Tomsk Pedagogical University embarks on a working visit to schools and universities in Kenya

The Tomsk State Pedagogical University and educational organizations in Kenya are strengthening cooperation in promoting education in the Russian language. As part of an initiative by the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation, the Tomsk State Pedagogical University is exploring the possibility of launching Russian language training centers in friendly countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

To further their mission, representatives from the Tomsk State Pedagogical University traveled to Kenya to study the educational system and establish direct contact with specialized organizations in the country. Their aim is to open a Russian language education center in Nairobi this fall, with the support of the Russian Embassy in Kenya and the University of Nairobi.

Vadim Zyubanov, Head of the International Cooperation Department, who was on a working visit to Kenya from March 13 to 19, stated that «Our task, as participants of the project of the Ministry of Education, is to find and research new educational sites in countries where the Russian language and education in the Russian language have not been previously promoted at a sufficient level, as well as the subsequent effective development of these sites. Now we are exploring all the possible options for opening a training center in Russian in Nairobi this fall, thinking about the formats of its activities. In order to successfully implement the project it is necessary to carry out a complex work including many aspects: from selection of technical equipment of the center and educational literature in Russian to studying features of culture and communication in Kenya».

During their visit, representatives from Tomsk State Pedagogical University met with the leadership of the University of Nairobi and agreed to hold an introductory course in RCT in the fall of 2023, with organizational support provided by Professor Alina Rinkanya, who teaches European and Russian literature. The Russian Ambassador to Kenya, Dmitry Maksimychev, expressed his readiness to assist in the mission of promoting the Russian language.

Furthermore, the Head of the International Cooperation Department established contact with teachers from the Light International School Nairobi. Teachers from the Institute of Foreign Languages and International Cooperation of the Tomsk State Pedagogical University will also be involved in the center's operations.

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Tomsk State Pedagogical University is taking its mission to promote the Russian language and strengthen educational ties seriously, as it seeks to expand its reach in Africa, particularly in the Republic of Kenya. The university recently sent its Institute of Foreign Languages and Mass Communication to the country to conduct courses that promote the effective teaching of Russian as a foreign language.

According to Anna Bogdanova, the Director of the Institute, the project is being implemented by highly qualified specialists with vast experience in intercultural interaction, who will stay in Nairobi for four months conducting courses in RCT for students and schoolchildren. They will also organize awareness, scientific, methodological, and educational activities.

At the same time, Tomsk State Pedagogical University's representatives will hold meetings with the Multimedia University of Kenya and school administrations. On March 17, Vadim Zubanov, Head of the International Cooperation Department of IJIAMS, will deliver a lecture at the University of Nairobi on foreign language learning using information communication technologies. He will also meet with Rector Stephen Kiama to discuss the cooperation agreement.

The mission to promote the Russian language will enable Kenyan students to gain knowledge on linguistic and cultural diversity. It will also open doors for stronger cultural and educational cooperation between the two nations. For Tomsk State Pedagogical University, the initiative reflects its commitment to building fruitful international cooperation, particularly with African countries.

«Today we clearly understand the significance of building fruitful international cooperation with the countries of the African continent," says Anna Bogdanova, Director of the Institute of Foreign Languages and International Coopertaion. - At the moment, the project is being implemented by highly qualified specialists from the TSPU, who have vast experience in intercultural interaction, as well as experience in designing and implementing educational programs for teaching Russian as a foreign language».

The teachers will stay in Nairobi city for four months, teaching Russian-language courses for students and schoolchildren. In addition to the Russian courses, the staff of the TSPU will conduct educational, scientific, and methodological activities in the territory of the republic.

The Tomsk State Pedagogical University's representatives will hold meetings with the Multimedia University of Kenya and school administrations. On March 17, Vadim Zubanov, Head of the International Cooperation Department, will deliver a lecture at the University of Nairobi on foreign language learning using information communication technologies. He will also meet with Rector Stephen Kiama to discuss the cooperation agreement.