Educational Dialogue Kazan–Changsha: Visit of a Chinese Delegation

School delegation from Changsha visits Kazan gymnasium № 183

From October 27th to 31st, gymnasium № 183 of the Sovetsky District of Kazan once again welcomed a delegation from the Secondary School Affiliated to Hunan Normal University (Changsha, China) for a warm meeting and cultural exchange. This is the second visit from Chinese counterparts, reinforcing sustainable partnership built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to international cooperation in education.

The delegation comprised the Deputy Director of the school, three teachers and eighteen students. The primary objective of their visit was the implementation of a joint program for international cultural and academic exchange.

Over five days, the guests had the opportunity to explore Russian and Tatar cultures, as well as participate in school program classes such as Russian language, literature, technology and fine arts. Diverse masterclasses enabled the young participants to show their creative abilities and acquire new skills, including embroidery techniques for traditional women’s headwear, the application of Tatar ornamental designs on plates, the preparation of national dishes and the performance of folk dances. Exhibitions of student creative works, reflecting the beauty and identity of Tatarstan, were also organized.

The excursion part of the visit was no less engaging: guests visited the historical reserve “Sviyazhsk Island-Grad,” embarked on a panoramic tour of Kazan, explored city museums and iconic cultural landmarks. These included the Tatar State Puppet Theatre “Ekiyat,” Kazan Federal University, the Circus, the Kremlin Embankment, and the Old Tatar Settlement (Staro-Tatarskaya Sloboda).

The students, faculty and parents of the gymnasium dedicated considerable effort to ensure the Chinese guests gained a profound understanding of Kazan’s history, culture, and daily life. Vibrant creative performances were prepared for them: school vocal ensembles, the choir, choreography groups and the drama club demonstrated a high level of artistry. Programs were presented in three languages – Tatar, Russian, and Chinese. The original fashion collections created by students were particularly memorable. Inspired by Russian ornamental patterns and the architectural symbols of Kazan, these creative works achieved recognition through student olympiads.

The visit concluded with a Gala Concert, during which schoolchildren from Changsha presented literary performances. Ilhan Faizulin, a student from Gymnasium No. 183 currently undertaking academic training in China, joined the artistic program by reciting a poem in Chinese. Additionally, the Director of the Chinese school addressed the attendees via live broadcast from Changsha.

The paramount value of this visit lay in the direct interaction between the students. The guests from China were hosted by families of Kazan gymnasium students. Over several days, they not only made friends but also exchanged knowledge about their cultures, traditions, daily lives and educational systems. For teachers and heads of both institutions, a round-table discussion and a press conference were organized. These sessions focused on sharing pedagogical methodologies in specific academic disciplines and discussing strategies for fostering the holistic development of students.

The friendship and mutual understanding between the schools continue to strengthen year by year, opening new horizons for collaborative projects. Future plans include organizing methodological training programs for teachers and launching an exchange program for students.

It is worth recalling that friendly relations between Kazan gymnasium № 183 and the Secondary School Affiliated to Hunan Normal University were established in 2019, with the signing of a cooperation agreement between the institutions.

Tags: China

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