Over 800 Uzbek schoolchildren and students took part in the "Ambassadors of the Russian Language Worldwide" program.

The classes were aimed not only at teaching the language but also at fostering cultural exchange and strengthening ties between Russia and Uzbekistan. The program has already taken place in several CIS countries and continues in other parts of the world.

“The Russian language is popular in Uzbekistan; it is the second language in our country. Most of our schools are Russian-speaking. Here’s how it is: if you know Russian, you can connect with the world, as communication with other countries takes place in this language. Therefore, it is a great honor for us to host volunteers here in Fergana. They are well-known, awaited, and loved here. Our schools are eager to collaborate with the university and participate in this project. This fruitful interaction fosters cultural exchange and enhances the significance of the Russian language,” said Zilola Sobirova, head of the Russian Philology Department at Fergana State University.

This expedition was held under the auspices of a cultural dialogue: the volunteers not only shared information about Russia but also immersed themselves in the host culture, emphasizing the similarities rather than the differences between the countries, cultures, and even languages. For instance, the volunteers learned about the features of national holidays, discussed elements of traditional costumes with students, and learned to distinguish between atlas and adras (types of fabrics in Uzbekistan).

“In one of the classes with students from Fergana University majoring in 'Russian as a Foreign Language,' we talked about happiness. We discovered that for some, it’s about children, for others, health or the fulfillment of dreams... A philosophical question, right? But after a week of enlightening sessions with a hundred Uzbek students, I can also say what happiness is. Happiness is being a guest among the warmest people and sharing your favorite activity with them!” shared Svetlana Budnik, the ambassador of the Russian language, about her work.

Starting from November 30, the volunteers also conducted classes in several schools in Fergana. “As part of the 'Ambassadors of the Russian Language in the World' program, while in Fergana, we strive to create an educational environment where each lesson becomes a unique and memorable event for our students. We believe that education should be not only effective but also engaging. Therefore, we actively incorporate interactive methods and game elements into the learning process. Our team also pays special attention to new developments. We keep track of the latest trends in language teaching and adapt them to our needs. We are confident that education should be multifaceted and diverse. Our goal is to create an atmosphere where every student can unlock their potential and fall in love with the Russian language,” emphasized Anastasia Livinskaya, senior lecturer at the Department of Foreign Specialists Internships, Deputy Dean of the Department of Teaching Russian as a Foreign Language at the Pushkin Institute.

The educational and outreach expedition previously took place in Tajikistan, Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Currently, volunteers are working in Cuba, India, and Vietnam. Soon, classes will begin in educational institutions in Serbia and Belarus. Additionally, for the first time since the program's inception, the ambassadors of the Russian language will visit Mongolia.

The Russian language is actively used in Uzbekistan for interethnic communication (about 1 million Russian compatriots reside in the republic, and 70% of the population speaks Russian). Instruction in the Russian language is conducted in 862 schools across Uzbekistan.

In December 2023, a Resource Center for the Study of the Russian Language opened in Uzbekistan. It has become the first institution of its kind in the country. The center operates with the support of Termez State University.

There are also 14 branches of leading Russian universities operating in Uzbekistan. This is one of the largest networks of branches established in the CIS countries. In the near future, two more branches of higher educational institutions—Bauman Moscow State Technical University and the All-Russian Academy of Foreign Trade (VAVT)—are planned to be opened.

Additionally, Uzbekistan is successfully implementing a joint initiative with Russia called “Class!”, aimed at improving the quality of Russian language teaching in the country. During a state visit to the country in May 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke about this. The project encompasses 85 schools, with over 26,000 students enrolled and more than 100 Russian teachers working, along with retraining local educators. Efforts to increase the teaching staff will continue.

In 2025, Rossotrudnichestvo plans to open two more additional centers for the study of the Russian language in Uzbekistan. This was reported by the head of the agency's representative office in the republic, Irina Staroselskaya. According to her, there is a significant demand for learning the Russian language and getting acquainted with Russian culture in Uzbekistan.