Russia is looking to deepen its ties with Africa, not only through diplomacy and trade, but also through education, culture and personal connections.

Ahead of the third Russia and Africa Summit in Moscow, some Russians are building ties from the ground up, supporting African children, promoting local artists and exploring partnerships that could eventually benefit both sides.

Yanina Dubeykovskaya is a philanthropist who brought the paintings from Africa to Russia to introduce Russian audiences to African art and culture.

For some Russian collectors, buying African art began as an act of charity.

But it soon became something more, a way to build relationships and support artists whose work might otherwise struggle to find an audience.

Today, Dubeykovskaya has brought together a community of around 90 so-called angel parents in Russia, each supporting the education of African girls.

“We have a model of personal patronage. We identify a girl who needs help, and here we have our own circle of ‘angels’, of parents, and they support her. As a foundation, we build emotional communication and manage the practical aspects, interaction with the school, providing financing and additional lessons.”

The initiative goes beyond individual sponsorship. Other projects help provide children with food, clothing and access to education.

For those involved, introducing Russians to Africa is not just about raising awareness, it is about building connections that could lead to lasting cooperation and, eventually, tangible results.

–SABC–