According to the press service of the Knowledge association, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed winners of the Children’s Mentoring School in an open lecture titled Talk About What Matters. The session took place at the Senezh training center, where the president engaged with young participants about a range of topics spanning science, culture, and community life. He spoke directly to the hopes and questions of the youth, inviting them to see their future as a shared project that blends curiosity with responsibility.
During the talk, the president explored how nanotechnologies and cinema intersect with daily life, how cities grow and science spreads, and how families and mentors shape personal development. He emphasized that progress is built on the foundations laid by previous generations and that personal effort plays a crucial role in translating those foundations into real achievements. He urged the students to honor what their parents, mentors, and teachers contributed while also taking ownership of their own paths forward.
Responding to a question from a female student and expanding on the mentoring theme, Putin highlighted a core idea he believes mentors should share with their peers. He urged mentors and learners alike to focus on how ideas can travel from one generation to the next, creating a dynamic flow of knowledge, inspiration, and shared values that strengthen the community as a whole.
He added that his affection for Russia should translate into a creative approach to its future. Looking at the country from a historical standpoint, he suggested aligning national tasks with traditions, family bonds, and the country’s broader aspirations. From different angles, this blend of heritage and vision should be presented in a way that captures the imagination of children, making the subject both beautiful and engaging. The goal, he said, is to spark bright, lasting interest and genuine enjoyment among young minds.
Putin also underscored the importance of the ideas proposed by the male participants, noting what concrete steps are already underway in each area. He expressed willingness to support efforts that bring these ideas to life, bridging aspiration with practical action. The message was clear: ideas gain momentum when backed by concrete plans and a community willing to help turn them into reality.
The all-Russian Children’s Mentoring School competition was designed for students aged 10 to 17 attending general education schools. It opened a platform for the winners of school contests, research competitions, and active youth programs from across Russia to showcase their projects. In this round, 40 talented young residents from 27 regions earned recognition through this national event, illustrating a wide spectrum of talent and ambition that spans the country. The audience and participants left with a shared sense of possibility, ready to apply mentoring principles in classrooms, clubs, and communities with the aim of lifting others as they rise.
[citation: Knowledge association press service]