African children go to Russia to learn Russian

(MENAFN) Fifteen young students from Ethiopia embarked on a transformative educational journey as they arrived in Moscow on Tuesday. Sponsored by the International Cooperation Center of the Russian Ministry of Education, these students, aged between 11 and 15, are set to spend the next two months in Russia, immersing themselves in an enriching educational program.

Their first day in Moscow included a meeting with Maria Lvova-Belova, the Russian commissioner for children’s rights, who highlighted the comprehensive nature of the program. "The children will delve into Russian language studies, explore our culture and traditions," Lvova-Belova stated. She emphasized that the program encompasses a wide range of activities, from city tours in Moscow and visits to the Golden Ring cities, to engaging masterclasses, career guidance sessions, creative workshops, and opportunities for peer interaction.

Accompanied by two teachers, the Ethiopian students will also benefit from a special educational program designed to familiarize the teachers with Russian educational methodologies, enhancing their professional development.

On the following day, the students departed for a school camp in the Ivanovo Region, where they will remain until September 20th. During their time at the camp, they will join peers from the first camp session, including students from families of Karabakh settlers from Azerbaijan, fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment.

Despite initially knowing only a few Russian words such as 'hello', 'thank you', and 'good morning', the students are expected to make significant strides in their language proficiency by the end of their stay. This educational initiative is supported by the Russian House in Addis Ababa, underscoring the growing interest and opportunities for African students to explore and learn in Russia.

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