An anthropology project supported by the Russkiy Mir Foundation continues to progress in Zambia and Tanzania under the leadership of Professor Marina Butovskaya. The group held a competition of knowledge of Russian language, history and culture among Russian immigrants and their descendents in Zambia.
The children’s drawing competition “We Draw a Russian Fairytale” and “How I See Russia” was held by among students of the Russian Embassy school in Zambia and among children of compatriots in Tanzania at the Russian-Tanzanian Cultural Center. It is a joy to note that children were very creative in their approach to the competition. Many of the children had never been in Russia or only during their early years, but they continue to read and watch programs about modern life in Russia. The drawings on “How I See Russia” were striking for their uniqueness and emotional substance. The best works were recognized with prizes and souvenirs.
Furthermore, there were numerous informal meetings with our compatriots that have lived in Tanzania and Zambia for a long time. The meetings were held as focus groups as well as individualized interviews and surveys.
Within the framework of the event, the adult participants, employees of the embassy and Rossotrudnichestvo were show the film Datooga Boma, in which Russian researchers shared the findings of their research in Tanzania. The film stimulated a lively discussion, in which our compatriots shared their impressions about everyday life in local areas and the cultural differences that were apparent during their first years living in Zambia and Tanzania.
The Russian embassies and branch offices of Rossotrudnichestvo played an active role in supporting these events.
