Vitebsk region recognized as the best in the country for cadet training organization

The Main Department for Education of the Regional Executive Committee has been awarded a Certificate of Honour by the Ministry of Education for its work in 2025, recognising improvements in the functioning of cadet schools.

– We can assess the performance of cadet schools ourselves based on established criteria. However, an independent evaluation is important. Following the 2024–2025 academic year, the Vitebsk Cadet School was recognised as the best in the republic, for the fifth time and for three consecutive years, – noted Dmitry Khoma, Head of the Main Department for Education of the Regional Executive Committee.

As reported by the Vitebsk Cadet School, 78% of its 2025 graduates were admitted to higher education institutions within structures ensuring national security. The school's team achieved significant success in various competitions: they led the republican intellectual and creative Olympiad "Patriot"; won second place overall in the republican competition "Red Carnation", securing first place in the "Vocal and Instrumental Ensemble" nomination and second place in the "Vocal" category; and the Vitebsk team came fourth in the republican sports games for military-applied sports. Six cadets became winners of the third stage of the republican subject Olympiad, and three – of the final stage. One cadet won a bronze medal at the 36th International Biology Olympiad in Quezon City (Philippines). Furthermore, five graduates from 2025 received certificates of general secondary education of a special sample, awarded with gold and silver medals. For his significant contribution to the development of the cadet education system and the high performance of the Vitebsk Cadet School, its director, Guards Colonel (Ret.) Oleg Demidov, was awarded the Order "For Merit to Cadets II Degree".

Additionally, the Polotsk Cadet School was awarded a cup for first place in interaction with military faculties during the 2024–2025 academic year.

Dmitry Shappo, Deputy Director for Educational Work at the Polotsk Cadet School, emphasised that the school actively collaborates with all higher military educational institutions within Belarus's national security system, primarily the Military Academy and the Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Cooperation agreements have been concluded with each institution.

– We work most closely with the Air Defence Faculty of the Military Academy of the Republic of Belarus and the military faculty of BNTU, – added Dmitry Shappo.

Cadets from Polotsk are participating in open days at military educational institutions, and representatives of higher education institutions regularly visit the school not only to conduct career guidance but also to talk about the life of cadets.

It is worth noting that the field training exercises for Polotsk cadets are held at the Military Academy. Educational institutions also conduct joint events. For example, in February, the PKU will host the international tournament in memory of Hero of Belarus Nikita Kukonenko, which will also be attended by representatives of higher military educational institutions.

As a result of close and fruitful cooperation, approximately 88% of graduates from the Polotsk Cadet School become cadets at military educational institutions.

– These achievements have contributed to the main department for education of the regional executive committee becoming the best in the country for organizing the work of cadet schools. The Certificate of Honour from the Ministry is of great importance to us. It is not the first one, but we continue to develop and implement significant projects, – emphasized Dmitry Khoma. – The construction of the Polotsk Cadet School, where some things were done from scratch and some were restored, is a testament to this. The building not only ensures the educational process but also hosts educational and patriotic events. The school also has a significant tourist component, as it is included in tourist routes. The results and the established infrastructure confirm that the resources invested are paying off, which is why one of our priority tasks remains training young people for military faculties and faculties of law enforcement agencies.

vitebsk-region.gov.by