Schools. The diplomats of tomorrow

schools are there in the country? Spotlight on Russia looks at three untypical schools.

House for the International Co-operation of Children' (Evdodemes) announced the establishment of three residential schools in the Gelendzhik, Moscow and Leningrad oblasts. Based on the idea of 'children's diplomacy', these schools hope to unite nations and peoples. The idea behind Evdodemes is that the children of today are the key to a peaceful future. While depressing reports of wars are a common feature on our TV screens and fill our newspaper columns, the school's aim is to educate children in a culture of peace and harmony. Apart from traditional school subjects, the students of this unique school will attend classes in negotiation and communication skills, as well as in the art of diplomacy and etiquette. They will also learn about the culture and history of other countries. All this will help promote the main aim of Evdodemes, which is to help children make friends with other children from different religious, linguistic and racial backgrounds.

a special programme has begun. Set up by the Altai Krai Regional Crisis Centre for Men and supported by the annual Man-Ecology-Health Exhibition, this new course has devised a number of ways to help male teenagers with problems. Participants learn how to assert and respect themselves. They go on camping trips, which are designed to improve their health, that include mountain hiking and campfire singsongs. Back in the city, informal meetings called 'evening couch parties' allow teenagers to sit around and talk in a relaxed atmosphere. All of these activities help them to realise who they are and what makes them special.

of school will open shortly. What makes this school unique is the fact that it is not only intended for students, but it is designed for the needs of local citizens as well. Therefore the school will have an educational and a social purpose. During the day, students will make use of the school's gyms, Internet facilities and concert halls, while in the evening these will be open to local residents of all ages. The school will be equipped with the latest technology, and every classroom will have computers and widescreen digital monitors.