What bonuses does training in agro-classes offer, who is it intended for, and why it's time to look at the agro-industrial complex in a new way. We analyze on the example of the Vitebsk region
The issue of training personnel for the agro-industrial complex from school desks has been repeatedly raised at the Belarusian People's Congress. How is this task being addressed in the northern region of the country, where Decree No. 70 "On the Development of the Vitebsk Region's Agro-Industrial Complex" is in effect?
What are its benefits, who is it designed for, and why is it time to look at the agro-industrial complex in a new way? Valentina Pikulik, Head of the Center for Preschool, General Secondary, Special Education and Quality Analysis, explains:
– The Vitebsk region was one of the first to start enrolling students in agro-classes. This is a logical step and a keen interest in qualified personnel. There is no doubt that these are the people the industry needs – competent, talented, knowledgeable about the latest trends in agronomy, animal husbandry, and mechanization… University graduates who would be fully aware that the agro-industrial complex needs not so much hands (although this cannot be discounted either), but rather the ability to use their brains. Education is always ahead in this regard. Popularizing the agro-industrial complex and attracting youth to it is one of our main tasks.
The Vitebsk Regional Institute for the Development of Education is confident that agro-classes have good prospects.
A few figures: there are 88 agro-classes (groups of agricultural orientation) operating in the Vitebsk region, established on the basis of 69 educational institutions. They are attended by 670 boys and girls, many of whom can easily join the ranks of students at agricultural universities. At the same time, studying in such a class, including advanced-level chemistry, biology, and "Introduction to Agricultural Professions," does not mean that one must pursue a career in agriculture. A graduate has the right to choose their university independently – an agricultural one, where they can enroll without exams, or any other. For example, a medical university, where the knowledge gained in the agro-class will still be useful for admission. Choice is the key word, Valentina continues.Vladimirovna:
– Young people in agricultural classes have it. At the same time, I believe that children and their parents should be told more often about what modern agriculture is. Scythes have long ceased to whistle in collective farm meadows, and cows are no longer milked by hand, but stereotypes are hard to overcome. Hence, there is a certain bias towards the agricultural sector, and the fear of some mothers and fathers that their child will face an unenviable future after graduating from a specialized university. In reality, many agricultural enterprises in the region can dispel this myth in an instant. What do you say, for example, after visiting a robotic dairy farm? Or after looking into a machine yard, where giant tractors are lined up in a neat row.
Breaking stereotypes is one of the tasks of agricultural classes. Innovations in the Vitebsk region should help with this. Specifically, events such as "Agro-Saturdays" and #AgroPanorama, which appeared thanks to the implementation of Decree No. 70 "On the Development of the Vitebsk Region's Agro-Industrial Complex". During "Agro-Saturdays", children, their parents, and teachers visit the most modern and advanced farms.
Valentina Pikulik shares her ideas:
– In May, if the epidemic situation allows, we are planning #AgroPanorama2021. We want to invite, among others, representatives of agricultural universities with whom we cooperate fruitfully – BSUAA, VSAVM. We will interest schoolchildren with a hackathon. In real-time, they will have to come up with and defend an agricultural project. Why is this necessary? Young people, many of whom dream of farming, should understand that education is important and great, but you can't do without your own creative ideas.
The remote Olympiad "Agromir" and the competition "Agropolia" help to identify the most talented and persistent. For the guys, this is more than just a way to declare themselves. For example, the winner of last year's "Agropolia" could claim a super prize from the Vitebsk Veterinary Academy: the "position" of a group leader. With all the preferences, including an increase in the scholarship.
Agroscience with experienced teacher Svetlana Pisarenko is always interesting
"The agro-class is new for us," **school principal Lyudmila Osipovich** shares the details. "But even now, looking at the children and their attitude to learning, it is clear: they are interested. Of the seven students, four are considering agricultural universities. Our task is to help schoolchildren make a choice. To explain that the agro-industrial complex is a multitude of professions and opportunities, especially for a specialist with a specialized higher education. A veterinarian and an animal breeder, a mechanic and an engineer – all this can become a reality for rural children if they make an effort. The district administration and representatives of agricultural enterprises are willing to meet us halfway. During "agro-Saturdays" and beyond, they are ready to communicate with schoolchildren and show what the farms are like.
