Veronika Khombak, Deputy Chairperson of the District Executive Committee, Svetlana Shevelyova, Head of the Ideological Work and Youth Affairs Department of the REC, Elena Kuts, history teacher at the State Educational Institution "Secondary School No. 3 of Lepel", and Mikhail Yurchenko, Chairman of the Lepel District Court, arrived to discuss important socio-political and socially significant topics with the residents of Lepel.

The main topic for discussion was: "National Unity Day: The Significance of Peace and Accord".

Elena Kuts was the first to speak to the staff. The historian and educator noted that it was the unity of the people and their love for the Motherland that had always been a decisive factor for Belarusians in all situations, helping them to withstand the years of the Great Patriotic War and overcome any difficulties.

— The current state of society in the Republic of Belarus and the specifics of its geopolitical position require not only an objective assessment of past historical periods but also the search for historical events and dates that will strengthen the unity of the Belarusian people, – the head of the district noted. – The events of September–October 1939 are precisely such. Despite the ambiguous assessments of these events, the fact remains: for the first time in its history, Belarus became a territorially integral state, which contributed to rapid national-state development and the general progressive movement of the Belarusian people towards progress.

For reference:

As a result of the reunification of Western Belarus with the BSSR, fundamental socio-economic transformations were carried out, affecting all spheres of society.

In Western Belarus, there was a rise in the general level of education, and Belarusian schools were opened. If by 1939 there were no Belarusian schools left, then by the 1940/41 academic year, there were more than 4.5 thousand such schools.

Theatres, higher and secondary educational institutions were opened. For example, in the western regions of the BSSR, 5 higher educational institutions (including teacher training institutes in Grodno, Baranovichi, and Pinsk) and 25 secondary specialized institutions appeared. There were 5 theatres (including the Polissya Regional Drama Theatre in Pinsk, the Brest Regional Russian Drama Theatre, etc.) and 220 libraries in operation.

Industry developed with state support. The construction of new factories and plants began. By the end of 1940, 392 industrial enterprises were operating in the western regions, employing about 40,000 workers. The gross industrial output increased by almost 2 times compared to 1938.

This date symbolises the restoration of historical justice for the Belarusian people, who were divided against their will in 1921 under the terms of the Treaty of Riga, and it has become firmly established in the national historical tradition.

– The main lesson that Belarus and Belarusians should draw from the outcomes of almost two decades of existence as a divided people is the vital necessity of a strong, independent, and sovereign Belarusian state – the sole guarantor of the country's territorial integrity and indivisibility, and of Belarus's presence in the international community as an independent subject of international relations. Fate has given Belarusians a chance for reunification. Such opportunities are rare in history; such celebratory events must be cherished. The Day of National Unity is now one of the most important state holidays. As our Head of State noted, "If this reunification had not happened, we would have neither Victory Day nor Independence Day. We would not exist. Because there would be no land on which our ancestors were born and which they cultivated with their labour," – added Veronika Khombak.

Also at the meeting, the Chairman of the Lepel District Court, Mikhail Yurchenko, gave a speech. The speaker also congratulated the residents of Lepel on the Day of National Unity, and then discussed with the staff how to save money and avoid becoming victims of cyber fraud.

— Citizens are regularly informed about current types and schemes of fraud through the mass media. However, nowadays there are a huge number of tricks and stratagems for fraudsters to use other people's money in the virtual space. You can protect yourself – you need to learn to recognise an emerging threat and know what to do if you encounter it.

"Do not forget to keep your data confidential. Never disclose SMS codes, bank card details, or passwords to unauthorized persons," emphasized Mikhail Grigoryevich. "In case of fraud, it is recommended to immediately contact law enforcement agencies, providing all the details of the transaction. Prevention and attentiveness are the best ways to protect your money."