Document 151

Letter from M. S. Gorokhova petitioning Krupskaia to continue her studies, 13 November 1934

RGASPI, f. 78, op. 1, d. 524, ll. 99-99ob. Original manuscript.

13 November 1934

To the Central Committee of the Trade Union of Education Functionaries

Nadezhda Konstantinovna Krupskaia

Moscow, Solianka 12, Palace of Labor, 5th floor

From Manefa Semyonovna Gorokhova

Citizen of the Northern Krai, Sokol Raion

Kadnikov Village Soviet

Village of Podel'noe

Petition

In connection with the dekulakization of our farm and the liquidation of the latter by the village soviet over debts on individual taxes imposed because my parents had a small shop prior to 1913 but in their own village, located under their house, I, as a kulak's daughter who has graduated from a seven-year school, have been deprived of the opportunity to continue my education. Feeling no guilt toward the Soviet government, since I was born in 1916 whereas my father had ended his commerce (1913), since I was absolutely uninvolved in my parents' actions, since my brother served in the Workers and Peasants' Red Army in 1919, since our farm was considered a middle peasant's farm until 1933, I serenely graduated from the seven-year school upon reaching adolescence, firmly confident that I would receive further education, obtain a vocation and work together with toilers for the benefit of construction and Soviet power.

All of this has been ruled out now. I am now seventeen years old I don't work anywhere, I am burning with shame in front of my girlfriends, since they are continuing their education, while I am deprived of this because of the circumstances set forth above, although my young life demands an education.

In view of the foregoing I ask you to put yourself in my position and give me assistance in continuing my studies and thereby fulfill V. I. Lenin's precepts (study study and study).

M. Gorokhova