Excursions to the local OAO "Torguny" and "Begomlskoye" are always a big event. The children look forward to them with impatience, Svetlana Petrovna joins the conversation:
"You should see how the boys' eyes light up after the demonstration of powerful machinery at the mechanical yard. The girls prefer the farms where they can see the entire process of animal husbandry. There are plenty of moments when the children are genuinely surprised: 'Wow, everything is so modern here.' This is also the idea of agro-classes – to convey a simple thought: the agro-industrial complex is far from what it was 20, 30 years ago. Mechanization and automation are replacing hard physical labor. This means the industry needs specialists who will manage in a new way.
Today – flower seedlings, tomorrow – bright flowerbeds
In season, the children will be able to apply their knowledge in practice. A large school garden, takenThe school additionally has 30 ares from the local farm – there is room to maneuver. In total, the school has about 80 ares, Lyudmila Osipovich calculates:
– Plus, there is the former collective farm apple orchard, which is assigned to us. We grow vegetables, greens for school meals, and the surplus is for sale. I myself love the land and sincerely believe that if we instill this love in our children bit by bit, there will be a result! First of all, it is in respect for rural labor, for people who dedicate themselves to it wholeheartedly, and for the industry, thanks to which we can not worry about the country's food security.
And what do rural schoolchildren themselves think about agroclasses? The opportunity to enter an agricultural university without exams seems tempting to 15-year-old Nina Belskaya:
– I draw well, at one time I wanted to choose art and graphic design. I hope the skill will be useful for anatomical drawing at the university. I am considering the Vitebsk Veterinary Academy – a strong university with a rich history. I like veterinary medicine, especially since biology is my favorite subject. My father was once involved in agriculture – he worked as a tractor driver. We also keep a personal subsidiary farm: rabbits, geese, chickens. For a village, this is not an exotic thing, but the norm.
Tenth-grader Yuri Podkerob: – I haven't decided on a profession yet, but the knowledge gained in the agroclass will not be superfluous.
Nina's classmate Alexey Khramenok also wants to connect his future with the agro-industrial complex, he is considering the profession of a mechanical engineer. He has been on "you" with technology for a long time. Lesha knows about agriculture firsthand:
– My mother is a milking operator, my father works for a local farmer, he goes out to the field both on a tractor and on a combine harvester. For the first season, I have been working with him as a combine harvester assistant. It is not surprising that in the agroshowed interest in the agroclass right away. My parents supported my choice.
COMPETENTLY
Sergey Egorov, Chairman of the Committee for Agriculture and Food of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee:
– Agroclasses are a relevant initiative, and the main employers, the agro-industrial complex enterprises, are perhaps the most interested in it. To attract young people to agriculture, such career guidance from school desks is essential. Moreover, it is important for the guys to understand that the industry is developing and looking ahead. Already today, farms actively use modern technologies. Robots on farms, automated herd management systems, precision farming, where field work is controlled by computers and satellites… In ten years, what is currently considered innovation will become commonplace. But we need to think about who will work in new ways here and now. In this regard, the Vitebsk region has something to strive for. 15 agricultural enterprises have been identified, on the basis of which "immersion in the topic" will be organized for agroclass students.
This year, a noticeable increase in targeted programs with monthly allowances is observed. About 90 targeted students enrolled in agricultural universities and colleges will be able to count on an increase in their scholarships. Farms will pay them from three to five basic units. Well, the most significant bonus and an unprecedented step taken specifically in the Vitebsk region is 1000 rubles to the salary of young specialists involved in animal husbandry. They will be able to receive this amount (proportionally to the days worked per month) as early as April.
FROM THE FIRST HANDS
Nikita Kasperovich, first-year student at BSUAA:
– Two years in the agroclass of the Voropayevo school in the Postavy district became my ticket to university. I entered the Belarusian State Agrarian Academy without exams and on a targeted referral from our local fish farm "Novinki".The very one where my parents work, and where I, as a high school student, worked part-time during summer holidays. Therefore, I know what commercial fishing is not by hearsay, but I decided on my future profession in childhood. My future specialty is a process engineer, specializing in industrial fish farming. After university, I will return to my small homeland. Perhaps, one day I will even decide to start my own farm. In any case, the knowledge gained both in the agro-class and at the academy will come in handy.
