Russian Center Opened in Almaty

On June 10, 2015, a Russian Center of the Russkiy Mir Foundation was opened at the School of Philology, Literary Studies and World Languages of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. The Russian Center in Almaty is the foundation’s fourth in Kazakhstan and first in the country’s south – earlier centers were created in Astana, Aktobe and Ust-Kamenogorsk.

The participants of the opening ceremony included the university’s Prorector for Social Development Sholpan Zhamanbalaeva, Executive Director of the Russkiy Mir Foundation Vladimir Kochin, Russian Consul in Almaty Irina Pereverzeva, Dean of the School of Philology, Literary Studies and World Languages Abdimuly Omirkhan, President of the Kazakh Association of Russian Language and Literature Teachers Eleonora Suleimenova and Head of the Department for Development of Languages, Archives and Documentation of the City of Almaty Mamai Akhetov. 

Vladimir Kochin noted the historical and geographical commonality of the Russian and Kazakh peoples as well as their similar mentalities. He pointed out that President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbaev was the initiator of the Eurasian Economic Community – one of the most important organizations unifying Eurasia.

“Our peoples have made a more than notable contribution to the treasure chest of world culture. In Russia people know and admire the works of AbayKunanbaev and Olzhas Suleimenov, while in Kazakhstan people read Russian classics, learn the poems of Pushkin, whose birthday we recently celebrated. We truly hope that the work of the enthusiasts at the university’s Russian Center will help to significantly increase interest in the Russian language, Russian literature and the humanitarian and integration processes happening in Russia and countries of the European Union,” said Vladimir Kochin, speaking at the opening ceremony of the Russian Center.

Abdimuly Omirkhan noted the trend toward an increasing number of students seeking graduate and postgraduate studies in Russian philology. However, the number of undergraduates expressing interest in the study of Russian language and literature has been declining at the university.

“To change the situation, the status and prestige of the university are important as well as having contemporary programs to offer students. In this regard Kazakh National University has much potential,” said the dean of the School of Philology, Literary Studies and World Languages. “A good example of cooperation has been joint work with Russian universities. Such mechanisms have been set up with Moscow State University, St. Petersburg State University, the People’s Friendship University of Russia and Institute of World Literature. Dual diploma programs are popular among students. For example, the Master’s degree for Russian philology offers a diploma from the People’s Friendship University of Russia as well.”