BNRU Graduate Becomes a Cultural Ambassador

The 'Russian Language Ambassador' program is an international voluntary scheme aimed at promoting Russian language and culture at home and abroad, with a focus on interesting Russian schoolchildren in their own literary heritage. 90 finalists were selected from the thousands of online applications, to go to Orenburg for the 'Eurasia' International Youth Forum. There, candidates were put through their paces by teachers from the Pushkin State Institute for Russian Language, in a discussion based selection process. Postgraduate student Mr Tupeiko, chairman of the 'New Generation' youth program, was among the fortunate few. He commented,

“The Ambassador Program is aimed at promoting the culture of our country through educational programs and Russian language courses in various countries. These expeditions allow the children to experience the diversity and beauty of the Russian language, and to learn about the traditions, history and art of Russia. The selection took place during the 'Eurasia' Forum, and was an exciting and eventful process, during which we came face to face with the unusual situations that arise in the life of an ambassador. We had to demonstrate that we recognised the nuances of the diplomatic side of this program and, of course, show off our ability to teach Russian to foreigners. My task as ambassador is to make the whole world fall in love with the Russian language.”

Soon the new ambassadors will go on their first expeditions to other CIS countries, where they will carry out their duties. On these trips, volunteers will be able to familiarise themselves with the traditions of their host country, which will help to promote a dialogue between cultures and a bond of friendship between the youth of Russia and that of other countries. The Russian Language Ambassador program was started in 2015 by the Pushkin Institute, and has reached out to over 30,000 schoolchildren in that time. In 2018 the program received additional funding from the Presidential Grants Fund and Rosmolodezh, the National University Youth Projects Contest.