Russian Schools Defy Heavy Snow as Communities Rally to Keep Classrooms Open
Heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures have swept across parts of Russia, yet most schools and kindergartens remain open. In Krasnodar, all 120 schools and 215 kindergartens continue operating normally despite the harsh conditions. Meanwhile, local efforts are underway to keep education and daily life running smoothly in affected areas.
In regions hit hardest by the winter weather, over 1,200 staff members are working daily to clear snow from school grounds before and after classes. High school students and parents of kindergarteners have also joined in, volunteering to shovel snow and assist with recovery efforts.
Public transport is helping maintain access to education, with buses now transporting children to 15 remote suburban schools where classes have been rescheduled. Specialised equipment is being used to clear entrances and pathways to essential buildings, including clinics and churches.
Extracurricular activities remain unaffected, as clubs and sections at supplementary education centres continue running on schedule. Cultural and sports facilities have also stayed open, with no reported cancellations. However, local reports indicate that some schools and kindergartens in Siberia and the Far East have faced temporary closings in recent years during extreme cold snaps, with temperatures dropping below -40°C and heavy blizzards disrupting operations.
While severe winter conditions have caused occasional disruptions in some areas, most educational institutions in Krasnodar and other regions are functioning as planned. The combined efforts of staff, volunteers, and transport services have helped keep schools accessible and daily routines intact. No centralised data exists on nationwide closings, as decisions are made locally based on weather severity.