Ouagadougou: The Saint Anatole School Group in Nyorida launched a free Russian language course on Monday for 53 pupils and students, as part of an initiative to promote the discovery of Russian language and culture.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the course is scheduled from August 17 to 26, 2026, at the institution's premises, and is being led by Russian teachers who are partners in this initiative. The training, which is entirely free of charge, includes 36 hours of instruction spread over nine days, with sessions held daily except for Sunday.

Rodrigue Simpore, director of the Saint-Anatole de Nyorida school group, expressed the motivation behind the initiative as providing students with the opportunity to explore Russian culture and language. He described it as "a major asset" for strengthening relations and friendship between Burkina Faso and Russia. Simpore encouraged trainees to take the training seriously, emphasizing that the knowledge gained could open new opportunities in the future.

The training is overseen by Zinfira Crovatti, a professor of foreign languages and Russian as a foreign language at the South Ural State University of Humanities and Pedagogy in Chelyabinsk, Russia. She commended the participants for their interest and motivation, noting that some had already participated in the program the previous year, while others were new to the Russian language.

The program emphasizes learning the Russian alphabet and vowels, as well as everyday dialogues enabling learners to introduce themselves, respond to presentations, and ask questions. A socio-cultural component is also included through videos focused on Russian society and culture.

"This is first and foremost an introduction of Burkinabe learners to the Russian language and culture," said Ms. Crovatti, expressing hope that the initiative would enhance young people's interest in Russia and strengthen the friendship between the two nations.

On behalf of the founder, Comrade Simpore thanked the partners for their dedication, which made this inaugural edition possible.