On November 23, the first Eurasian center aimed at the development of the Russian language, culture, and inclusion was opened in Bishkek. This center is designed to strengthen good neighborly relations between Russia and Kyrgyzstan through the implementation of international programs, teacher training, and humanitarian projects.
The center was organized by the autonomous non-profit organization "Eurasia." An accessible space has been created here where everyone can find an activity to their liking—from reading classical Russian literature to participating in creative workshops. The target audience of the center includes children from the age of five and adults.
The oldest visitor to the center is 75 years old; he actively participates in family art therapy. The center is located on Erkindik Boulevard in the very center of the capital and occupies 415 square meters. It can accommodate up to 200 people at the same time, and all activities are free of charge.
The center offers a variety of programs, including educational programs for children and teenagers: theater and choreography studios, art practices, a media school "PRORussian," as well as courses on digital culture and programming as part of the "Not Boring Russian" project. For adults, there are film clubs, discussion platforms, and a literary salon featuring works by Russian classics. Educators will be able to train at the professional growth school and methodological center, where modern approaches to teaching the Russian language and related subjects will be presented.
High-profile guests attended the opening of the center, including the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova, the head of the Russian President's administration for strategic partnership Vadim Titov, and the editor-in-chief of the "NTV" television channel Alexandra Kosharnitskaya.
In her speech, State Duma deputy and chairperson of the ANO "Eurasia" Alena Arshinova quoted the words of writer Chingiz Aitmatov, emphasizing that the Russian and Kyrgyz languages develop together thanks to the contributions of both peoples to a shared culture, science, and education.
“Russia and Kyrgyzstan are the driving forces of the Eurasian Economic Union, and the opening of such a center is a significant contribution to the development of partnership,” she noted.
Alena Arshinova
Agreements on strategic cooperation between the center and the Ministry of Education of the Kyrgyz Republic were also reached, which will create new opportunities for interaction between the republic's schools and the new center.
Deputy Minister of Education of the Kyrgyz Republic Albert Makhmetkulov emphasized that the opening of the center is a timely step for the development of education and interethnic dialogue, and plans for the implementation of numerous cultural projects were announced.
“The center will become a place for additional education and cultural exchange, contributing to the strengthening of Eurasian solidarity and the preparation of new personnel,” he added.
Next year, the opening of new schools with the support of the Russian government is expected.
Maria Zakharova promised to send books about the joint history of Russia and Kyrgyzstan to the center, including materials about people's struggles for life during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as manuals on artificial intelligence. She also intends to organize online meetings with visitors and invite interesting personalities.
“The center provides children with a unique opportunity to learn an additional language and get acquainted with the culture of both countries, which contributes to the development of their creative potential,” noted Maria Zakharova, referring to the famous saying by Sergey Mikhalkov about the future of the country depending on children.
The center has also made all necessary arrangements for people with disabilities, ensuring comfortable conditions for learning. For example, the premises are equipped with tactile-relief materials for the blind and visually impaired, and the restrooms are adapted for wheelchair users.
Daniyar Abduazizov, the head of the center, noted that the team consists of highly qualified educators. The center conducts classes in art therapy and psychological consultations, and a chess group has already been formed, led by a candidate for master of sports with many years of experience.
Plans to create similar centers cover other regions of the country, and the next city where such a platform will appear will be Naryn.
