Patriotism is a widely discussed topic today. The year 2025 has been declared the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland. But what does “Fatherland” truly mean? And who is a defender?

For the past year, I have explored these questions through the activities of the Young Paratrooper club. When I first joined a one-day training hike, I expected to see a military-style march, children in uniform, or something directly related to military service. Instead, the instructor spoke about how to find dry branches in the winter forest without harming the trees they come from.

I talked to the students, and their reasons for joining the club turned out to be very different. Some indeed dream of a military career, but others come to improve themselves—physically or mentally. I also spoke with the instructors about what they teach and what their main goal is.

During the club’s three-week summer training, alongside military disciplines, children were taught to think critically, make decisions, and take responsibility for them. They learned how to provide for themselves and care for the natural environment around them.

My photo project is about those who aspire to become defenders of the Fatherland and those who guide and support them along the way.