Russian and Bahraini students break down language barriers

Manama : “They are fast learners. Now they can speak, read and write a little in Russian and the progress is  fantastic. They taught us some Arabic words too. Now they want to study Russian further. Apart from students, the teachers were also interested in learning Russian.”

These where the words of Daria Churenkova, who is currently in Bahrain as part of the Russian organisation ‘Ambassadors of the Russian language in the
world’, when asked about her experiences with Bahraini students. 

Speaking to DT News, Daria also the head of  the 15-member delegation, said that they were extremely impressed by the rich Bahraini culture. 

“We had productive discussions and sessions with the Bahraini officials (Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Youth and Sports) and students.”

“They were eager to learn about Russia and the Russian language. We were also inspired by them and learned a lot about Bahrain” she said with enthusiasm.  

While explaining about the organisation, she said “’Ambassadors of the Russian language in the world’ is an international volunteer project initiated by the Pushkin State Russian Language Institute under the supervision of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation.”

“The main purpose of the organisation is to promote cross cultural communication, Russian language, culture and literature in Russia and abroad.”  

She added that programme participants are mainly students, new graduates and young ­professionals between the ages of 18 and 30. 

“They interact with foreign students to promote Russian language, culture and literature. They also work within Russia to increase the literacy and to popularise the Russian literature among children and ­youth,” she
told DT News.

“The programme started in last year and became popular among young people. 74 people were selected from over 1000 applicants to become the ambassadors of the Russian language,” she stated, adding that those selected underwent a special training course developed ­by Pushkin Institute.

According to her the Bahraini students were able to speak, read and write some basic Russian following the sessions. 

“The programme has received a great response not only from children and teachers, but also at the state level in the Kingdom,” she said. 

The Russian delegation comprising of 12 volunteers including  students, teachers, a journalist and a Methodist were earlier accorded a warm welcome in the Kingdom.