As part of the "Schools of Peace of the Vitebsk Region" project, implemented by the Vitebsk Regional Branch of the "Belarusian Peace Foundation" public association, the 9th school of peace in the region was opened today in Lepel. Pupils of the state educational institutions "Nursery-Garden No. 9 of Lepel" and "Secondary School No. 3 of Lepel" officially became new peacekeepers.
As part of the "Schools of Peace of the Vitebsk Region" project, implemented by the Vitebsk Regional Branch of the "Belarusian Peace Foundation" public association, the 9th school of peace in the region was opened today in Lepel. Pupils of the state educational institutions "Nursery-Garden No. 9 of Lepel" and "Secondary School No. 3 of Lepel" officially became new peacekeepers.
These institutions put significant effort into the civic and patriotic education of the younger generation. The children, together with their teachers, assist veterans, participate in the improvement of monuments and military graves from the Great Patriotic War period, and conduct research work, which justifies the awarding of such an honourable status to the first "School of Peace" in the district.
The grand opening of the school and the initiation of young Lepel residents into peacekeepers took place in the presence of distinguished guests: Tatiana Tumanova, Chairperson of the Board of the Vitebsk Regional Branch of the "Belarusian Peace Foundation" public association, and Igor Urban, Chairperson of the Lepel District Organisation of the peace-making public association.
— Today we have gathered to fulfil a wonderful mission. On September 21st, the United Nations General Assembly celebrates the International Day of Peace, aiming to call upon all humanity to cease wars, disputes, and disagreements. It is symbolic that it is on this very day that we are opening another school of peace in the Lepel region. The uniqueness of today's event lies in the fact that it is in Lepel that we are initiating kindergarten pupils into peacekeepers for the first time. We do not yet have such young children in our ranks in any other corner of the republic, — noted Tatiana Tumanova.
— I want to congratulate everyone gathered here on Peace Day. Recently, the entire country celebrated another important holiday – the Day of National Unity. I believe these two holidays are deeply interconnected and are aimed at the very peace we are talking about today. I thank the representatives of the Vitebsk Regional Branch of the "Belarusian Peace Foundation" public association for choosing Lepel and for joining our children to the peace-making movement. I think this is not a coincidence, — noted Igor Urban.
— A School of Peace is not something external and independent of the educational process – it is directly related to upbringing and education, — noted Svetlana Shkinder, head of kindergarten No. 9. – Thanks to the School of Peace, children, even when they are very young, will be able to cultivate feelings of kindness, love, and patriotism even more strongly. I want to note the huge contribution of the parents of our pupils in creating the necessary conditions for opening the School of Peace at our institution. All parents responded with great enthusiasm to all our initiatives, for which they deserve great thanks, — the interlocutor emphasized.
From today, the School of Peace of Lepel has entered into its legal rights. This involves the conclusion of an agreement between the education department of the district executive committee and the Vitebsk regional branch of the Peace Fund, close cooperation and adherence to an action plan. The opening of the peace-making school became a great celebration, which was accompanied by creativity, kind words and congratulations, as well as solemn ceremonies.