Five schools of the world will open in the Vitebsk region in 2021
In 2021, public activists will pay special attention to working with youth and the civic-patriotic education of the younger generation. A vivid example of this activity is the "School of Peace" children's peace-making centers, six of which are already operating in the Vitebsk region, with five more being prepared for opening.
Thus, the creation of a peace school at Polotsk State Gymnasium No. 1 named after F. Skorina is in its final stage. It is worth noting that for several years now, Polotsk gymnasium students have been participating in the Peace Foundation's events and projects. With the support of the public organization, a monument in honor of the fallen teachers and students who perished in the fight against the Nazi invaders during the Great Patriotic War, located in the courtyard of the educational institution, was reconstructed. A Peace Gallery has been opened in the building itself, and stands titled "Always in Service - Forever in Memory" have been installed, the information for which was collected by students together with teachers.
The issue of awarding the honorary title "School of Peace" to educational institutions in Lepel, Glubokoye, Zheleznodorozhny district of Vitebsk, and Vitebsk district in the near future is also being considered.
In turn, the chairperson of the board of the Public Association "Belarusian Peace Foundation," Maksim Misko, emphasized that work with children within the framework of peace schools should be meaningful.
– Today, it is important not just to invite children to our events and actions, but to try to make them full participants in the events. Patriotism itself penetrates the soul primarily as a feeling that transforms into an idea, and that idea then transforms into action, – Maksim Vladimirovich outlined the approaches to working with the younger generation.
To confirm this, he proposed involving schoolchildren from different regions of Belarus in a prayer service at the memorial complex commemorating the victims of fascism, "Urochishe 'Peski'" in Polotsk. The Peace Fund plans to hold this service next summer, following preliminary agreements with representatives of all religious denominations.
Incidentally, this memorial can be considered the Peace Fund's most ambitious project within the "Memory" program in recent years. During the construction period, the charitable organization transferred over 220 thousand rubles, with almost 60 thousand of that amount allocated in 2020.
In total, the Vitebsk regional branch of the Belarusian Peace Foundation allocated 176 thousand rubles last year for the improvement of memorial sites, military burials, and the repair and reconstruction of monuments. Thanks to these voluntary donations and sponsorship transfers from local residents, organizations, and enterprises, a memorial sign for concentration camp prisoners will be erected at the "5th Regiment" memorial in Vitebsk, stands dedicated to Heroes of the Soviet Union from the Gorodok district will be created, a sculptural composition "Soldier-Victor" will be installed in the agro-town of Opsa in the Braslav district, and much more.
Last year, the Vitebsk regional branch of the Peace Fund allocated over 230 thousand rubles for peacekeeping, humanitarian, and civic-patriotic activities. In connection with the coronavirus pandemic, assistance was provided to more than ten healthcare institutions in the region, and 130 medical professionals involved in the fight against COVID-19 received certificates of honor and material support.
On the occasion of the year-end review, the organization's best activists were recognized with commendations from the regional branch of the Belarusian Peace Foundation. For their contribution to civic-patriotic activities, awards were presented to public figures by Alexander Skolzaev, the military commissar of Polotsk, Rossony districts, and Novopolotsk.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Peace Fund. The Vitebsk regional branch intends not only to continue established good traditions but also to launch new projects.
– One of the sections of the Program for Socio-Economic Development of Belarus for 2021-2025 focuses on strengthening targeted social assistance. In this regard, together with the Committee for Labor, Employment and Social Protection of the Regional Executive Committee, a project under the working title "Peace Without Borders" is being developed. Ensuring the full participation of persons with disabilities in society by creating an accessible environment for them is the task of social services and their partners, including the Peace Fund, – shared the organization's plans Tatyana Tumanova.