Schoolchildren in Burkina Faso begin learning Russian

In the first round, 35 of the most prepared and motivated students, carefully selected from 600 applicants, will study in the international class. Organizers hope that with special training, talented Burkinabe students will become the true scientific and engineering elite of their country, contributing to its technological and industrial development.

The international class program provides that during the first academic year, students from Burkina Faso will study the Russian language, and later they will begin advanced courses in physics and mathematics. Experts from the Center for Public Diplomacy note that a strong linguistic and scientific-technical foundation will later help young Burkinabe pursue studies at Russian universities to gain professions critical for the development of Burkina Faso’s economy. These include engineering, IT, and advanced technology fields, where qualified professionals are highly needed in the republic.

At the official opening ceremony of the international class, the students were greeted by pharmacist of the Regional Science Lyceum Yonaba Amadou, director of the partner Russian House of the Center for Public Diplomacy in Burkina Faso Irina Belyaeva, and Russian language teacher Ani Avakyan. The specialists wished the students an engaging and successful learning experience.

Members of the Center for Public Diplomacy believe that successful implementation of this pilot project will eventually make the program widespread, preparing Burkinabe youth for Russian higher education while strengthening mutually beneficial relations between the two countries.