The Russian State Hydrometeorological University launched the RAFU Summer Multidisciplinary University program

The Russian State Hydrometeorological University (RSHU) started the Summer Educational Program "Hydraulic structures and land reclamation measures on the catchments of rivers flowing through the territory of West Africa". The event is held within the framework of the Russian-African Network University (RAFU) Summer Multidisciplinary University in 2025 with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.

The history of cooperation between RSHU and African countries has more than 30 years. During this time, more than 4000 students from more than 50 countries of the continent have studied at the University. In 2021 the university strengthened this partnership by joining the consortium "Russian-African Network University". The RAFU Summer Multidisciplinary University is a large-scale initiative aimed at strengthening educational and scientific ties between Russia and African countries. The program will last until September 4, 2025 and will bring together 15 undergraduate, postgraduate students and young scientists from Ghana, Gambia, Cameroon, Tanzania, Togo, Kenya, Guinea and Benin.

The program is unique in that it combines two key tracks: educational and cultural-historical. Its goal is not only to transfer knowledge and best Russian practices in the field of water management and flood protection, but also to strengthen friendly and professional ties between Russian and African specialists, to search for new areas of cooperation between universities, and to increase the sustainability of academic exchange and internship ties.

The solemn ceremony began with handing over to all students the memorable participant packets containing necessary materials and souvenirs with the symbols of RSHMU and RAFU.

At the opening ceremony of the program Igor Gennadyevich Myasnikov, Acting Vice-Rector for Development and Scientific Work, made a welcoming speech. He welcomed all the participants and noted the significance of the event: "On behalf of the whole university I am glad to welcome the participants of the summer program. The launch of this project within the framework of the Russian-African Network University marks an important step in the development of our academic and cultural cooperation. I wish everyone fruitful work, bright impressions and unforgettable days in St. Petersburg! ...."

The educational track focuses on obtaining and analyzing hydrometeorological data, design and operation of hydraulic structures, irrigation technologies, water energy use and water accounting methods, as well as practical tasks including calculations of hydrological characteristics and analysis of the obtained data. The practical part also includes a guided visit to a unique complex of protective structures from St. Petersburg in the Gulf of Finland, including 11 dams with a total length of more than 25 kilometers.

The cultural and historical track includes a visit to the exposition and exhibition complex "Water Universe", an excursion to the museum and exhibition complex "Russia - My History", a visit to the innovative St. Petersburg Flood Protection Complex (SPC), an excursion to the Museum and Historical Park "Fort Island" (a social complex of the new historical and cultural cluster of Kronstadt; evening of Russian-African friendship; sightseeing tour on the rivers and canals of St. Petersburg; excursion to the Branch of the World Ocean Museum in St. Petersburg ─ "Icebreaker "Krasin".

Students and Maria Stanislavovna Dregval, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Engineering Hydrology, visited the exposition and exhibition complex "Water Universe". Interactive exhibits revealing the meaning and power of water made a great impression on them and clearly complemented the academic program by demonstrating the theoretical principles of hydrology in action. In addition, on August 29, the participants of the Russian-African Network University with the participation of Vladimir Sergeevich Devyatov, Associate Professor of the Department, visited the museum and exhibition complex "Russia - My History".

The RAFU Summer University program at RSHU is not just an educational course, but a comprehensive platform for professional dialogue. It combines the transfer of practical knowledge with the formation of sustainable professional ties between Russian and African specialists. This synthesis of academic exchange, practical seminars and cultural immersion creates a unique environment for joint search for solutions to current problems facing the African continent. The contacts established here and the experience gained lay a solid foundation for future fruitful cooperation in the field of hydrometeorology and sustainable water resources management.