Much to see in our native land
Alexander Lukashenko calls on young people to value and be proud of Belarus, while protecting its independence and sovereignty. The President spoke about this during his meeting with winners of the international subject Olympiads, creative contests and festivals, as well as scholarship holders of special funds of the President of Belarus, aimed at supporting gifted pupils, students and talented youth.Addressing the participants of the meeting, the Head of State noted that the academic year is coming to an end. He wished success to all those who will have to take exams, and to the remaining, to spend the long-awaited-for holidays in an interested way. In particular, the President advised them to get more acquainted with Belarus and to see its natural beauties.
Mr. Lukashenko remarked that he travels all over Belarus, however mostly by air. “Yesterday, I drove 600km to the east and back inspecting our roads and their maintenance. I was surprised to find out that our nature looks totally different when you travel by car and not by air, especially when you leave the car to look at a forest or river,” said Mr. Lukashenko.
“Therefore, I recommend that you to visit the most beautiful places of our country. You will understand that there is no better place for vacations,” the Head of State is convinced. “Love Belarus, appreciate it and be proud of it. Guard its independence and sovereignty. It’s being transferred to your hands. Learn to notice the good things around you. This will be your inspiration for new discoveries and victories. I also wish you to have reliable friends, attentive teachers and parents by your side and interesting and smart books.”
Alexander Lukashenko also spoke during the meeting that a high level of education and the creative potential of personality are the most important values for Belarus.
“Certainly, you know better than others what it means to win. It is very relevant today, in particular, taking into consideration our sports events. You know how much determination one needs to pull oneself together, to come forward and win. This skill will come in handy many times in your life. After all, we put great hopes in you. There is a special attitude to young talent in our country. A high level of education and the creative potential of a personality are our most important values,” noted the President. “Your achievements are an indicator of the efficiency of domestic sciences and the country’s potential in various fields.”
For many years, Belarusian schoolchildren have held leading positions in mathematics, physics, informatics, chemistry and biology — the disciplines that make up the foundation of science. Over the past five years, Belarusian youngsters have won 27 various medals in mathematics, 23 in physics, 19 in informatics, 16 in chemistry and 12 in biology.
According to the President, the state programme to support gifted youth, which has already been operating in the country for several years, is bearing fruit. Over 250 executives in various organisations used to be scholarship holders and laureates of the special funds of the President of Belarus. Over the past three years, fledgling scientists defended 114 Masters’ and 6 Doctors’ theses. “The whole country knows the names of those who showed extraordinary talent and hard work,” noted the Head of State. “Today, they are working for the benefit of Belarus. Despite their achievements, these people do not stay complacent. They are facing important tasks, and the requirements set to them are tougher, because they are an example and benchmark for those who are following suit.”
Mr. Lukashenko stressed that Belarus is doing its best to maintain peace and stability, so that Belarusian people could live in a peaceful country, fulfil their potential and never know what a war is. However, the President urged young people not to forget the lessons that history taught. “A huge price was paid for everything we have now and everything we will create in the future,” he said.
The President also thanked educators for the successes and achievements of the youth. “It is a personality of a teacher, an educator that encourages students to study and create,” the Head of State emphasised.
Mr. Lukashenko handed over certificates, lapel badges and diplomas to laureates of the special funds of the President of Belarus, alongside students who won gold medals at international Olympiads and took first place at international competitions and festivals, as well as the finalists of the I Sing! children’s TV project.
