The National Legal Internet Portal of the Republic of Belarus issued a decree of the Ministry of Education № 103 of August 12, 2024 on introduction in the Republic of Belarus of elective class learning program “The basics of the spiritual and moral culture and patriotism”.

The content is for 8 and 9 grade students of institutions of general secondary education with Russian or Belarussian language as a studying and upbringing one.

The program was developed in accordance with an Agreement on Cooperation between the Republic of Belarus and Belarusian Orthodox Church. The church acts as an important social institution whose historic experience, spiritual potential and centuries-old historical inheritance contribute significantly on the development of spiritual, cultural and national traditions of Belarusians.

The course is designed for 35 hours, one hour per week. The subject plan includes seven substantive points. Thus, six hours will be allocated for studying the topics “Modesty, Humility, Meekness”, “Mercy, Compassion” and “Service, Courage, Honor”. In turn, five hours will be devoted to “Kindness”, and four hours each to “Honesty, Love of Truth”, “Conscience, Repentance” and the topic “Spiritual Local History. Veneration of Saints and Shrines of the Native Land. Preservation and Increase of Spiritual Heritage as an Expression of Love for the Motherland”.

The elective is designed to promote the formation of spirituality, morality, civic and patriotic consciousness of students; to promote their desire for spiritual growth, awareness of themselves as citizens and patriots of the Belarusian state; to cultivate a sense of moral duty, philanthropy and mercy, a responsible attitude to military service.

The fundamental feature of elective classes is a clearly expressed educational focus, which is ensured through the implementation of the “education for upbringing approach.

Among other tasks is the development of the ability to defend Christian ideals and values, motivation for social service and participation in charity, as well as the prevention of addictions and negative manifestations in behavior.

The children will learn about the traditions of the Belarusian people, spiritual local history, the moral meaning of readiness to serve in the army; they will learn to understand the significance of the virtue of modesty, the healing power of empathy, and also to distinguish between genuine and false empathy; they will come to the understanding that compassion is the highest form of human existence. It is precisely such qualities as mercy and compassion being traditional for our Belarusian people.