A new lecture hall focused on Russian language, literature, culture, and the arts has officially opened at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, Senegal’s capital. The press service of Inopraktika shared that the project was initially conceived in 2022 during the Inopraktika School’s first off-site art session held in Dakar. After Senegal expressed a strong interest in Russian culture, Inopraktika decided to establish a specialized media center. The agreement to build this two-story lecture hall was signed in July 2023 during the Russia-Africa Summit in Saint Petersburg.
According to Natalia Popova, the first deputy general director of Inopraktika, the lecture hall "will serve as a foundation for anyone eager to learn more about Russia, its culture, literature, and language." Classes are set to begin on November 11, with online lectures covering subjects such as Russian language, literature, painting, theater, cinema, and history, led by Russian professors. Additionally, the Russian Embassy has donated over 1,500 books to enrich the media library.
Popova further emphasized that the lecture hall is intended to become a "center of Russian culture in Senegal," fostering mutual understanding and universal values between cultures. Russian Ambassador to Senegal Dmitry Kurakov remarked that the hall's opening is just the beginning: "The creation of this center marks a starting point for the establishment of similar facilities across other African nations."
University of Dakar’s rector, Professor Aminata Niang Dieng, highlighted the historical connection between Senegal and Russia, referencing the vision of Senegal’s first president, Léopold Sédar Senghor, who believed in the value of Russian language and culture for Senegal. "The opening of this lecture hall is a significant moment in history," she said. "We are confident that it will contribute not only to the study, promotion, and spread of Russian language and culture but also to a deeper connection between our peoples."
Other speakers included Professor Alioune Badara Kandji, Dean of the Faculty of Philological and Human Sciences, and Professor Ousseynou Tall, Head of the Department of Slavic Languages and Civilizations. In a video address, Russian Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky expressed his support for the initiative, and GITIS rector Grigory Zaslavsky added that the center will "create an opportunity for African students to engage closely with Russian art and theater." Karina Galay, Associate Professor from RUDN, introduced a comprehensive program focused on Russian language and literature.
Plans are also underway for two additional Inopraktika lecture halls to open in 2025—at the University of Mumbai in India and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. These agreements were signed in 2024 as part of Inopraktika’s broader mission to share Russian culture worldwide.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Jeff Attaway/Creative Commons 2.0
Based on materials from TASS