Kazan students must have spoken English

(KZN.RU, August 29, by Taisa Basharkina) Kazan high school student should learn English, along with Russian and Tatar, at least at a basic conversational level. This task was set by Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin at the annual August meeting of the workers of education and science.

Recalling his recent visit to Shenzhen, China, which hosted the 2011 Summer Universiade, the mayor noted that, unfortunately, no one could speak English there. "Despite its beautiful buildings, well-kept streets and well-developed transport infrastructure, Shenzhen created an impression of a fishing village: no one had the language of international communication.”

Speaking objectively, Kazan has become a center of attraction for many young people, including overseas visitors. Kazan is going to host a number of international events, including the Universiade and world championships in water sports and soccer. Therefore, volunteers must speak fluent English so as to provide all necessary information to visitors. It is for this purpose that the project 'English for all" is being undertaken. Sixteen Kazan schools operate as resource centers for the training of volunteers for the Universiade, the project involving 1,500 students.

By decision of the Mayor, the project will continue in the new academic year. Ilsur Metshin has tasked experts to evaluate the work of these resource centers.