Anastasia Doroganova - Educational Centres (Russia, 2019)
edited by Alexa Fahlman
Educational centres dedicated to their regional districts are a unique feature of Russian life, carrying a centuries-old history. While educational centres started to become popularized in 1905, many of these remained private centres primarily serving affluent families. However, as response to the pedagogical changes that were taking place in post-revolutionary Russia, the calls for universal access to these educational centres were granted. In turn, these educational centres were organized by regional and local authorities, and became a common institution. Within urban areas, working families especially benefitted from these centres as they provided both education and a form of childcare.
The teachers and students enjoyed great variability in the formats and educational approaches; arts, crafts, writing, sport, etc. Activities were organized in local surroundings, while lessons were delivered in school rooms and pioneer clubs within property management agencies, trade union committees and factories. In an effort to support these centres, a 3% tax was charged to those living in the community as a means to contribute to the centres’ upkeep. Between the 1970s and ‘80s, the centres flourished due to adequate funding, equipment and experienced teachers. Yet, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, many centres were faced with unprecedented challenges. Departmental support ceased, and funding was drastically cut. The number of these centres significantly decreased, many of which were bought and sold as real estate.
Nowadays, these district centres carry on their work as supplementary educational centres. While some were able to implement newer systems and integrate into commercial services, others have tried to keep what they have. They remain housed in the basements and semi-basement floors of buildings, and are forced to survive using their own resources. Despite these difficulties, the educators continue to work, and their purpose remains the same. Children are enrolled in classes for free, and those involved in the centres have begun to see a new generation attending these classes, most of whom are children without any other opportunities.