Education on health risks of smoking in Magadan, Russia

The purpose of this project was to educate young Russians on the health risks of smoking.

The American Cancer Society, Alaska Division, sponsored a project to deliver its teaching modules on the health risks of tobacco use to first- through third-graders in Magadan, Russia. Starting with a $4,400 (U.S.) contribution designated for this purpose, a young teacher, Irina Alishova, was contacted in Magadan in 1993. She translated the modules of the American Cancer Society oriented to the first- to the third-grade level. Irina also made contact with the Magadan school system, specifically the principal of Middle School Number 29, Alla Vakulyuk. Principal Vakulyuk encouraged the project and worked with the other schools in the Magadan school system.

Throughout the 1993-94 school year, nearly all of the first- and second-grade classes and a portion of the third-grade classes received and participated in the 50-minute teaching module. An American representative for the American Cancer Society observed one of the classes and noted thoughtful and enthusiastic participation by the schoolchildren.