One of the main events of the 8th shift was the Artek Gathers Friends International Children's Forum. It brought together children from all Russian regions and more than 50 countries. The forum program includes various activities that will help children get acquainted with the peculiarities of culture and traditions of different countries of the world.

The opening ceremony of the forum took place on the square in front of Artek school. The event was attended by representatives of all countries that are represented in the children's center in the eighth shift.

Addressing the forum participants, Artek Director Konstantin Fedorenko noted that the most worthy schoolchildren of our country and other countries gather at Artek: "You have an opportunity to touch the history and traditions of Russia, learn a lot about other countries, get new experience, find friends. I am sure that in the future you will take a leading position, you will be at the head of scientific and cultural progress".

The festive action was decorated with flags of all countries, from which children came to the children's center. Each child came out in the national costume of his country. Artek residents emphasized that the main thing for them is communication with each other.

"It is very pleasant to take part in such an event, there are a lot of guys from different countries here, we have an opportunity to get acquainted and communicate with each other. Everything is bright, interesting, fun. All the kids are kind, friendly and bright. I feel that we have become one family in Artek, a lot of new opportunities have opened up for us here," said Alice from Turkey.

"To visit Artek is a dream of any child. There are wonderful views, delicious food in the canteen, a lot of sports, creative activities, good counselors. I like to communicate with children from different countries," shared Lensa from Ethiopia.

Young artists of the children's choir, as well as participants of creative groups from Uzbekistan, Russia, South Ossetia, Armenia and Belarus demonstrated their creativity to their peers.

"It was a pleasure to perform in front of the children, to show my dance and to look at the dances of other groups. At Artek I have already made friends from Belarus, Kazakhstan, China and other countries. It is interesting to communicate with them. "Artek is a very cool place where children make friends and spend unforgettable time together," shared Lisa from Uzbekistan.

A rich program awaits the forum participants. The children will take part in informative and concert programs, master classes; thematic shows and camp evenings will be held in children's camps. An interactive program and the traditional City of Masters are also prepared for Artek residents. The central event of the forum will be the round table "Club of Friends of Russia", during which the Children's Friendship Manifesto will be presented.

Children from different countries have already immersed themselves in the program of the International Children's Forum "Artek" Gathers Friends".

"The main value of the forum is communication. We get acquainted with different children, it is a unique opportunity to tell them about our country and share our experience," Christian from Uganda is sure.

The Artek Gathers Friends Forum will end on August 2 with the "Meeting Before Parting".

Source: https://artek.org/press-centr/news/v-detskom-centre-startoval-mezhdunarodnyy-detskiy-forum-artek-sobiraet-druzyay/