Over 600 students have registered for the International University of Management’s Russian language course to boost cultural understanding and strengthen international ties.
University founder and council chairperson David Namwandi says the programme has entered its third cohort and encourages the university to continue bringing more students on board.
He was speaking at the official visit and opening of the third cohort of the Russian language programme in Windhoek yesterday.
Namwandi said the purpose of the programme was not necessarily to prepare students to study in Russia, but to help them learn the language, communicate and understand Russian culture.
He asked whether students who had completed the programme had gone to study in Russia, saying those who benefited from the programme should be given opportunities to continue their studies and gain practical experience.
“The reason why we are training students is not to go study, but to get to know the Russian language, to communicate, which culture is key,” Namwandi said.
Konstantin Egorov, the rector of Perm State Humanitarian Pedagogical University, at the occasion said the high number of students registering for the course demonstrates growing interest in learning Russian.
“We are glad that 600 students have registered for the Russian language course this year,” he said.
Anastasiia Kolmogorova, the attaché of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Namibia’s cultural section, said more than 400 Namibian students are currently enrolled at Russian universities.
She said learning Russian could help strengthen ties between Namibia and Russia.
