🇬🇲 First Russian Language Course in The Gambia Successfully Completed On August 31, the inaugural Volga Summer Russian Language Course concluded at the University of The Gambia. The two-week program demonstrated strong interest in learning Russian: 94 people registered, while daily sessions brought together up to 43 participants. 📚 Over 10 intensive sessions and 30 academic hours, participants learned the Cyrillic alphabet, basic grammar, and practical vocabulary. By the end of the course, they could read short texts, introduce themselves, ask simple questions, and hold brief conversations in Russian. Practical exercises helped them use the language in everyday situations, from meeting new people to shopping. By the third day, more than 80% of the students could confidently introduce themselves in Russian. 🌏 The educational program was complemented by sessions on Russian culture, university life, science, and technology. Videos, music, role-playing exercises, and open discussions helped participants improve their pronunciation and listening skills while gaining a broader understanding of Russia. At the closing ceremony, students received certificates recognizing their successful completion of the course. 🌏😊 The initiative was developed by Gibril Faal and his team with the support of the Russkiy Mir Foundation, the Centre for International Interaction and Cooperation, and Rossotrudnichestvo. We were glad to contribute to transforming the idea presented to us a year ago into a successful educational project with tangible results. We also thank the University of The Gambia, the Gambia Diaspora Foundation, the Smile Nation Foundation, the Embassy of The Gambia in Moscow, and other partners who supported the program. The project also received support from Russian Ambassador to The Gambia Mikhail Korneev and his diplomatic team. 🇷🇺 ✨ The next step is to build on these results by developing an online program up to the B1 level, expanding access to Russian language learning, and creating new educational opportunities for Gambian students interested in continuing their studies in Russia.