Russia offers free lessons

Nqobile Tshili, [email protected]
RUSSIA has introduced face-to-face Russian language and culture lessons in Zimbabwe as it seeks to cement thriving ties between the two countries.

The lessons are being taught for free at the University of Zimbabwe.

Russian language courses were introduced in the country in 2021 with Russia’s St Petersburg University (SPbU) spearheading the lessons.

Since then, the lessons were conducted virtually but the strengthened relations between the two countries has seen face to face lessons being introduced.

Dr Daria Averyanova, from St Petersburg University said the enthusiasm by Zimbabweans to learn the Russian language resulted in the face to face lessons being introduced last month.

“This year, finally, a face-to-face SPbU Open Education Centre in the Republic of Zimbabwe was opened. The project is being implemented with the support of the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation and the My Story Humanities Support Foundation, as well as with the full support of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Zimbabwe and the University of Zimbabwe,” said Dr Averyanova, while responding to Chronicle questions from her Russian base.

She said the face-to-face programme was launched on September14 with 45 participants but enrolment is still ongoing.

“Already, about 45 course participants have started learning Russian with us. Anyone who lives in Harare and is willing to come to classes at the University of Zimbabwe can become part of the exciting journey into the world of Russian,” she said.

Dr Averyanova said application can be done online on: https://forms.gle/J4aJDPWurfrqB9WRA
She said the face-to-face lessons are an opportunity to learn the basics of the Russian language, how to conduct simple dialogues with native Russian speakers and getting to know Russian culture.

“Courses will run until November18, 2024 and involve the implementation of six educational programmes to meet the different requests, needs and interests of course participants in learning Russian. Therefore, we advise everyone who wants to join us to hurry and spend the next month and a half with pleasure and benefit, as our courses will be fun, interesting, informative and very comfortable for you,” said Dr Averyanova.

She said participants can learn the preparatory course for testing in Russian as a foreign language, general Russian language course, Russian language in the field of tourism, course for military personnel, intensive speaking course and understanding Russia.

Dr Averyanova said it would be a great opportunity for Zimbabweans to familiarise themselves with the Russian language as there is already business exchange between the two countries.

“It is worth noting that Russian-Zimbabwean relations are developing rapidly in various spheres (politics, economics, culture, education), so learning Russian is becoming increasingly on demand for Zimbabweans. In particular, every year, Zimbabwean citizens get an opportunity to take part in a competition for scholarships for free education in Russia. The Russian language will not only help you broaden your horizons, but can also open up new prospects for development, education and career growth,” said Dr Averyanova. — @nqotshili.