An activist of Moscow Polytech’s Trade Union Organization Olga Samitova about students’ rights and unsuccessful ideas

We continue a series of interviews with the winners of the “Rosmolodyozh” (Russian Youth) Grant Competition. Olga Samitova, an activist of the Moscow Polytech’s Trade Union Organization and a second-year student of the Institute of Publishing and Journalism, won a grant for the creation of a trade union activist school “Patronus”. Olga shared why students receive disciplinary penalties, what is needed for a human rights defender sourcebook, and why some ideas may not receive funding.

What project did you win the grant for?

We submitted an application with an idea of creating a trade union activist school “Patronus”. The idea stemmed fr om the fact that students may not be sufficiently informed about their rights. In addition, the goal of the trade union is to assist students to protect them, if needed. The School of Trade Union Representatives is organized annually by the trade union organization following the adaptation course. We decided to submit this proposal for the grant in order to involve not only trade union reps, but also all the guys who would like to be engaged in human rights activities.

Legal literacy in the sphere of education is when a person understands what he is obliged to do at the university, and what is prohibited. Not many students are aware of these rules in the beginning. Moreover, not many of them realize which opportunities the university may provide them with and what the status of a student is. For example, a student enrolled in a budget-funded place may not only get a scholarship, but also a financial aid, as well as has the right for free attendance of entertainment venues and events, and much more. Some of them may receive disciplinary penalties, as they are unaware of internal regulations at the dormitory.

After training, we plan to send the guys, who have finished our school, to render assistance to the United Council of Students, the Disciplinary Commission and the Trade Union Organization.

What events are in plans?

Firstly, we organize training wh ere we talk about behavior rules at the university, dormitories and introduce first-year students to the structure of the university. After that, we travel to our “Polyot” (Flight”) venue in the Moscow region, where we learn these issues in more details. After travelling, we work with the guys and assist other departments around legal issues.

What is expected in the end?

Usually, the results come immediately. The guys participate in the competition “The Best Trade Union Representative” among first-year students. Based on the results, we may send a winner to higher-level competitions. The student can also assist groupmates and other students. After this educational trip, we always see reduction in internal regulations violations. Our plans are to create a guidebook for a trade union representative with further publication.

You won 460 thousand robles. Is it sufficient?

This is a little less than we would like to. After the first review, we received a request to reduce cost estimates. Initially, it was the amount of 580 thousand rubles. The money will be spent for merch, stationery products, machinery, as well as photo and video production.

Who helped you in the realization of the idea?

I prepared the grant fully by myself. It was not difficult. The main thing is the idea and understanding of the final goal. The submission form is quite open-ended and does not require to stick with something specific. One just need to present the idea to a target audience.

Which emotions did you have after the victory?

It was my first victory as a student, and I am very proud of it.

Why should students participate in grant competitions?

In order to understand their real capabilities, as many of them find themselves just in extracurricular activities. Awareness comes this way that you may create projects from scratch or develop someone else’s ideas. A student may receive a grant both for scientific research and for technical developments, as well as business projects.

How to learn to apply for grants?

Everyone can do this. There is no difficulty in this. One can contact the department for Social Engineering and get a consultation there. You need to remember that creating an idea is always a problem you are facing, and you need to find a solution.

Is this your first grant?

No, before studying at the university I submitted a grant application for creation of the competition “Big Change”. Now it is already a large-scale and All-Russia competition, but everything started from a grant initiative.

Why some grants do not win?

When you does not win a grant, can you request a feedback from an expert. Sometimes, the reason is in erroneous formulations, but it is more often just about unclear results or a subjectivity of a problem.

What is the key to a successful grant?

In belief. If you believe in your idea and the solution for the issue risen, and the team, then everything will work out ideally.