President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko attended the festive ceremony on September 1st, celebrating Knowledge Day at the Alexandriyskaya Secondary School in the Shklovsky District, where he shared memories and spoke about the values of school years, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.
President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko attended the festive ceremony on September 1st, celebrating Knowledge Day at the Alexandriyskaya Secondary School in the Shklovsky District, where he shared memories and spoke about the values of school years, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.
"September 1st is a holiday that begins with the first bell and stays with us forever. And it is very important for me to share this day with you," stated Alexander Lukashenko.
The Head of State noted that the Alexandriyskaya School holds a special place in his life. He too, as a student, once stood at a ceremony awaiting the start of another academic year. "A huge number of impressions and personal experiences, of all kinds, are associated with those events. But over time, they all become cherished memories. It will be the same for you," said the President.
According to Alexander Lukashenko, it is always important for adults that children realize the value of their school years. They should understand that lessons, tests, and exams are a kind of rehearsal for adult life. "But to go through this path with dignity and remember it with joy, you must cherish every moment today, and gratefully accept everything the school offers. Including the difficulties," the Head of State remarked. This is because they teach you to overcome doubts and uncertainty, and to build relationships with classmates and teachers, the President explained. "This is the valuable experience that will become a serious support for you in the future. This is your first life experience," he pointed out.
"And here and now, you have teachers who will always give you a chance to correct mistakes, help you find a way out of any situation, support and guide you. And, as practice shows, the most demanding, yet attentive and wise teachers remain forever in the memory of their students. They often serve as a guide for them in choosing a future profession," stated Alexander Lukashenko.
The Head of State noted that there isn't always someone nearby to offer guidance, help, take you by the hand, and lead you through life. The President addressed educators and parents: "In this situation, when there will be no one next to our children to advise them, you must teach them to navigate life now. And teach them to act, to make the right decisions even in complex, difficult life situations."
"Life has now acquired colossal proportions in its speed. The speed of life is incredibly high. It has significantly increased. These are not the times when we sat here, took our seats at desks, and studied. Therefore, decisions must be made quickly. And we must teach our young Belarusians, by orienting them in this life, to make correct and quick decisions," Alexander Lukashenko is convinced.
The Head of State drew attention to the fact that many graduates of the Alexandriyskaya School have become its teachers. There are already teaching dynasties here. The President himself, having received a teaching diploma, returned here to take his first professional steps in his native land.
"And I remember those lessons, especially in the tenth grade. Years later, wherever duty called, I never lost touch with my native land," the President emphasized. "It nourishes, gives strength, and remains the most important support in life. And I can say for sure that only by knowing the way home can one confidently move forward. I would like it to be the same for you. And a person is always led forward by the natural desire to be successful and happy."
Alexander Lukashenko added that whatever today's schoolchildren dream of, everything is possible. "And the key to your confident future is knowledge. You can't get anywhere without it. Knowledge not for the sake of a grade, but for the sake of achieving high goals. Not superficial information that is available on any gadget, on the internet, but a deep study of subjects," he noted.
"Yes, we live in the era of information technology. By looking at a gadget, we can instantly get an answer to any question. But it is not this that makes a person smarter and more educated, but logical thinking, the ability to reason and draw correct conclusions based on one's own intellect and erudition. These must be developed during school age. And the best helpers on this path are your teachers and parents," the Head of State pointed out.
The President is confident that the new academic year will be successful for the children if they are immediately set for serious work. "But, diving headfirst into the world of knowledge, do not forget that this is important, but it is not the only thing that will be important in your life. Physical activity is the best rest after mental exertion. Communicate more, spend your free time outdoors and be sure to play sports - you have exceptional, unique conditions created for this," advised Alexander Lukashenko.
The President wished students success and ease in their studies, and teachers and parents - understanding and wisdom. And in general - to maintain the festive mood of the first day for the entire upcoming academic year.