What can I advise the guys who are still wondering if they need an agro-class? Consider it a bonus. Studying in it provides in-depth knowledge of chemistry and biology, but does not mean a direct path to the agro-industrial complex if you don't want it yourself. At the same time, finally get rid of prejudices. Agriculture is a modern and promising industry. And specialized universities offer a wide range of specialties: veterinarian, zootechnician, fish farmer, mechanical engineer, economist.
SPOKEN
Nina Pechenkova, Deputy Director of the Studenkovskaya Kindergarten – School of the Senno District:
– The specialized group with the prefix "agro" has been operating in our school for the second year. The advantages, first of all, are in effective career guidance, when schoolchildren learn what it's like to work in the agro-industrial complex, not from textbooks and the internet, but by visiting agricultural enterprises. We cooperate with the local farm "Studenka", and also travel outside the district. For example, we visited the "Mazolovogaz" farm of UP "Vitebskoblgaz", the feed mill and the oilseed processing plant. Secondly, agro-classes are a way to gain in-depth knowledge in chemistry, biology, as well as in the elective course "Introduction to Agrarian Professions". We add something of our own to the extensive program prepared by BSACU. Are rural children interested in agricultural science? Absolutely! This year, out of five students in the specialized group, three plan to enter agricultural universities. For example, Olya Sinkevich, whose mother works in the agro-industrial complex, is thinking about zootechnics, and Dmitry Budchenko, whose father works in the forestry industry, is thinking about crop production. The opportunity to reinforce theory with practice is important. School plots, gardens, greenhouses are helpful. We grow not only potatoes, carrots andсвеклу, перцы и томаты, но и рассаду цветов. Последней хватает себе и на продажу. Давно и успешно занимаемся черенкованием туй, в том числе на реализацию. Это тоже своего рода аграрный бизнес, к которому приобщаем школьников. Прививаем им культуру труда на земле. Рассказываем, в чем перспектива выпускников аграрного класса. А она есть, из самого весомого – осознанный выбор будущего и отличный шанс поступления в аграрные вузы на льготных основаниях.
"Agro-Saturdays" – Yes, Stereotypes – No
Not long ago, the Vitebsk Regional Institute for the Development of Education prepared the most comprehensive manual on agro-classes, which began to be opened in the region in 2018. The 88-page document covers everything about the relatively new, agricultural vector of school education.What are its benefits, who is it designed for, and why is it time to look at the agro-industrial complex in a new way? Valentina Pikulik, Head of the Center for Preschool, General Secondary, Special Education and Quality Analysis, explains:
– The Vitebsk region was one of the first to start enrolling students in agro-classes. This is a logical step and a keen interest in qualified personnel. There is no doubt that these are the people the industry needs – competent, talented, knowledgeable about the latest trends in agronomy, animal husbandry, and mechanization… University graduates who would be fully aware that the agro-industrial complex needs not so much hands (although this cannot be discounted either), but rather the ability to use their brains. Education is always ahead in this regard. Popularizing the agro-industrial complex and attracting youth to it is one of our main tasks.
The Vitebsk Regional Institute for the Development of Education is confident that agro-classes have good prospects.
A few figures: there are 88 agro-classes (groups of agricultural orientation) operating in the Vitebsk region, established on the basis of 69 educational institutions. They are attended by 670 boys and girls, many of whom can easily join the ranks of students at agricultural universities. At the same time, studying in such a class, including advanced-level chemistry, biology, and "Introduction to Agricultural Professions," does not mean that one must pursue a career in agriculture. A graduate has the right to choose their university independently – an agricultural one, where they can enroll without exams, or any other. For example, a medical university, where the knowledge gained in the agro-class will still be useful for admission. Choice is the key word, Valentina continues.Vladimirovna:
– Young people in agricultural classes have it. At the same time, I believe that children and their parents should be told more often about what modern agriculture is. Scythes have long ceased to whistle in collective farm meadows, and cows are no longer milked by hand, but stereotypes are hard to overcome. Hence, there is a certain bias towards the agricultural sector, and the fear of some mothers and fathers that their child will face an unenviable future after graduating from a specialized university. In reality, many agricultural enterprises in the region can dispel this myth in an instant. What do you say, for example, after visiting a robotic dairy farm? Or after looking into a machine yard, where giant tractors are lined up in a neat row.
