April 21st Republican Subbotnik

The tradition of the working Saturday has existed for almost a hundred years. It is believed that the first "subbotnik" (voluntary work Saturday) took place on April 12, 1919. However, the word "subbotnik," which originated in Soviet times, has acquired a new meaning today. Belarusians increasingly compare the "subbotnik" to the tradition of "talaka" – solving problems together, by the whole community. After all, every year one day in April is dedicated to a common cause that is particularly important for Belarus. The money earned during the republican "subbotnik" is directed towards healthcare, assistance to children, and the construction of socially significant facilities.

In its resolution of April 2, the Government of Belarus recommended that government bodies and other government organizations subordinate to the government, local executive and administrative bodies, and other organizations voluntarily hold a republican "subbotnik" on April 21.

According to the government's resolution, participants of the "subbotnik" can work at their workplaces or engage in landscaping and tidying up the territories of populated areas, memorial complexes, places of military glory, and the graves of soldiers and partisans of the Great Patriotic War.

The head of the working group for holding the republican "subbotnik" is Deputy Prime Minister Anatoly Tozik, with Deputy Heads being Minister of Culture Pavel Latushko and Chairman of the Minsk City Executive Committee Nikolai Ladutko.

Funds earned from jobs on the subbotnik day are voluntarily transferred through district and city executive committees to regional executive committees, with subsequent transfer to the account of the financial department of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee: No. 3642003340018, MFO 635, UNP 300002612, branch No. 200 – Vitebsk Regional Department of OJSC "ASB Belarusbank". The regional executive committee transfers 50% of the received funds to the Ministry of Finance. 50% remain at the disposal of the regional executive committee and are directed towards the preparation of health resorts for the summer season, including the development and strengthening of their material and technical base. Funds transferred to the Ministry of Finance are directed to the Ministry of Culture for the construction of a new building for the Great Patriotic War Museum and the creation of its museum exposition.