The Vitebsk regional branch of the Belarusian Peace Foundation will open five peace schools this year and launch a joint project with the Committee for Labour, Employment and Social Protection of the regional executive committee to create a barrier-free environment.
In 2021, public activists will pay special attention to working with youth and the civic-patriotic education of the younger generation. A prime example of this activity is the "School of Peace" children's peacemaking centres, of which six are already operating in the Vitebsk region, with another five preparing to open.
Thus, the creation of a peace school at Polotsk State Gymnasium No. 1 named after F. Skorina is in its final stage. It is worth noting that students of Polotsk Gymnasium have been participating in the Peace Foundation's campaigns and projects for several years. With the support of the public organisation, a monument commemorating teachers and students who died fighting the Nazi invaders during the Great Patriotic War, located in the courtyard of the educational institution, was reconstructed. A Peace Gallery has been opened in the building itself, and stands titled "Always in Service – Forever in Memory" have been installed, with information for which was collected by students together with teachers.
The issue of awarding the honorary title of "School of Peace" to educational institutions in Lepel, Glubokoye, the Zheleznodorozhny district of Vitebsk, and the Vitebsk district in the near future is also under consideration.
In turn, the chairman of the board of the Public Association "Belarusian Peace Foundation", Maksim Misko, emphasised that work with children within the framework of peace schools should be meaningful.
– Today, it is important not just to invite children to our events and campaigns, but to try to make them full participants in the events. Patriotism itself penetrates the soul primarily as a feeling that transforms into an idea, and that idea into action, – Maksim Vladimirovich outlined his approaches to working with the younger generation.
To confirm his statement, he proposed involving schoolchildren from different regions of Belarus in a prayer service at the memorial complex commemorating the victims of fascism, "Urochishe 'Peski'" in Polotsk, which the Peace Foundation plans to hold next summer by prior agreement with representatives of all religious denominations.
By the way, this memorial can be considered the most large-scale project of the Peace Fund within the framework of the "Memory" program in recent years. During the construction period, the charity organization transferred over 220 thousand rubles, of which almost 60 thousand were transferred in 2020.
In total, the Vitebsk regional branch of the Belarusian Peace Foundation allocated 176 thousand rubles last year for the improvement of memorial sites, military burials, repair and reconstruction of monuments. Thanks to these voluntary donations and sponsorship transfers from local residents, organizations, and enterprises, a memorial sign for concentration camp prisoners will be erected on the territory of the "5th Regiment" memorial in Vitebsk, stands dedicated to Heroes of the Soviet Union from among the natives of the Gorodok district will be made, the sculptural composition "Soldier-Victor" in the agro-town of Opsa in the Braslav district, and much more.
Last year, the Vitebsk regional branch of the Peace Fund allocated over 230 thousand rubles for peace-making, humanitarian, and civic-patriotic activities. In connection with the coronavirus pandemic, assistance was provided to more than ten healthcare institutions in the region, and 130 medical workers involved in the fight against COVID-19 received certificates of honor and material support.
On the occasion of summing up the year's results, the best activists of the organization were recognized with commendations from the regional branch of the Belarusian Peace Foundation. For their contribution to civic-patriotic activities, awards were presented to public activists by Alexander Skolzaev, Military Commissar of Polotsk, Rossony districts, and Novopolotsk.
The current year for the Peace Fund is marked by the organization's 60th anniversary. The Vitebsk regional branch intends not only to continue the established good traditions but also to launch new projects.
– One of the sections of the draft Program for Socio-Economic Development of Belarus for 2021–2025 draws attention to the strengthening of targeted social assistance. In this regard, together with the Committee for Labor, Employment, and Social Protection of the Regional Executive Committee, a project under the working title "World Without Borders" is being developed. Ensuring the full participation of people with disabilities in the life of society by creating a barrier-free environment for them is the task of social services and their partners, including the Peace Fund, – shared Tatiana Tumanova, outlining the organization's plans.
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