Lukashenko: main principle in education is fair attitude towards everyone
The development of the national education system was submitted to a meeting with the President. In many ways, this is a traditional meeting on the eve of the Day of Knowledge, during which reports on readiness for the new academic year are made. However, this time the format is somewhat different. The Head of State drew attention to the fact that a wider circle of responsible and interested persons who know the education system, as they say, from the inside, have been invited.
Aleksandr Lukashenko explained the essence of this decision, “In early 2022, we significantly updated the Education Code and the rules for admission to technical schools and universities. Currently, a serious adjustment of the legislation is being carried out, and the admission campaign has been held in an updated format.”
Reports on the results of this work were prepared by Deputy Prime Minister Igor Petrishenko and Education Minister Andrei Ivanets. The President drew attention to the fact that the main innovations in accordance with the new code and admission rules are planned from 2023, “Soon, in fact, with the beginning of the academic year, we will launch a new admission campaign. I want to hear from those present, what is the readiness of the education system, local authorities, and higher education for these innovations.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko drew the attention of the meeting participants to a fundamental point, “You know that the main principle of my policy in education is a fair attitude towards every person and ensuring equal opportunities for studies...
The President noted that, considering this thesis, he concluded, “There are such opportunities like never before, especially with regard to employer-sponsored enrollment at universities. This is a big benefit, and those who did well at school have the opportunity to enter universities, of course, if they want. Therefore, teachers, graduates and their parents must clearly know all the rules.”
The President recalled that at the last meeting in November 2021, dedicated to education, former Minister Igor Karpenko reported on the priority areas for the development of this branch, which were generally supported. New Education Minister Andrey Ivanets has got a good start, but he has his own opinion on certain issues. Addressing the Minister, Aleksandr Lukashenko noted, “It is very important for me to hear about your vision of the situation in the system, to once again discuss the implementation of new approaches to the organisation of the educational process, the final certification of school graduates and the civil and patriotic education of children and youth. We also need to consider problematic issues and I am sure that such issues exist. I would like them to sound today.”
The Belarusian Head of State drew a line, “I encourage all those present to have a frank conversation. If there are any doubts about the decisions made or you see potential problems – let’s discuss them now. There is practically no time for hesitation. In case of a mistake, people will simply not forgive us. How many times will we return to the education system in terms of its reform and improvement? Most of our citizens are somehow connected with the education system.”
