Uganda Hosts “Pushkin is Ours! Russia-Africa” Competition, Celebrating Cultural Ties
In a vibrant celebration of shared cultural heritage, Uganda recently played host to the regional recitation and drawing competition, “Pushkin is ours! Russia-Africa,” marking the 226th anniversary of the birth of the renowned Russian poet, Alexander Pushkin. The event, aimed at fostering connections among compatriots across Africa and the Middle East, culminated in an online awards ceremony on June 6th, following an application period from May 7th to June 1st.
The competition saw talented participants from diverse backgrounds recognized for their artistic and oratorical skills:
Nomination: “Drawing”
- Ssebinu Emanuel (Uganda, 26 years old)
- Patrizia Valeriani (Rome, Italy, 16 years old)
- Sofia Drobinina (South Africa, 15 years old)
- Belghiti-Allaoui Nora (Rabat, Morocco, 12 years old)
Nomination: “Readers”
- Qais Alsheikh (Ramallah, Palestine, 15 years old)
- Khudiev Oktay (Baku, Azerbaijan, 13 years old)
- Maria Abushaver (Jordan, 11 years old)
- Rustamli Aylin (Baku, Azerbaijan, 11 years old)
The initiative was a collaborative effort, organized by the Association of Russian-Speaking Women of Uganda “Rosinka” and the Regional Coordinating Council of Organizations of Russian Compatriots in Africa and the Middle East. Significant support was also provided by the Russian Embassy in Uganda and the Government of Moscow, underscoring the international commitment to cultural exchange.
Beyond the competition, the Russian World Cabinet in Kampala, with the backing of the Russian Embassy in Uganda, unveiled a captivating art exhibition titled “Russian Alphabet in Marina Khankova’s Drawings.” This unique display is part of “The Fairytale Code of the Russian Soul,” a joint project by the Russian Foreign Ministry and the Russkiy Mir Foundation.
The exhibition features illustrations of the Russian alphabet by contemporary Moscow artist M. Khankova. Her works, inspired by the styles of celebrated Russian fine artists V. Vasnetsov and I. Bilibin, vividly depict plots from Russian folk tales, legends, and epics. The opening of this exhibition was strategically timed to coincide with the Day of Slavic Literature and Culture and the Day of the Russian Language, further enriching the cultural celebrations in Uganda.
This dual event serves as a testament to the enduring power of cultural diplomacy and the desire to connect diverse communities through art, language, and shared appreciation for literary heritage.
Source: http://thepressradio.com
