Zarinsk students blend fitness, mentorship and volunteering in award-winning squad

For the third year running, the Privet volunteer squad at Zarinsk School has taken part in the International Common Cause – PRO Competition. This year, their project focuses on preserving traditions through mutual support across generations. The group, made up of students from grades 4 to 11, combines fitness, community service, and mentorship under the guidance of school psychologist Irina Yuryevna Veshnyakova.

Their latest efforts include joining the nationwide campaign *For You, Our Loved Ones*, where they collect humanitarian aid and write letters to servicemembers. Every member of the squad has also earned the gold badge in the GTO fitness standards, reflecting their commitment to physical and social responsibility.

The squad's activities stretch beyond fitness and patriotism. They organise morning exercise sessions, sports relays, and Health Days to encourage healthy habits among students. Their work ties into the Ecolyata programme, where older students mentor younger ones in volunteerism and event planning.

Community support remains a core focus. Through the *Kindness Mission* campaign, the volunteers assist elderly residents in Zarinsk. They also partner with the *Women's Movement of United Russia* to visit the Alapayevsk orphanage, offering companionship and practical help. Their achievements have not gone unnoticed. The squad has won regional and international awards, including *Our Homeland Begins With Us* and *Professionals of the Urals*. School principal Irina Nikolayevna Kondratyeva highlights how the competition—alongside cooperation with *Orlyata Rossii*—has strengthened school volunteering and promoted a culture of wellness. Under Veshnyakova's leadership, the students also teach younger peers about mutual aid and international volunteering. Their theme, *Preserving Traditions Through Mutual Support Across Generations*, guides all their projects, from fitness challenges to humanitarian work.

The Privet squad continues to expand its impact, blending physical fitness, mentorship, and community service. Their participation in national campaigns and award-winning projects demonstrates a sustained commitment to volunteering. With every member holding a GTO gold badge, the group sets a standard for combining athletic achievement with social responsibility.