Penza, 12 May 2017. PenzaNews. Selection of participants who will represent the Penza region at the 19th World Festival of Youth and Students in Sochi finished on Friday, May 12.

© PenzaNewsBuy the photo

As the deputy head of Professional Education and Youth Politics Department of the regional Ministry of Education Alexander Bochkarev told PenzaNews, in the second, final day of the selection process, teachers, journalists and representatives of the working youth – altogether 70 people – were interviewed. Only 15 of them will be selected for participation.

The main selection criteria are personal motivation for participation in the festival, as well as knowledge of the ideas and objectives of the festival, published works, audio and video materials," the interlocutor noted.

According to him, public activity, initiative, knowledge of foreign languages are important parameters.

Alexander Bochkarev added that the first informational letter suggested sending 125 participants from the Penza region, but then the quota was reduced to 50 people due to financial capacity of the region.

According to him, 20 other people will take part in the festival as volunteers.

"We spend money on transfer of the participants back and forth [...] as well as on presentation of the region at two project sites," he specified.

Alexander Bochkarev noted that until October the festival directorate will make a list of events, which will be held at the regional level.