BRICS International School: New Generation Held for the First Time in Artek

From August 20 to 23, the Artek International Children's Centre hosted a visiting session of the BRICS International School: New Generation, a flagship educational and outreach initiative spearheaded by the BRICS Expert Council-Russia.

Over the course of four days, 160 schoolchildren aged between 12 and 17 from various regions of Russia and other nations immersed themselves in the history and cultures of the BRICS countries. The programme included lectures, intellectual and educational games, creative workshops, and hands-on negotiation simulations. On the very first day, participants showcased their skills in an intellectual game, took part in an interactive BRICS Quiz that explored the geography, languages, and traditions of the member nations, and crafted friendship bracelets, symbolising the unity of diverse peoples.

A key highlight of the programme was the BRICS Model Business Game, where the children were split into teams and tasked with simulating the dynamics of a BRICS Summit, complete with negotiations, compromise-seeking, and the drafting of a real-life declaration. This collaborative effort culminated in the Gurzuf Declaration, addressed to the leaders of the BRICS nations. In this message, the aspiring BRICSologists advocated for equal access to quality education for all children around the globe.

As noted by Victoria Panova, Vice Rector at HSE University and Head of the BRICS Expert Council-Russia, the BRICS International School: New Generation is not just an educational project but also a platform for cultivating a community of young leaders.

Participants shared that their experience at the School was not only a deep dive into BRICS topics, but also a chance to learn more about HSE University. Many children expressed interest in applying to the university and exploring the opportunities it offers in international studies.