Related videos:
Russian media announced that Cuban television will begin broadcasting Russian language classes, a practice that was already implemented in Cuba during the 70s and 80s, during the existence of the Soviet Union.
It is a project that began in the autumn of 2023, carried out by the University of Havana in collaboration with the A.S. Pushkin State Institute of the Russian Language and Cuban television.
Elizaveta Golovakha, a full professor from the internship department for foreign specialists at the Russian center, revealed to the state agency TASS that all the classes have already been recorded and are awaiting broadcast. The airing schedule is being coordinated with the ICRT.
Golovakha detailed that the educational program will be called "The Russian Language on Television," and noted that there is a great interest in learning Russian in Cuba, especially among those who do not have access to the Internet.
The teacher recently traveled to the Island as part of a delegation from the Institute of Russian Language to celebrate Pushkin Week, honoring the 225th anniversary of the great Russian poet.
The Russian embassy in Cuba celebrated the event on its social media, stating that "Cubans will soon be able to learn the Russian language in classes broadcast on national television."
In the 1970s and 1980s, the Cuban government implemented the teaching of the Russian language on television and radio, at a time when many young people traveled to the now-defunct USSR to study or work. Now, with the resurgence of relations between Havana and Moscow, there is a mutual interest in revitalizing these initiatives.
In July 2023, it was announced that the University of Havana was preparing Russian language classes to broadcast on the Educational Channel of Cuban television.
The official Vladimir Shkunov then explained that 12 scenarios for basic Russian classes had been developed, and they planned to film them with the participation of Russian teachers and Cuban students.
In April of last year, the Southern Federal University (SFedU) of Russia announced that it was actively working on opening its branch in Havana, with advanced programs in natural sciences, humanities, engineering, technology, and the Russian language.
Both governments viewed the opening of the branch as a significant step forward in bilateral relations, as it would provide Cuban students with the opportunity to access quality international education without leaving the Island.
In June 2023, it was reported that the Federal University of the South, a public Russian higher education institution, planned to open a branch in Havana, a project aimed at "strengthening" the relations between both regimes.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Return of Russian Classes on Cuban Television
Why are Russian classes being reintroduced on Cuban television?
Russian classes are being reintroduced on Cuban television due to the renewed interest in the language on the island, especially among those who do not have access to the Internet. This project is a collaboration between the University of Havana, the A.S. Pushkin State Institute of Russian Language, and Cuban television, within the framework of increasing cultural and educational cooperation between Cuba and Russia.
What is the importance of the relationship between Cuba and Russia in this educational context?
The reintroduction of Russian classes on Cuban television is a reflection of the strengthening of relations between Cuba and Russia, which have reached a "qualitatively superior level." This cooperation extends to education, where Russia supports the university training of young Cubans in its territory, and promotes cultural programs that facilitate exchange between both countries.
How is the Russian language teaching program structured in Cuba?
The educational program titled "The Russian Language on Television" has been developed by the University of Havana in collaboration with the A.S. Pushkin State Institute of the Russian Language. The classes have already been recorded and are ready to be broadcast, with the airing schedule pending coordination with the ICRT (Cuban Institute of Radio and Television).
What role does the Russian government play in promoting the Russian language in Cuba?
The Russian government, through institutions such as the A.S. Pushkin State Institute of the Russian Language, actively participates in promoting the Russian language in Cuba. The Russian embassy in Cuba has celebrated the reintroduction of these classes and emphasizes the mutual interest in strengthening cultural and educational ties between both nations.
Filed under:
