Alabuga Start Welcomes New Participants from Africa in a Celebration of Unity and Opportunity

The Alabuga Start programme continues to grow, gladly welcoming new participants in Kazan, Russia. These new faces bring stories, dreams and a strong desire to create a better future through this life-changing initiative.

Firstly, the specialists of SEZ “Alabuga” welcomed the girls from Sierra Leone. This became an important part of an ever-expanding international outreach.

Just recently, 21 new participants from countries such as Tanzania, Ecuador and Zimbabwe flew to Russia. The Alabuga Start team warmly welcomed the participants.

HR specialists meet new participants each time they arrive and accompany them all the way to the corporate housing. At the airport, the team helps the newcomers to exchange currency and takes them directly to the bus. SEZ “Alabuga” strives to create a favourable environment in which the girls can feel as comfortable as possible.

Among the many heartwarming stories shared by the team was a particularly emotional reunion — a young participant from Ethiopia was overjoyed to be reunited with her sister, who had just joined the programme based on her glowing recommendation. Their joyful embrace, shown on social media, is a testament to the tight-knit and supportive community that Alabuga Start is building.

You can watch a video of this encounter in the instagram account of the programme participants (imagine that, the girls themselves run the account and talk about their lives!)

Also, an interview about the story of the two sisters was recently published in the official Telegram channel, you can watch it here.

Nonetheless, it’s not all hard work and Russian language classes — the programme ensures that participants also experience the richness of Russian culture. The newly arrived young women have already dived into social events that foster community bonding and cultural immersion. Recently, they attended a friendly reunion where they watched the Russia vs. Nigeria football match, a spirited event that brought together participants from various African nations in an atmosphere of camaraderie and fun.

A couple of days ago, participants took part in Russia Day celebrations, engaging in cultural activities, games, and festivities that highlighted the nation’s heritage. The smiles and laughter shared during the event illustrated the joy of learning in a new environment and the deep friendships forming across continents.

Alabuga Start continues to prove that it’s more than just a programme — it’s a bridge between nations, a platform for talent, and a home away from home for young dreamers. As it continues to welcome participants from across Africa and beyond, it remains a shining example of what’s possible when opportunity meets open minds.