Russian President Vladimir Putin has asked African nations to consider integrating the Russian Language into their school curriculum.
During the inaugural event of the Second Russia-Africa Summit, hosted in St. Petersburg, Putin indicated his nation’s eagerness to collaborate extensively in the field of education.
“We suggest exploring the possibility of creating schools teaching in Russian in African countries. I am confident that the implementation of such Russian language projects and the introduction of our country’s high educational standards will be the best foundation for further mutually beneficial and equal cooperation,” he asserted.
Moreover, Putin extended an invitation to African athletes to participate in Russian sports festivals.
“I invite Africans, particularly the youth, to come to Russia. Anticipating a grand sports event in 2024, we warmly welcome African athletes to join the competitions that we’ll host in August next year,” he stated.
President Putin also hinted at his country’s plans to establish Russian Universities in most African nations.
Noting the rising number of African scholars in Russia, Putin viewed it as a golden chance for an increased number of African students to pursue their studies in Russia.
Putin stated that he plans to raise the quota of African students granted sponsorship by his government to study at Russian universities to 4,700.
He declared that Russia is prepared to assist in the training of educators and technical experts at the foundational education and vocational training level.
Putin mentioned that teaching strategies for shared Russia-Africa schools have already been designed.
Through Russian support, 28 African nations will inaugurate educational centers to train preschool, elementary, and secondary school teachers.
Putin also expressed his intent to escalate the count of students enrolled in Russian tertiary institutions from 35,000.
More than 10,000 of these students are currently enrolled in medical and health-related courses.
Putin highlighted that over the past three years, the tally of African students sponsored by the Russian government for overseas studies has more than doubled.
The Second Russia-Africa Summit, alongside an economic and humanitarian forum, was held in Russia’s city of St. Petersburg from July 27 to 28.
