More than Br1 billion allocated to needy families in the Vitebsk region for children's back-to-school preparation

August 22, Vitebsk / Olga Bogacheva - BELTA /. More than Br1 billion has been allocated in the Vitebsk region in July-August to provide assistance for the new academic year to low-income and large families with school-aged children. This support was received by over 1.5 thousand families in the region, the head of the education department of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, Ivan Shchurok, told a BELTA correspondent. In total, on the eve of the new academic year, over 23 thousand families were surveyed during the last two summer months. The total amount of funds planned to be allocated to needy categories of families for preparing children for school by September 10 will be about Br5 billion. These are budget funds, as well as assistance from sponsors - enterprises, farms, and commercial structures, Ivan Shchurok noted. Last year, the funds allocated for these purposes amounted to Br2.5 billion. To reduce the financial burden of "packing a schoolbag," a number of promotions are being held for parents of schoolchildren by retail enterprises in the region, the head of the department added. Thus, retail enterprises are selling school supplies with a trade margin not exceeding 25%. All consumer cooperatives have been recommended to sell these products on credit and provide installment plans for up to three months. At their own discretion, shops and department stores organize additional promotions to reduce prices for low-income and large families. Also, exhibitions and sales, and extended sales of goods for schoolchildren are being held in the region. In total, from July 15 to August 15, more than 170 exhibitions and sales, and extended sales were held in the region, with a turnover of Br5.3 billion. The minimum consumer basket this year for equipping primary school children in the Vitebsk region will be Br1-1.1 million, and for high school students - Br1.1-1.3 million.