Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
In 1960, RUDN University first opened its doors to students from 57 countries, and just two years later, the world's first international student construction brigade was formed. By 1964, it had grown to 74 students from 18 countries. On Russian Student Brigade Day, we highlight the achievements of RUDN University's "Meridian of Friendship."
Over its more than half-century history, over 15,000 people from 117 countries have served in the unit. In 2025 alone, 220 fighters representing 53 countries served in its ranks.
With your own hands
The core principle of "Friendship Meridian" was formulated decades ago and remains unchanged: "Build your own university." Since its inception, the unit has built, renovated, and improved 958 facilities. During the 2025 semester alone (July-August), students renovated 29 facilities totaling over 28,000 square meters:
The Prometheus Linear Unit carried out a major overhaul of the academic and administrative buildings; the Atlanty Linear Unit comprehensively renovated the residential buildings, improving student living conditions; a specialized team professionally painted hardscape and updated street markings; four teams washed 57,000 square meters of window surfaces; a total of 1,207 cans of paint were used in the renovation.
But the work isn't limited to the university walls. Last winter, during Cyclone Frances's record-breaking snowfall in 50 years, 32 students from 15 countries cleared snow from a playground, parking lot, and pedestrian areas in southwest Moscow in just four hours.
In the spring, the team goes out on cleanup days: in 2025, 123 students and staff collected 115 bags of trash on the university grounds and in the forest park, and also helped City Clinical Hospital No. 64 and V.V. Vinogradov University Hospital by painting fences and updating fire safety markings.
Labor is not the only victory
Meridian of Friendship fighters regularly prove that they are the best not only at work, but also in creativity, sports, and social life.
Last year, the team won three first places in the Moskvich labor project in the following categories:
"Performance" – Jean-Pierre Sishugi Bisimwa (Democratic Republic of the Congo); "Team Dance"; "Author's Artistic Words" – Christian Rüstich Stephen Guetanis (Congo).
At the Moscow Student Team Spartakiad, the team of 22 brought home a flurry of victories:
1st place in 3×3 basketball; 1st place in mini-football; 2nd place in arm wrestling (Kahil Khachinde).
In their free time from work and competitions, the guys also go on excursions: last summer, 90 fighters went on a sightseeing tour of Moscow and ancient Kolomna.
Connection between generations
On November 22, 2025, RUDN University hosted a gathering to commemorate the 61st anniversary of the student brigades and the 26th anniversary of the revived "Meridian of Friendship." More than 175 participants from 67 countries—veterans and active members of the brigades—gathered together.
Veterans shared memories of the development of virgin lands in Kazakhstan, the construction of the Baikal-Amur Mainline, and even sugarcane harvesting in Cuba. Thirty-six veterans received commemorative gifts, and distinguished soldiers received the "Shock Worker" badge of honor and letters of gratitude from the rector.
The rally concluded with a concert, where Russian folk songs gave way to African rhythms, and Vietnamese and Latin American dances energized the audience. Students from Africa performed the Builders' March, moving the veterans to tears.
"I watched the celebration with great joy. Events like these are the best illustration of what 'Friendship Meridian' is: unity, traditions, and a true international family," said Luk Thi Ly, a Vietnam veteran.
Second family
"The construction team is a great opportunity for international students to make friends from different countries while working together on a good and useful project. We not only participate in the university renovations but also host events for getting to know each other, bonding, and team building. Over the years at Meridian of Friendship, I've learned to work in a team and embrace the nuances of other cultures. I even tried my hand at directing the annual rally," says Christian Guetanis, a PhD student in the Faculty of Philology.
"I remember my first day on the job: the ceremonial assembly and the initiation ceremony. That was the day I realized I'd made the right choice," says Nathanael Hedwig Hilja Ndakulilwa (Namibia), a student at the Institute of Agricultural Technology.
"The Friendship Meridian is a symbol of strong connections and unity! Every step of this journey is imbued with a profound sense of friendship, cooperation, and cultural exchange that unites the hearts of students around the world. May it continue to inspire new generations to strengthen friendship and mutual support!" — Iram Sumbu (Congo), medical student.
"For me, the student construction team is a school of character and a true team where everyone is willing to lend a helping hand. Among its ranks, we not only learn how to work, but also how to be friends, support each other, and achieve goals together," says Louidor Die Isen (Haiti), a student in the Faculty of Philology.
"The construction team is my second family. Here I made true friends from all over the world, learned to work in an international team, and experienced unforgettable moments and memories that will stay with me forever," says Adeline Dorété Rasouanirina (Madagascar), a student in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
"Becoming a fighter taught me responsibility, hard work, teamwork, and the ability to find common ground with different people. These skills are invaluable for any profession!" — Keita Ousseynou (Senegal), a student at the School of Management.
"Meridian of Friendship" is more than just a construction team. It's a school of life where students learn to work as a team, understand and respect other cultures, take responsibility, and take pride in their accomplishments. These are living threads that connect continents and generations. And judging by the sparkle in the eyes of today's fighters, this story has a bright future.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.