President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko took part in the New Year's charity event for children as part of the "Our Children" campaign, BelTA reports.
President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko took part in the New Year's charity event for children as part of the "Our Children" campaign, BelTA reports.
"Dear friends, you are the main asset of our Belarus. These are not just beautiful words, behind these words is sincere love, a desire to care for and protect," Alexander Lukashenko emphasized. "These are natural emotions that our little ones and older children evoke."
The President admitted that attending children's New Year's celebrations is a great honor and responsibility. "For me personally, this is a touching mission: nothing in life brings such joy as the opportunity to give children a fairy tale, to see smiles and joy in their eyes. For me as President, happiness lies in the millions of children living in our country," said the head of state.
He noted that for him, there is nothing more important than a peaceful and happy childhood for the younger generation of Belarusians. "Any president, any head of state, any leader at any level in any country is happy when children live in a peaceful country," the President noted.
"Last year, more and more journalists around the planet showed the eyes of wary, frightened children due to explosions from bombs and shells. This is no longer childhood. And this is not even the youth of these children anymore - it is their aging caused by the confusion associated with adults," Alexander Lukashenko believes. "Therefore, the main thing is a peaceful and happy childhood. And we, adults, must do everything to ensure that you have a peaceful childhood, because then your children will also have the same happy childhood."
The head of state noted that adults have many reasons to be proud of the younger generation of Belarusians. "This is your successful participation in numerous international competitions, contests, and Olympiads. It was pleasant to learn that the young residents of our country actively participated in events related to the Year of Small Motherland, and did many good deeds in their cities, villages, and small settlements to improve them," said the President.
Alexander Lukashenko noted that these events would remain forever in the memory of the children, and expressed his gratitude to the young Belarusians. "Our entire state history is built upon this tradition of continuity and respectful attitude towards people," stated the Head of State.
He drew the children's attention to the fact that they have a lot of interesting things ahead of them, a fascinating life awaits them, and loved ones will always be nearby, ready to offer support, warmth, and attention. "And I sincerely hope that you will understand the value of everything that fate has bestowed upon you, of life itself, of an independent country, of peaceful skies, of good people who have met you at the right moment and will continue to meet you on your long journey. It is very important that even at this age, you set specific goals for yourselves, achieve them, and strive towards them, being grateful to those who help you along the way – people who make our lives better," added the President.
The Head of State wished the children a joyful winter holiday and a Happy New Year. "Try to use these holidays in such a way that after a few days, when they end, you feel that you have become half a step higher, wiser, and have learned something. May this new year bring you many reasons for good cheer, and may it fulfill your cherished dreams and desires," he added. Alexander Lukashenko also addressed the parents and relatives of the children, as well as their educators, congratulating them on the upcoming New Year.
The New Year's charity event with the participation of the President became the main event of the "Our Children" campaign. More than 2.3 thousand children from all regions of Belarus were invited to the main Christmas tree of the country. Among them were orphans and children left without parental care, being raised in foster and adoptive families, as well as pupils of cadet schools, children from refugee families, winners of olympiads, creative competitions and festivals, sports competitions, and young public activists. A colourful fairy-tale musical stage show performed by the country's best creative groups, a rich cultural programme, and gifts from the President were prepared for them at the Palace of the Republic.
The New Year charity event "Our Children" is taking place in Belarus from December 10, 2018, to January 11, 2019. During this period, heads of republican government bodies, local executive and administrative bodies visit children's boarding schools and family-type homes, hospitals, foster and adoptive families, congratulate children on New Year and Christmas, present them with gifts, and provide assistance in resolving existing problems. Public associations and other organizations have joined the charity event.