Specialists from African countries were trained in Crimea under the RAFU summer program

From August 26 to September 2, 2024, ten specialists from African countries—graduates of Russian and Soviet universities—studied at the Vernadsky Crimean Federal University. V. I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University under the Summer Multidisciplinary University program. The project participants were representatives of Egypt, Congo, Tunisia, and Sudan.

“I boldly declare that the Russian-African Network University has taken place! This is a good practice for us and our foreign colleagues. This is the second time we are conducting such a project, and we intend to continue our cooperation. We all gained new knowledge and great experience. The participants saw the opportunities of the university, got acquainted with the peninsula, and most importantly, gained knowledge that they will be able to apply in the future,” said Sergey Yurchenko, First Vice-Rector and Vice-Rector for International Activities and Information Policy of Vernadsky KFU.

The representatives of African countries also got acquainted with the Crimean peninsula and its history. As part of the cultural and historical track, they visited the Botanical Garden named after N.V. Bagrov KFU, the Livadia Palace Museum, the scientific speleo-paleontological complex “Tavrida Cave,"  as well as museums of the Crimean Federal University.

“I came to Russia back in 2016, studied in Rostov-on-Don at the Southern Federal University, and now work there. I have always been attracted to Russia, its history, culture, and civilization. Moreover, the quality of education here is very high. I know the Russian-African Network University personally, as I was an organizer at our university in Rostov. When the opportunity arose to become a participant in this project this year, I immediately agreed. I have never been to Crimea, and I can say that it is really a piece of paradise on earth. The Crimean Federal University is very large, and I was surprised that in every part of the city there is some subdivision of the university. What I remembered most was the first aid course. Since I studied tourism, this knowledge was very useful for me. I enjoyed the training, and I am grateful to RAFU for such a great  opportunity," said the participant of the Russian-African Network University, authorized representative of the Rector of the Southern Federal University in Africa and the Middle East, Bola Gerges (Egypt).

Following the results of the educational program, they received certificates of advanced training on two additional professional development programs: “International relations and foreign policy of Russia in Africa” and “Life-threatening conditions.”.