particular, special attention will be paid to instilling children and youths with spiritual and moral values, and engaging them in volunteer activities," the press service said referring to Education Minister Sergey Kravtsov. With that in mind an important point to note is that on September 1, federal legislation dubbed "On Amendments to the Federal Law" On Education in the Russian Federation" comes into force.

The law states that the education of schoolchildren should be based on social, cultural, spiritual and moral values and the rules and norms of behavior adopted in Russian society in the interests of the individual, family, society and the state. It should cultivate a sense of patriotism and civic consciousness; cherish the memory of the nation’s defenders, instill respect for law and order, workers and the older generation.

Also, students will be taught to respect the cultural heritage and traditions of Russia’s multinational society, nature and the environment. On May 21, President Vladimir Putin submitted to the State Duma (lower house) amendments to the law on education to enhance the nation’s school system. The bill highlights the notion of character building and upbringing. The amendments are set to come into effect starting September 1, 2020 and the educational programs are to be adjusted to the law by September 1, 2021.