Schoolchildren revive old Soviet traditions

17 May, 2009 14:02 / Updated 15 years ago

Almost 3000 schoolchildren from across Russia have gathered at Moscow’s Red Square to enroll in the “pioneer movement”, which was the Soviet Union's answer to the cub scouts.

Back in the USSR, all schoolchildren had to enter the movement at the age of 10, of which they remained members of until 15.

The mass organization existed under the ruling Communist Party and was aimed at coaching the youth according to communist ideology.

When the Soviet Union collapsed, so did all the organizations associated with it.

When asked what the children would most enjoy about being pioneers, children said looking after war veterans and planting trees at school yard.