The "Our Children" campaign helps bring joy to every child's life - Nikolai Sherstnev

The "Our Children" campaign helps adults recall their childhood and bring joy into every child's life. This opinion was expressed to journalists by the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, Nikolai Sherstnev, who took part in the grand opening of Secondary School No. 2 in Tolochin after major repairs.

"We all come from childhood and remember what New Year's gifts were like, how we waited for them. Children need to be given a festive mood; it is important not to forget a single child. This is especially true for families in difficult situations, children in orphanages, and those raised without parents. Sponsors should be involved in the "Our Children" campaign as much as possible. We must give children gifts so memorable that they will remember them until next New Year," said the governor, emphasizing that the "Our Children" campaign in the region will be as large-scale as always. "A program has been developed, and there is a plan of events. I hope the children will be happy," stressed the chairman of the regional executive committee.

Speaking about the school opening, Nikolai Sherstnev noted that everyone present at the event experienced pleasant feelings. "The school turned out beautiful, bright, and comfortable. Parents are happy, and children have been provided with excellent conditions. And I am also happy because the money was not spent in vain," said the head of the region. "This building needs to be filled with content. It should have modern equipment, and we must invest money in its development. Education requires leaders whom everyone else will look up to. And this school should become an example. Moreover, all the prerequisites for this exist – this year, over 90% of graduates entered universities."

The renovation of the school, which was built 36 years ago, began in the summer of 2016. Approximately Br1.8 million was allocated for modernization. The funds were provided under the project "Modernization of the Education System of the Republic of Belarus" within the framework of the agreement between Belarus and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The contracting organization is Kruglyanskaya PMK No. 266. The school underwent replacement of the heating system, internal water supply, sewage, heating unit, and ventilation with the installation of a new supply

systems, and electrical wiring. Interior finishing of the premises has been completed, new plumbing, doors, and lighting fixtures have been installed. Approximately 760 children study at the school.

The XXI Republican Charity Event "Our Children" is taking place in Belarus from December 9 to January 8. Annually, not only high-ranking officials of the country, heads of ministries, other republican government bodies, but also banks, public associations, enterprises, organizations, and simply indifferent citizens visit wards of foster and adoptive families, family-type orphanages, children with disabilities, and children from large and single-parent families during the Christmas and New Year holidays. Many institutions have established patronage ties, which are maintained throughout the year. The event also includes the main New Year tree of the country with the participation of the head of state and events in all local executive committees, balls, and celebrations for children in boarding schools, orphanages, hospitals, children's social shelters, and other institutions.

Alena Tikhonova - BELTA.