If the back-to-school time of year means you've been thinking you should probably take up a hobby, learn a skill or something else that might come in useful A) to further your personal brand and B) to help out when the impending apocolypse comes, then here's an idea - learn Russian with Russian grannies.
According to news website Russia Beyond The Headlines, this new scheme aims to help out potential students with their language skills but also give them an insight into Russian history, culture and mentality.
Co-founder Svetlana Pavshintseva says, 'Our pensioners have lived long and interesting lives. They will be able to talk about it, to share their wisdom, to make up for lack of socializing. While thanks to them students from other countries will be able not just to practice their language skills but also to learn more about our culture, history, way of thinking.'
Svetlana's website has already received several applications from potential students in China, the US, France, the UK and Thailand and is working with organisations in Moscow that deal with elderly people. Connections between the students and teachers will be made by volunteers.
The entire project is not-for-profit and is mainly thought of as a way to help keep pensioners happy and healthy.
'Many people understand that old age does not mean the end of life.' Explains Tatyana Prusova, who works for charity Older Generation. 'I myself am retired but have not given up my interests in life. There are retired teachers and many well-educated people among pensioners. Some of them may take an interest in studying another country's culture. Then the Skype sessions could be conducted in two language so that both parties could practise their language skills.'
To sign up, head to the Lingua Link of Generations website.
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.