"No cars, no drivers": A school in northern Transbaikalia closed mid-school.
The village of Chara is located in the northern part of the region. Chara Secondary School No. 1 has approximately 200 students. All of them are now learning remotely.
The Kalarsky District Prosecutor's Office filed a lawsuit. The wooden building was constructed in 1970. In February 2025, it was deemed dangerous for students, and despite the court's decision not having entered into legal force, classes were closed.
As one of the members of the school's advocacy group told NeMoskva, the problems there aren't that critical—the village is located in the north, and all the houses there are warped, notes a resident of Chara. According to construction and technical experts, several cracks were found in the school, along with a crumbling foundation and porch, along with dilapidated utility lines and the condition of the supporting structures. The deterioration of the structure ranges from 60 to 80%.
Meanwhile, the elementary school was housed in a building added in 1990. Children and parents advocated for classes to be held in the newer building, with two shifts. However, this was not permitted.
As a student from Chara told NeMoskva, they were now promised transportation to classes in the neighboring village of Novaya Chara. Elementary school, up to fifth grade, will be transferred to the village Children's Art School.
"The art school isn't equipped for classes at all. They're supposed to start providing transportation starting March 1st. But for now, there are no cars or drivers; everything is remote right now," the student said.
The students are now planning to record a video message stating their desire to study in their home village, and a petition has been created asking to remain in the old building.
At the trial, the prosecutor's office argued that a new school was needed. However, according to the regional Ministry of Education, there is no indication that the Charskaya school is included in any targeted programs.
Photo: initiative group.
