The 12th of April was a day when the geographical ball took place in school №1. Pupils got acquainted with various cultures of the nations of the world.
There was no room at the school hall. You may ask what ball it was! It was a geographical ball of old cardinal points. Foreign students, who study in Voronezh universities, came to school to tell pupils about the places they live in.
–It has become a tradition to hold an annual geographical ball with the participation of foreign students in our school,-said Galina Semenova, a deputy director of the gymnasium; – We are developing relations not only with Voronezh State University, but also with Voronezh State Pedagogical University. Our children are always looking forward to these meetings. Why? They can talk about culture, traditions and customs. This event has got an educational potential. All we can see what is happening in the world now and in order to teach children tolerance such events are vital.
Representatives of Montenegro, France, Indonesia, Vietnam, Palestine, Benin and Madagascar came to the celebration. The Deputy of the Voronezh city Duma and the head of the Charitable Foundation “Kindness” Alexander Zhukov was also invited.
Foreign students told in turns the audience about the culture and nature of their countries. Each performance was accompanied by native songs in their mother languages. A young boy and girl from Dagestan danced a lively lezghinka, their dance was also greeted with ovations.
The real celebrity of this holiday was Helmi, a Palestinian boy who has been living in Voronezh for a year and a half already. He played a musical instrument, which is traditional in some countries of the Middle East, Caucasus and Central Asia. This instrument is simply called THE OUD. Helmi described it as something like a guitar and a balalaika. At first he began to play a measured Palestinian melody, but soon after that he started to perform “Katyusha”. The audience immediately began to sing the chorus: «Apple trees and pear trees were a flower, River mist was rising all around. Young Katusha went strolling by the hour on the steep banks, o’er the rocky ground”. It turned out that even foreign students know the lyrics of the song.
There was a banquet at the end of the concert. It was impossible to see quests out without treats. Moreover, it is an extra chance for pupils to spend more time with foreign students.
It is worth noticing that all foreign students speak Russian well.
– I have been interested in Russia since childhood, – shared Sonia, who came from France, – I’ve always dreamed about Russia, so I decided to start learning Russian. Russian language is not popular in France but it comes at hand if you can speak it while applying for a position. I am interested in participation in such events. There aren’t many such events in France. So I’m happy to be part of it here in Russia.
Alexander Zhukov also commended the participants of the ball:
– Great job! You have mentioned politics… policy of friendship. This is the biggest, most reliable and strongest policy. Friendship makes everything peaceful. Everything you do is wonderful. You meet, sing, dance, talk about your countries, traditions and culture! Keep doing this way! Thank you.
The artists and organizers of the concert were awarded with gift certificates to buy clothing at the funfair on the Donbass Street. Judging by the smiles, everyone was happy.