Irina Komarova, Vice-Rector of the International Pedagogical Academy of Preschool Education (IPAPE), member of the editorial board of the Preschool Education Today Journal was awarded the title of laureate of the International Competition for the Golden Compass Prize of the International Public Organization "International Academy of Children and Youth Tourism and Local History named after A.A. Ostapets-Sveshnikov" (IACYTK) in the nomination "Educational and Methodological Works" for the manual "Fundamentals of Local History and Spiritual and Moral Development of Preschool Children", developed for students of the State University of Education.
The laureate's badge and diploma were presented to Irina Komarova by the president of "IACYTK", Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor Dmitry Smirnov.
Local history has recently become a hot topic, being the subject of many conferences, educational programs, publications and expeditions, in which both adults and children participate. IACYTK, founded in 1997, is actively engaged in education and project activities, gathering a team of like-minded people working on the development of the local history movement.
In her manual, Irina Komarova emphasizes the importance of local history not only as an academic discipline, but also as an important tool for the formation of civic identity in children. Local history helps children realize the value of their small homeland, respect its history and cultural traditions, and develop analytical thinking and information search skills.