Russian government takes to social media in bid to inspire patriotism in kids

Russia’s Ministry of Education is looking for social media whizzes to help it stir up national pride in young people, as part of its latest “patriotic education programme”.

According to an official tender released on Monday, the ministry hopes to bring in an outside contractor to boost its presence on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Livejournal and Telegram, in addition to Russian social network sites Vkontakte and Odnoklassniki.

So, how is this team of social media gurus expected to build up “feelings of loyalty to the Fatherland” among Russia’s younger generation and prepare them to “fulfill their civic and constitutional duties”?

The ministry has underlined that the 8 million ruble ($142,000) contract won’t be won just by posting online — the firm that wins the tender must be willing to collaborate with bloggers, and get creative with hashtags designed specially for use on public holidays. For one, the ministry has set its sights on Teachers’ Day (1 September in Russia). “Children will gladly [use the hashtags] to congratulate their teachers,” the ministry’s press service told Russian newspaper Izvestia.

Expectations are high, with the winning contractor expected to grow the ministry’s internet audience by a quarter before the end of the year. Are you up to the job?

Source: The Moscow Times