Participants of the International Cultural and Educational Project "Train of Memory" were welcomed in Vitebsk
25.06.2026
The jubilee, 5th season of the "Train of Memory" project started in Brest a few days ago. Today, young activists from 18 countries are getting acquainted with hospitable Vitebsk. More than 200 participants of the cultural and educational project were warmly welcomed by the residents of the northern capital at the railway station. The guests were presented with bread and salt, memorable gifts, and received important words of encouragement. The detachments were greeted by a large delegation of welcomers, headed by the leadership of the region and the city, organizers and coordinators of the international project.
The Deputy Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, Alexey Guida, in his address to the young Belarusians and guests from different countries, noted that Vitebsk region is proud of its history and culture, and of the famous people who glorified their native land.
– Like other states that faced war 85 years ago, our country, and in particular our region, suffered irreparable losses. Today, we are all united by a common memory of the feat of our grandfathers and great-grandfathers, who gave us peace, the opportunity to study, work, and raise children, – noted Alexey Guida. – I want to wish that all participants of the project learn more about our history, remember Vitebsk as a modern, cultural, hospitable city, and take the brightest emotions with them.
Viktor Glushin, Deputy Chairman of the Vitebsk City Executive Committee, handed over the project's symbol to the youth and noted that Vitebsk is currently living in anticipation of City Day and the юбилейный "Slavianski Bazaar". The bridges and streets of the city over the Dvina are adorned with a multitude of diverse flowers and compositions. The cornflower symbol, or valoshka, is particularly significant for the citizens. Later, during the extensive excursion program "Cornflower Stories of the City of Vitebsk," participants of the "Train of Memory" learned several interesting facts about this symbol and were presented with miniature Valoshka sculptures.
Together with hundreds of Vitebsk residents, the "Train of Memory – 2025" counselor, gymnasium № 8 teacher Elena Kolentionok, and her daughter Vasilisa met the young patriots at the station. Elena specifically wore a commemorative t-shirt with wishes and signatures from young people from various countries.
– The "Train of Memory" not only provided vivid impressions, but it also gave me friends. And today I am meeting them again, – Elena emphasized. – Last year, we traveled through 15 cities and met young people from many countries! And this friendship continues. We communicate in a group chat and support each other. I believe that this international project teaches the most important thing: when we are together, distances and borders do not matter.
Participants from the Vitebsk region are immersing themselves in this unusual journey with great interest. Nikita Kovalyov, a student from secondary school № 40 named after M. M. Gromov, shared that he has already met fellow participants in the detachment and told them about his relatives who fought in the war.
– I always recall my great-grandfather Ivan Mikhailovich Starygin with particular pride. He defended our Motherland on the 3rd Belorussian Front. For me, he is a true hero. My great-grandfather survived a plane crash, broke his leg, but even after that, he continued to perform his duty. For his courage, he was awarded the Order of the Red Star, the Order of Lenin, and many medals. In our family, service to the Motherland has become a real tradition. I want to continue this military dynasty, just like my father, who is a serviceman. After the 11th grade, I plan to enter the Military Academy of the Republic of Belarus, and for now, I continue to improve my knowledge and skills in the "Vityaz" military-patriotic club. For me, participating in the "Memory Train" is an important mission, an opportunity not only to relax but also to learn something new about different cities, to gather historical facts about people and their heroic deeds, – emphasized Nikita Kovalyov.
The most pleasant emotions about the project are from Alexandra Ozerec, a student of Vitebsk Gymnasium No. 8:
– During the three days of the trip, our detachment became a real family, we became very close, and this is one of the main achievements. The cities we visited – Brest, Grodno, Mogilev – gave us many vivid moments and impressions; we can talk about them at length. Evening conversations with the guys became very important for me: we shared stories about our relatives who fought for the Motherland. Everyone could tell their story: where they fought, whether they survived, what family relics are kept at home. I am proud that there are many such caring people around me! This feeling of unity is perhaps one of the most valuable things this trip has given me.
Project participants visited Millennium Square, Pushkin Bridge, Tolstoy Street, took photos of Valoshka figurines, and watched a theatrical sketch performed by actors of the Yakub Kolas National Drama Theatre. Creative master classes were held for the youth at the regional museum of local lore, and they were invited to an excursion and tasting of products from the "Vitba" confectionery factory. An interesting meeting for the youth also took place at a modern trampoline center. Ahead is an introduction to the history of the "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" International Arts Festival with a visit to the Alley of Stars.
Discoveries for the participants of the "Train of Memory" in Vitebsk continue!
The two-week journey on the "Train of Memory" unites hundreds of high school students from 18 countries. The route passes through Belarusian and Russian cities closely associated with the events of the Great Patriotic War. The main goal of the project is to preserve historical memory, strengthen friendship between the youth of different countries, and together touch upon common heritage. The "Train of Memory" project is implemented on the initiative of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus and the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.
"Vitebskiye Kuranty"
