Dmitry Chernyshenko and Sergey Kravtsov Spoke About the Development of the Supplementary Education System

On October 8, Russia traditionally celebrates Supplementary Education Workers' Day. Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Chernyshenko and Minister of Education of the Russian Federation Sergey Kravtsov expressed gratitude for the work of heads of clubs and sections, teachers of creative studios, coaches of sports clubs, teacher-organizers, and methodologists.

"Supplementary education helps children and adolescents try themselves in different spheres, reveal their abilities, and find a pursuit that will become their passion, and perhaps their future profession. More than 18 million children today attend clubs and sections. Behind every achievement of a young engineer, researcher, athlete, or journalist stands an educator who noticed the talent in time and helped them believe in their abilities. More than 300,000 specialists work in the supplementary education system. Within the national project 'Youth and Children,' we will continue to create opportunities for self-realization", stated Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko.

Minister of Education of the Russian Federation Sergey Kravtsov noted that the supplementary education system is being improved taking into account children's interests and families' needs.

"Every child from 5 to 18 years old today can choose a direction of interest, gain new knowledge and skills, and reveal their abilities. To this end, we are developing the content of supplementary education, its infrastructure, and creating modern spaces for activities. Clubs and sections are introducing programs related to information technology, robotics, media, and other in-demand areas. Great attention is paid to developing human resources. This autumn, the final of the All-Russian Professional Skills Competition 'I Give My Heart to Children – 2026' concluded. The experience and ideas of supplementary education teachers from different regions of the country will be studied in detail and scaled up", noted Minister of Education of the Russian Federation Sergey Kravtsov.

Today in Russia, there are almost 37,000 school theaters, more than 3,200 exemplary children's ensembles, over 12,200 school choirs, more than 17,300 school media centers, and around 37,600 school and 2,500 student sports clubs.

The most in-demand areas of supplementary education remain social-humanitarian, physical education and sports, and artistic.

Positive dynamics are also observed in technical programs: over two years, their coverage grew from 2.55 million children to 3.59 million, and in natural science programs – from 2.63 million to 3.55 million. The most significant growth was recorded in the tourism and local history direction: from 964,100 children to 1.57 million, which amounted to 62.6%.

The coverage of children by social-humanitarian programs is 7.81 million. The number of those engaged in physical education and sports sections is 6.38 million, and in artistic clubs – 6.34 million.

The supplementary education system in the country is developing within the framework of the national project "Youth and Children." The coordinator of this work is the Russian Ministry of Education. Methodological support to the regions is provided by the "Progress" Center for the Comprehensive Development of Children, created on the basis of the ministry.