A. Lukashenko: The main task in Belarus will always be the care for every person, whether an adult or a child.

1 September, Minsk /Tatsiana Polozhay - BELTA/. The main objective in Belarus's policy has always been, is, and will be the care for every person, whether an adult or a child. This was stated today by the President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, at the opening of a new school in the village of Borovlyany, Minsk Region, according to a BELTA correspondent. "Whatever difficulties we may face, the main topic on the agenda in Belarus's policy has always been, is, and will be the care for people, young and old, children and adults – this is our policy," the President said. "There are many different criteria in the world for determining the level of development and well-being of states. But true happiness, you will agree, depends on simple and truly eternal values – health, a beloved family, a cozy home, the opportunity to receive a good education and have a decent job. And for me as President, the state of precisely these indicators is important, not some other figures," the head of state emphasized. Aleksandr Lukashenko noted a positive trend of an increasing number of families and birth rates, which in turn drives the development of the economy, housing construction, and the creation of new jobs. "In other words, Belarus is growing, getting younger, and confidently looking into the future," he said. "I am sure that if states were evaluated by this criterion, our country could claim the highest rating in the world," the head of state believes. According to him, it has become a good tradition to open new schools on September 1. This year's Knowledge Day became the birthday for four new schools at once. In the President's opinion, the school in Borovlyany has the most interesting story. In late 2007, mothers and pupils of the Borovlyany Children's Village shared their dream of a new school with the head of state. Children from this and surrounding settlements had to squeeze into educational institutions in the neighboring settlement of Lesnoy. "I have fulfilled my promise, now it's up to you," said Aleksandr Lukashenko. "The main thing is that the school becomes a center for training smart, beautiful, talented, and strong children, devoted to our country. We really need this. This is the path we will follow."

This year will be doubly memorable for some children, as they not only received a new school as a gift but also finally found a family and their own home in the "Istoki" children's village, the President said. "There are no stranger's children for us. The state is responsible for their fate, and together we must do everything necessary to ensure that every child of ours finds their family," the head of state emphasized. Addressing the children, Alexander Lukashenko urged them to cherish their new school home, and called on teachers, through their skill, passion for their subject, and love for children, to find a way to the heart of each child and awaken in the students a thirst for knowledge. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, as early as 2007, during a visit to the "SOS Children's Village" in Borovlyany, announced that a program had been launched in the country to resettle orphans from boarding schools into families, homes, and children's villages based on a family approach to child care. If in 2007 there were 71 orphan institutions in the education system in Belarus, now there are 57 left – 20% fewer. The number of children housed in them has decreased by 25% over two years. According to specialists from the Ministry of Education, this is a very good indicator. -0-

BELTA