St. Petersburg Forum was formed in 1995 to PROMOTE
LINKS on a charitable, educational, artistic and cultural basis between groups
in Scotland and Northern Russia, and to expand the knowledge of each other’s
culture, history, language and educational system. There are four Trustees and
three additional Board members.
The
organisation was formed in Scotland during 1995. Since its inception a series
of ongoing projects relating to education, medicine, the arts, sport, and
charitable support for orphanages and cancer victims have been established.
As
well as financial support for a cancer day Centre the forum translated and
distributed 35 ‘BACUP’ cancer support booklets, giving advice to patients &
families.
Orphanage
support comes in the form of spectacle frames for partially sighted children
and a monthly donation to supply medicines & vitamins – orphanage 40. We
have also refurbished the kitchen and supplied necessary optical equipment.
In
Orphanage 46, English is now being taught as a Forum initiative increasing
substantially the work & study opportunities for the orphans. The Forum
also financed the purchase of curtains and equipment for the recreational room.
Orphanage
11 is for children with severe learning difficulties and an advocacy centre has
been established to assist the senior students after they leave the orphanage.
International
Citizenship is an important part of the Scottish Schools’ curriculum and links
with St Petersburg schools are now in place and being expanded.
In
the field of tertiary education we have formed a partnership with Reid Kerr
College and a number of important links with St Petersburg have been
established.
A
’Knowledge of Scotland’ Competition is held annually and the winners come to
Scotland for two weeks each autumn to experience Scottish hospitality and
education. This programme has been running for 12 years. 42 students how
visited
The
works of Robert Burns have long been appreciated in Russia. In cooperation with
the Robert Burns World Federation there is an annual essay competition A Forum
Burns Supper takes place each year in
An
annual art competition is open to young Russian artists using a Scottish theme.
Similarly there is now a competition for young Scottish artists using a Russian
theme.
In
the last few years there has been an increasing focus on Art & Education
with Art Competitions & Exhibitions in both countries.
The
forum continues to expand its reach and provide an entry point for other
organisations who wish to work in St Petersburg.