In a nationwide campaign called the Amulet of Goodness, children across Russia began crafting protective talismans for soldiers involved in the special military operation. This grassroots effort unfolds with the eager involvement of families, education directors’ advisors, and teachers who support young creators every step of the way. The initiative was announced by the press service of the Rosdetcenter, the Federal State Budgetary Institution tasked with coordinating youth activities nationwide.
According to the organizers, receiving one of these talismans is meant to remind every soldier of the warmth, care, and genuine concern that families and communities hold for them. The message from the organizers emphasizes that the tokens symbolize more than simple keepsakes; they embody a shared sense of solidarity and human connection that travels with each wearer.
Coinciding with the Day of Defender of the Fatherland, the campaign features a robust slate of classroom hours and extracurricular activities in schools across the country. Students will engage in hands-on projects to design and assemble original crafts, infusing their pieces with personal stories and regional cultural motifs. In doing so, children weave elements of their homeland’s culture and traditions into the talismans, with the aim that each soldier feels a tangible link to home and to places that matter deeply to them.
Alexander Kudryashov, director of the Center for Children and Youth of Russia, underscores the collective nature of the effort. He explains that the Amulet of Goodness is a large-scale, inclusive project that brings together people from diverse parts of the country. Talismans crafted with care, sincerity, and warmth are viewed as meaningful gifts that reinforce a sense of national unity and shared purpose in difficult times.
The campaign remains open-ended, inviting participation from anyone who wishes to contribute. Participants are encouraged to share their talismans and reflections through short videos on social media, helping to spread the message of support. Children can create talismans at home, deliver them to the school counselor or education director’s office, or bring them to local humanitarian collection points such as the We Are Together initiative. The emphasis is on a simple, personal act of giving that resonates beyond individual gifts and strengthens communal ties.