The "Second School" Center
An independent non-profit organization driving the development of the urban-type settlement of Nikel and the Pechenga Municipal District of the Murmansk Region.
The center's founders are the Administration of the Pechenga Municipal District of the Murmansk Region and the Joint-Stock Company "Kola Mining and Metallurgical Company" (a subsidiary of Nornickel).
We are building our future — today!
We are a team of professionals. We live and work in the Pechenga District. We love our region, and we are committed to making it thrive
In the fall of 2019, the planned closure of an outdated smelting facility in Nikel was announced. Alongside a large-scale employee support program, a new challenge emerged: finding alternative development paths for Nikel as a single-industry town. Regional leadership, Nornickel, and local activists joined forces to draft a new socioeconomic strategy for Nikel's future.
The "Second School" public space became the home of the "Center for Social Projects of the Pechenga District," created to serve as a catalyst for positive change. Beyond transforming the local sociocultural landscape, the center acts as an integrator for projects aimed at diversifying the economy — from business development and urban environment improvements to tourism and boosting social engagement. Together, we are shaping a new identity for Nikel and the entire region.
Have questions? Interested in launching a project in the Pechenga District? Thinking about starting a business here? Get in touch — we'd love to hear from you!
Entrepreneurs — from beginners to seasoned business owners
Tourists and visitors to the region
Local residents
Creative and talented individuals
Community activists and volunteers
We support small and medium-sized enterprises and boost the region's investment appeal.
What we do:
Improve the quality of life in the district
Stimulate entrepreneurial growth
Build strong business teams
Foster a business mindset among young people
Support local initiatives
We increase the region's tourist appeal.
What we do:
Highlight the district's unique character
Uncover the area's tourism potential
Promote new international travel products
Build an attractive regional image
Develop the Pechenga District brand
We contribute to the development of infrastructure and public spaces in Nikel and Zapolyarny.
What we do:
Develop a sustainable development plan for the district
Showcase the unique features of urban systems
Promote street art culture in Nikel
Create a modern venue for festivals and events
Improve the quality of the urban environment
We upgrade cultural life and strengthen cross-border connections.
What we do:
Uncover the creative potential of local communities
Reveal the multifaceted identity of Nikel
Build new activist teams
Develop new skills and competencies
Entrepreneurs — from beginners to seasoned business owners
Tourists and visitors to the region
Local residents
Creative and talented individuals
Community activists and volunteers
Where the Russian Arctic Begins
The Pechenga District lies beyond the Arctic Circle in the Murmansk Region. It is separated from the Kola District by the Titovka River, and its administrative center is the urban-type settlement of Nikel. To the west, the district borders Norway and Finland — countries known for their stunning landscapes and pristine natural areas. The border is only a few dozen kilometers from Nikel.
In these parts, nature works its magic: in the village of Rayakoski, three time zones meet at once. In spring and summer, you can explore the district's sights even at night — the polar days keep the darkness at bay. In autumn and winter, the peninsula plunges into darkness, rewarding residents and visitors alike with breathtaking displays of the northern lights.
Check current weather at Nickel, Zapolyarny and Pechenga.
We are glad to present photos by our fellow townsmen Sergey Grechany and Inna Mikhalchuk.