Breaking stereotypes is one of the tasks of agricultural classes. Innovations in the Vitebsk region should help with this. Specifically, events such as "Agro-Saturdays" and #AgroPanorama, which appeared thanks to the implementation of Decree No. 70 "On the Development of the Vitebsk Region's Agro-Industrial Complex". During "Agro-Saturdays", children, their parents, and teachers visit the most modern and advanced farms.
Valentina Pikulik shares her ideas:
– In May, if the epidemic situation allows, we are planning #AgroPanorama2021. We want to invite, among others, representatives of agricultural universities with whom we cooperate fruitfully – BSUAA, VSAVM. We will interest schoolchildren with a hackathon. In real-time, they will have to come up with and defend an agricultural project. Why is this necessary? Young people, many of whom dream of farming, should understand that education is important and great, but you can't do without your own creative ideas.
The remote Olympiad "Agromir" and the competition "Agropolia" help to identify the most talented and persistent. For the guys, this is more than just a way to declare themselves. For example, the winner of last year's "Agropolia" could claim a super prize from the Vitebsk Veterinary Academy: the "position" of a group leader. With all the preferences, including an increase in the scholarship.
We must agree that the prospect of entering agricultural universities without centralized testing should be available not only to rural but also to urban students. Four Vitebsk schools have recently announced their intention to organize agricultural classes.
Interest
plus opportunities
In the Glinskaya secondary school of the Dokshitsy district, there are 56 children, including five first-graders. And this year, tenth-graders went to the agro-class for the first time. They are learning the intricacies of agriculture together with **teacher Svetlana Pisarenko.** For her mentees, she is both a mentor and a class teacher.Agroscience with experienced teacher Svetlana Pisarenko is always interesting
"The agro-class is new for us," **school principal Lyudmila Osipovich** shares the details. "But even now, looking at the children and their attitude to learning, it is clear: they are interested. Of the seven students, four are considering agricultural universities. Our task is to help schoolchildren make a choice. To explain that the agro-industrial complex is a multitude of professions and opportunities, especially for a specialist with a specialized higher education. A veterinarian and an animal breeder, a mechanic and an engineer – all this can become a reality for rural children if they make an effort. The district administration and representatives of agricultural enterprises are willing to meet us halfway. During "agro-Saturdays" and beyond, they are ready to communicate with schoolchildren and show what the farms are like.
Excursions to the local OAO "Torguny" and "Begomlskoye" are always a big event. The children look forward to them with impatience, Svetlana Petrovna joins the conversation:
"You should see how the boys' eyes light up after the demonstration of powerful machinery at the mechanical yard. The girls prefer the farms where they can see the entire process of animal husbandry. There are plenty of moments when the children are genuinely surprised: 'Wow, everything is so modern here.' This is also the idea of agro-classes – to convey a simple thought: the agro-industrial complex is far from what it was 20, 30 years ago. Mechanization and automation are replacing hard physical labor. This means the industry needs specialists who will manage in a new way.
Today – flower seedlings, tomorrow – bright flowerbedsIn season, the children will be able to apply their knowledge in practice. A large school garden, takenThe school additionally has 30 ares from the local farm – there is room to maneuver. In total, the school has about 80 ares, Lyudmila Osipovich calculates:
– Plus, there is the former collective farm apple orchard, which is assigned to us. We grow vegetables, greens for school meals, and the surplus is for sale. I myself love the land and sincerely believe that if we instill this love in our children bit by bit, there will be a result! First of all, it is in respect for rural labor, for people who dedicate themselves to it wholeheartedly, and for the industry, thanks to which we can not worry about the country's food security.
And what do rural schoolchildren themselves think about agroclasses? The opportunity to enter an agricultural university without exams seems tempting to 15-year-old Nina Belskaya:
– I draw well, at one time I wanted to choose art and graphic design. I hope the skill will be useful for anatomical drawing at the university. I am considering the Vitebsk Veterinary Academy – a strong university with a rich history. I like veterinary medicine, especially since biology is my favorite subject. My father was once involved in agriculture – he worked as a tractor driver. We also keep a personal subsidiary farm: rabbits, geese, chickens. For a village, this is not an exotic thing, but the norm.
