Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Associate Professor Vladimir Pinaev and Deputy Director for Educational Work at the RUDN University Institute of Ecology Irina Golovacheva received medals "For Selfless Assistance to Russian Soldiers" from the All-Russian public organization "Combat Brotherhood." For them, this is not only personal recognition but also recognition of the work of their entire enormous team.
"The medals were a pleasant surprise and proof that we're moving in the right direction. But we believe these awards belong to our entire community—the volunteers and partners who carry out systematic work day after day. A special word of gratitude goes to our indispensable allies, the organizations "Angel's Golden Hands," "Hands of Good," and the "Danko's Heart" charitable foundation, with whom we collaborate. These organizations enable us to create stretchers, specialized clothing for hospitals, drags, tourniquets, camouflage nets, and much more," says Irina Golovacheva.
As Vladimir Pinaev adds, aid to the front is always comprehensive. Our work would be impossible without partnership. Everyone helps as best they can: some provide transportation, others do a lot of the work themselves, still others source materials, and so on.
Love for one's native land
When asked how the different spheres of ecology and patriotic activity are integrated in their work, Vladimir and Irina responded that love for the Motherland is expressed through a careful attitude toward resources, nature, and the desire to preserve and protect what is dear to one. Therefore, according to RUDN University staff, environmental protection and patriotism are manifestations of the same emotion—love for one's native land.
"We've long understood that being a part of Russia means bearing responsibility for it. Like every person who identifies with their country, we've focused on strengthening the state's sovereignty in both our professional and volunteer activities. Even before the start of the SVO, this was embodied in the professional student society "Ecology of the Family," where we created projects aimed at restoring family trees. We published essay collections—memorial books about the heroes of the Great Patriotic War, the First World War, and the heroes of the Russian World—and also taught first aid. Such projects can accompany anyone's activities, because every family has its heroes. For us, this activity isn't work, but a natural civic position and a spiritual need," says Vladimir Pinaev.
When the special military operation began, Irina and Vladimir focused all their community's efforts on the main objective—everything for victory. According to them, activities aimed at supporting the Special Military Operations are always complex and depend on more than one person. It's a multi-layered effort, beginning with identifying the needs of our military personnel, followed by the collection of items, production (many are handcrafted), quality control, logistics, and, finally, delivery. And each of these stages presents its own challenges.
"The most difficult thing is getting the right request. In the face of information noise, it's crucial to understand what kind of assistance will be truly useful, not just flashy. We need to understand what our service members really need right now. That's why we strive to work directly with the SVO participants," says Vladimir Pinaev.
Cleaning the area as a lesson in duty
In addition to collecting humanitarian aid, Irina and Vladimir organize events for young people with members of the SVO. For example, the "Honor and Purity" project combined a cleanup day with a meeting between students and military personnel.
"The idea grew out of our long-standing approach to educational work. We've long practiced the format of joint practical events—whether it's Zarnitsa, literary evenings, or field trips. The idea is that when SVO participants, teachers, and students engage in everyday activities together—whether it's cleaning the grounds or having tea—it creates a unique atmosphere for sincere dialogue and mutual immersion in each other's lives. So, when Rosmolodezh launched the All-Russian Week of Cleanup Days, "We Are for Cleanliness," dedicated to the Year of Defender of the Fatherland, we embraced the idea," said Irina Golovacheva.
The main message Irina and Vladimir conveyed to the students was that patriotism, ecology, and civic responsibility are not abstract concepts but practical actions. The lively interaction breaks down barriers, allowing them to learn from each other and make true friends in an informal setting. Vladimir and Irina also shared how they engage students in the "Family Ecology" club.
"We make patriotism tangible and personally meaningful. The Ecology of the Family Project is for everyone. We organize outdoor events, participate in exhibitions, and organize annual projects. Our goal is not to force students into participating, but to awaken a natural response. We believe that patriotism is not an abstraction, but a deeply personal experience, rooted in the history of every family. Therefore, we avoid slogans and demonstrate patriotism through images that are relatable and understandable to everyone: through "Heroes of Everyday Life," great scientists, travelers, and rescuers. There are countless examples of true Russians. And this can, should, and is important to talk about," says Irina Golovacheva.
According to Irina and Vladimir, some of the competitions at the PSO are aimed specifically at telling the story of family heroes. After all, it is when a person identifies with their homeland—both small and large—that thrift, responsibility, and the desire to preserve what is dear to them naturally awaken. This is true patriotism, and the RUDN University faculty see the mission of "Ecology of the Family" as creating the conditions in which this genuine patriotism can flourish.
About the results and the future
The Ecology of the Family Project is also a co-organizer of the All-Russian audio and video podcast competition "Tell Us About Russia: Heroes of Our Time." This project encourages schoolchildren to explore their native land and develop an interest in local history, geography, and ecology.
"Our collaboration with the ANO Information and Resource Center 'Our Heritage' (the competition organizer) stemmed from a shared understanding of the concept of fostering and preserving traditional moral values and a sense of patriotism. We are proud that this year's competition was included in the official list of the Russian Ministry of Education, demonstrating its high social and national significance. The caliber of the experts and the depth of the students' work are truly difficult to overestimate," said Vladimir Pinaev.
In terms of new horizons, the community's strategy is based on three principles.
Deepening and systematization. Not simply continuing current projects, but actively developing them, drawing on the state educational strategy, primarily the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation "On Approving the Fundamentals of State Policy for the Preservation and Strengthening of Traditional Russian Spiritual and Moral Values." Creating a meaningful field. The community's key goal is not simply to hold events, but to create an environment where patriotism is free from formalism. Openness to innovation. PSO is ready to launch new projects that respond to the challenges of the times. All community initiatives, both existing and future, will be aimed at helping people recognize themselves as part of a great country through personal connection—whether it's their family history, scientific achievements, or the fate of modern heroes.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.