Russian language abroad: Poland “It’s time to speak Russian”

The first in Poland Russian center on the basis of Pedagogical University of Krakow was opened in the historic part of the city. The opening ceremony was visited by the distinguished guests, delegations of the I Youth student festival of Russian language from more than 20 countries. The rector of the University professor Michal Sliva, the President of the Tutorial Council of the “Russkiy Mir” foundation Ludmila Verbitskaya, Consul General of the Russian Federation in Krakow Alexander Egorov emphasized the importance of this event and its role in interaction between our cultures and peoples of our countries.  

The Library of the Krakow center contains the collection of more than one thousand books of the latest Russian publications on the following subjects: history and art, culture and religion, economics and law, fiction and popular scientific literature. It also represents the latest work- and course books of Russian language. Multimedia collections include classics of Soviet and Russian cinema, encyclopedias, popular scientific and educational programs and dictionaries.

The library can hold 35-40 people at one time. The center provides Internet access, satellite TV, which can broadcast all Russian channels.

In the end of the center’s opening ceremony the vice-president of Krakow Kazimezh Buyakovsky ensured the productive development of Russo-Polish relations and expressed gratitude to the “Russkiy Mir foundation” for preparatory work and opening of the center. Paraphrasing the traditional motto of the foundation (“It’s time to speak Russian”) he said:”I think it’s high time to speak Russian”.