MINISTRY OF EDUCATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS

Yesterday Novopolotsk welcomed a Republican National Holiday “Novopolotsk – Youth capital of the Republic of Belarus-2023”.

The second day began with a solemn meeting near the memorial complex “Zvezda”.

The leadership of the highest government bodies, vice-rectors of universities, leaders of youth self-government and public organizations laid flowers at the memorial, paid tribute to the memory of those who defended the freedom and independence of our country.

This memorial complex, dedicated to the victims of fascism was built in Borovukha neighborhood in 2006. During the Great Patriotic war there was a village which housed a large German garrison. Fascist’s established Staatlag 354 concentration camp, which served as a Jewish ghetto and a prison for captives. This camp took more than 29 000 lives of soviet warriors and local residents.

The participants outlined that today the price of peace and stability is very acute. We bow to everyone who sacrificed lives for our country’s independence. We will never ever forget that deed.

The Holliday continued by a solemn ceremony in the Palace of Culture of JSC “Naftan”. Vitebsk has passed the status of the “Youth capital of the Republic of Belarus-2023” to Novopolotsk.

This status lasts for one year and the awarded city receives an opportunity to show its commitment to modern youth culture as well as their best practices on the development of social, economic and political activity of the youngsters.

Novopolotsk celebrates its 65^th anniversary this year so this award is a good birthday gift for its citizens and it is a perfect impetus for youngsters.

During the presentation of the symbolic key to the new owner of the honorary status, the Minister of Education Andriy Ivanets noted: “Young people are that part of society that is constantly boiling with emotions, energy, ideas, and thoughts. When we pass this banner of honor from the city of Vitebsk, which spent the past year with high dignity, being the Youth Capital, to the city of Novopolotsk, we would very much like this whole energy to be directed towards peace and creation.

In our country, all the necessary conditions have been created for young people to realize themselves in work, creative, sports, and studies. If there are ideas for us to move forward, youth organizations have been created in our institutions of general secondary education, colleges, and universities for that purpose.

We believe that we are united, we will direct all our strength and energy to ensure that our country, the Republic of Belarus, becomes even more prosperous, and our grandfathers and great-grandfathers would be proud of how we are building our Motherland.”

The city of oil refiners will become the central venue for all kinds of events for young people and those who work in the field of implementing the state youth policy.

For 7 years of the project "Youth Capital of the Republic of Belarus" the victory in the competition for the title of "Youth Capital of Belarus" was won by cities with a rich history and potential for economic, cultural and social development.

So, the city of Baranovichi was named the first youth capital of Belarus. In 2017 - Polotsk, in 2018 - Mogilev, in 2019 - Orsha. Further, in 2020, Pinsk carried the honorary title, in 2021 - Grodno, and in 2022 - Vitebsk.

As part of the festive events, the reporting and election meeting of the Council of Young Scientists under the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Belarus will also be held on the basis of the Polotsk State University named after Euphrosyne of Polotsk.

In the evening, a cultural program was organized for the participants of the republican holiday - "Don't Leave Me" play performed by the honored amateur group of the Republic of Belarus of the Pilgrim National Theater.

Tomorrow, a youth flash mob "Youth Capital" will take place on the Central Square of Novopolotsk.