23 children from the Republic of Belarus took part in the “People of Artek” contest and conducted 40 lessons about Artek. One of the leaders and last year winner of the contest, Nikifor Drazhin from the Minsk State Tourist and Ecological Center for Children and Youth, conducted 3 “Artek lessons” and spoke about them: “I conducted “Artek lessons” for students of associations “Ekomir” and “Ecoguide” (head R.G. Fedorinchik) at the Minsk State Tourist and Environmental Center for Children and Youth and for primary school students (class teacher L.M. Bushueva ) in gymnasium No. 1 named after Francis Skaryna in Minsk. The lessons consisted of two elements: a promotional presentation about Artek and a presentation based on research work about the Belarusian Artek student - Natalya Yegorovna Kurgankova (Drinkova), who is my music teacher.

During preparation for the lessons, I gained invaluable experience communicating with peers and adults, conducted research on the history of the camp as an international children's center and the fate of the People of Artek. I had to play the role of an archivist and correspondent interviewing my music teacher, an Artek graduate in 1990. I was a screenwriter, author and speaker who, using videos created by the Artek media center, my own archival photos and artifacts brought from the unforgettable 8th shift of 2023, spoke about the world famous camp. I publicly presented the results of my research activities.

“Artek Lessons” for younger schoolchildren were interesting, because they still have little experience in participating in various competitions. The guys’ eyes lit up from the information I shared. The kids learned the Artek dance, tried on the Artek cap, looked with surprise at our squad “bundles” as souvenirs, certificates, postcards, gifts, and tried water from a bottle with the inscription “Artek”. The guys asked a lot of questions, which were sometimes unexpected. I think that they received the most reliable and comprehensive information from me. And I hope that all my listeners will want to conquer Ayu-Dag, go to Artek, and understand the motives for participating in creative competitions, research work and social events.”