Young Cossacks brought up in the spirit of tradition

The national education project has come into spotlight during President Putin’s visit to the southern Rostov region. The heart of Cossack culture, the area is now seeing the revival of traditional cadet schools.

Ever since these lands were given to the Cossacks by the Empress Catherine the Great, they have been the protectors of this land. Today’s defenders are still young – but they are already fully immersed in the culture and traditions of the Cossacks.
 
As Aristotle once said, the fate of empires depends on the education of youth. It appears that the Russian President agrees with that statement.
 
That is why the very first destination for Vladimir Putin upon arrival in the city of Rostov was a cadet school. Mr Putin toured classrooms and even attempted a tour of the school’s website.
 
Cracking open the subject of education later on at the meeting of the Presidential Council for the Development of Regional Government, he called for serious investments into all aspects of education.
 
Part of this directive targets First Deputy Prime Minister – and Putin’s approved presidential candidate – Dmitry Medvedev.
 
He has been the man responsible for national projects for the last few years – and reported on progress made in the area.
 
“I want you to notice that a lot of money is being spent on education in this country. Please know – in 2008 and 2009 total spending on education will be more than 2 billion roubles,” said Medvedev at the meeting of the Presidential Council for the Development of Regional Government.
 
From Rostov, President and First Deputy Prime Minister proceeded to the neighbouring town of Novocherkassk, where they visited the local Ascension Cathedral.
 
In 1962, the town’s central square was soaked in blood – sending shockwaves throughout the nation. Workers of a local train factory, outraged by the decrease in wages and constantly rising food prices, came to protest. They asked for better living conditions – and got gunned down instead.
 
Dozens were killed on the spot, hundreds arrested and seven later executed. Known as the Novocherkassk Massacre, the events have tragically written the city into history.
 
On Friday, hundreds have come out to the streets but the crowd was peaceful, with people asking the leader for autographs, not reforms. Some might say this is because of people’s belief in the course Russia has set out for itself.