Russia has introduced free in-person Russian language and culture lessons at the University of Zimbabwe, marking a new chapter in the educational and cultural collaboration between the two nations. The initiative, led by St Petersburg University (SPbU), was initially launched in 2021 with virtual classes but has since expanded due to increased interest.
Dr. Daria Averyanova, a representative from SPbU, explained that the face-to-face classes were introduced on September 14, 2024, in response to the growing enthusiasm of Zimbabweans eager to learn Russian. “This year, we officially opened an SPbU Open Education Centre in Zimbabwe with support from the Russian Ministry of Education and the Russian Embassy in Zimbabwe,” she said.
The programme, which runs until November 18, 2024, offers six educational tracks, including basic Russian language, an introduction to Russian culture, and specialized courses such as Russian for tourism and military personnel. It has already attracted 45 participants, with enrolment ongoing.
Dr. Averyanova highlighted the benefits of learning Russian, citing the growing ties between Russia and Zimbabwe across politics, economics, and education. She also noted that Zimbabweans could compete for scholarships to study in Russia, further expanding opportunities for career growth and development.
Applications are open to all interested individuals in Harare, providing a unique opportunity for Zimbabweans to deepen their engagement with Russia.
