There are no plans to change the definition of youth in Belarus, reported Natalia Pshenichnaya, Head of the Department for Youth Affairs of the Ministry of Education, during an open dialogue between youth and heads of government bodies and public associations, according to a BELTA correspondent.
There are no plans to change the definition of youth in Belarus, reported Natalia Pshenichnaya, Head of the Department for Youth Affairs of the Ministry of Education, during an open dialogue between youth and heads of government bodies and public associations, according to a BELTA correspondent.
During the meeting, one of the participants asked government representatives whether the issue of expanding the age range for youth was currently being discussed. Natalia Pshenichnaya responded that in Belarus, the age of youth is legislatively defined as 14 to 31 years. For the republic, this is the most acceptable, economically calculated range. There are no plans to increase the age. "31 years is sufficient to obtain an education and achieve some degree of professional realisation," said the head of the department.
Natalia Pshenichnaya noted that each country determines the age of youth based primarily on its economic indicators and priorities. "Ukraine, at one time, raised the age to 35, and in some places, it is up to 28. Countries are likely guided by something when establishing such age ranges," she said.
According to Irina Narkevich, Deputy Minister of Trade, such issues always provoke discussion. As confirmation, she cited the example that for many years, there has been talk in the country about raising the age for selling alcohol to 21. In such matters, there will always be those who support such measures and those who oppose them.
The open dialogue took place during the forum of industry committees and primary organisations of the BRSM Youth Union of ministries and departments of Belarus. Participants discussed the personnel policy strategy, which includes a system for training and identifying personnel, supporting them at various stages of formation and development, as well as issues of concern to youth, questions of developing and supporting initiatives, and the social and professional adaptation of young specialists, among other topics.
The forum program also includes interactive trainings on team building, team cohesion, and work in sections for the development of personal leadership qualities. The results of the work are planned to be summarized at an expanded meeting of the coordination council of industry committees and primary organizations of the BRYM NGO of ministries and departments. A work plan for the council will be adopted and its development prospects will be discussed.