As of January 1, 2023, 1,827,758 children under the age of 18 live in Belarus. This is almost 20 percent of the country's population.

In the Republic of Belarus, there is a state policy adopted to implement the right of every child to life and upbringing in a family. The state adopted and constantly improves measures dedicated to support families raising children, to overcome family problems and social orphanhood.

The National Commission for the Rights of the Child is working effectively, coordinating the work of state administration bodies and assessing the situation in the field of protecting children's rights.

The implementation of the main program document, the National Action Plan for the Improvement of the Situation of Children and the Protection of Their Rights, developed in 2022 for the next five years (2022-2026), which comprehensively defines the directions for protecting childhood in our country, continued.

On constant control are the issues of protecting children, providing them with everything necessary, creating maximum conditions for the realization of the childhood of our young citizens. These issues relate to the birth of a child, his health, guarantees for education, organization of leisure, employment, well-being of families.

On June 1 the Ministry of Education, jointly with the RPA "Belarusian Children's Fund" and the Representative Office of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in the Republic of Belarus are holding a republican holiday for children "Peaceful country of childhood."

More than 300 children from all regions of the country will take part in the republican holiday. These are winners of Olympiads, contests, competitions, pupils of guardian, foster families, family-type orphanages, orphans, children left without parental care.

The program of the holiday includes a meeting of delegations of children with members of the National Commission on the Rights of the Child within the framework of dialogue platforms based on the National Center for Artistic Creativity of Children and Youth, as well as a festive concert and the work of interactive platforms; excursion program to the National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus and the National Historical Museum of the Republic of Belarus; visiting the National Children's Technopark and the Republican Center for Ecology and Local History.

The kids are waiting not only for sightseeing tours, but also for participation in the campaign of planting an alley of trees and flower beds, timed to coincide with the Year of Peace and Creation.

On the first day of summer, many actions, projects and innovations will be held throughout Belarus under the auspices of both state bodies and public organizations. Museums, zoos, development centers, family cafes have prepared for the children's holiday. Children are waiting for animation show programs; performances by children's groups; dance flash mobs; play and sports areas; zones of creativity and master classes; children's fashion shows; photo zones with professional photographers; delicious tastings; surprises, drawings and gifts.

Now for every kid (except those in the 9th grade - they are passing through their exams) the long-awaited summer holidays began today.

In summer, 5.9 thousand health camps of various profiles will operate in our country. It is planned that 377 thousand children will have a rest in them. 146 stationary bases are involved in the organization of camps. About 30,000 children will undergo treatment and rehabilitation in sanatorium organizations.

Active, creative and purposeful children can go to one of the 259 institutions of additional education, which will work as usual.

By the way, even if the child did not attend clubs during the school year, in summer you can enroll him in the association of interest you like. Information about the enrollment format is available on the Internet resources of institutions.

In wide access - sports facilities, including halls, stadiums and open areas. Sports and athletics will be organized for children.

As for the temporary employment of minors during the holidays, from the age of 14, teenagers can work in construction teams or labor teams. Employment is also possible within the framework of interaction with the Social Protection Fund. Information about employment options through the state employment service is available in departments of education. No doubt, that labor and recreation camps are a great opportunity to have an interesting rest, and get the first work experience as well as the first income.

We wish everyone to have a good rest, find classes of interest and start the new academic year with a fine mood.