Tenth-grader Yuri Podkerob: – I haven't decided on a profession yet, but the knowledge gained in the agroclass will not be superfluous.Nina's classmate Alexey Khramenok also wants to connect his future with the agro-industrial complex, he is considering the profession of a mechanical engineer. He has been on "you" with technology for a long time. Lesha knows about agriculture firsthand:
– My mother is a milking operator, my father works for a local farmer, he goes out to the field both on a tractor and on a combine harvester. For the first season, I have been working with him as a combine harvester assistant. It is not surprising that in the agroshowed interest in the agroclass right away. My parents supported my choice.
COMPETENTLY
Sergey Egorov, Chairman of the Committee for Agriculture and Food of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee:
– Agroclasses are a relevant initiative, and the main employers, the agro-industrial complex enterprises, are perhaps the most interested in it. To attract young people to agriculture, such career guidance from school desks is essential. Moreover, it is important for the guys to understand that the industry is developing and looking ahead. Already today, farms actively use modern technologies. Robots on farms, automated herd management systems, precision farming, where field work is controlled by computers and satellites… In ten years, what is currently considered innovation will become commonplace. But we need to think about who will work in new ways here and now. In this regard, the Vitebsk region has something to strive for. 15 agricultural enterprises have been identified, on the basis of which "immersion in the topic" will be organized for agroclass students.
This year, a noticeable increase in targeted programs with monthly allowances is observed. About 90 targeted students enrolled in agricultural universities and colleges will be able to count on an increase in their scholarships. Farms will pay them from three to five basic units. Well, the most significant bonus and an unprecedented step taken specifically in the Vitebsk region is 1000 rubles to the salary of young specialists involved in animal husbandry. They will be able to receive this amount (proportionally to the days worked per month) as early as April.
FROM THE FIRST HANDS
Nikita Kasperovich, first-year student at BSUAA:
– Two years in the agroclass of the Voropayevo school in the Postavy district became my ticket to university. I entered the Belarusian State Agrarian Academy without exams and on a targeted referral from our local fish farm "Novinki".The very one where my parents work, and where I, as a high school student, worked part-time during summer holidays. Therefore, I know what commercial fishing is not by hearsay, but I decided on my future profession in childhood. My future specialty is a process engineer, specializing in industrial fish farming. After university, I will return to my small homeland. Perhaps, one day I will even decide to start my own farm. In any case, the knowledge gained both in the agro-class and at the academy will come in handy.
What can I advise the guys who are still wondering if they need an agro-class? Consider it a bonus. Studying in it provides in-depth knowledge of chemistry and biology, but does not mean a direct path to the agro-industrial complex if you don't want it yourself. At the same time, finally get rid of prejudices. Agriculture is a modern and promising industry. And specialized universities offer a wide range of specialties: veterinarian, zootechnician, fish farmer, mechanical engineer, economist.
SPOKEN
Nina Pechenkova, Deputy Director of the Studenkovskaya Kindergarten – School of the Senno District:
– The specialized group with the prefix "agro" has been operating in our school for the second year. The advantages, first of all, are in effective career guidance, when schoolchildren learn what it's like to work in the agro-industrial complex, not from textbooks and the internet, but by visiting agricultural enterprises. We cooperate with the local farm "Studenka", and also travel outside the district. For example, we visited the "Mazolovogaz" farm of UP "Vitebskoblgaz", the feed mill and the oilseed processing plant. Secondly, agro-classes are a way to gain in-depth knowledge in chemistry, biology, as well as in the elective course "Introduction to Agrarian Professions". We add something of our own to the extensive program prepared by BSACU. Are rural children interested in agricultural science? Absolutely! This year, out of five students in the specialized group, three plan to enter agricultural universities. For example, Olya Sinkevich, whose mother works in the agro-industrial complex, is thinking about zootechnics, and Dmitry Budchenko, whose father works in the forestry industry, is thinking about crop production. The opportunity to reinforce theory with practice is important. School plots, gardens, greenhouses are helpful. We grow not only potatoes, carrots andсвеклу, перцы и томаты, но и рассаду цветов. Последней хватает себе и на продажу. Давно и успешно занимаемся черенкованием туй, в том числе на реализацию. Это тоже своего рода аграрный бизнес, к которому приобщаем школьников. Прививаем им культуру труда на земле. Рассказываем, в чем перспектива выпускников аграрного класса. А она есть, из самого весомого – осознанный выбор будущего и отличный шанс поступления в аграрные вузы на льготных основаниях.