The Year of National Unity and issues in political education were discussed at a meeting of the regional coordination council of public associations and political parties
The working visit began at the "Alternative" prevention center, where representatives of various departments work with categories of citizens in need of special attention.
Opening the event, Marina Novitskaya, head of the main department of ideological work and youth affairs of the regional executive committee, noted that the coordination council is being held in this format for the first time. Marina Vladimirovna emphasized that in the Year of National Unity, it is necessary to continue joint work to make our lives better and more comfortable every day.
– We would not be in the Chashniki land today if Sergey Alexandrovich Dogel had not attended one of the coordination council meetings and initiated holding this event where we are today, – said Marina Novitskaya. – But, unfortunately, Sergey Alexandrovich's heart stopped beating. He was a good person and a talented leader. For all who knew him, his untimely departure became a personal tragedy. I think it will be right if we honor the bright memory of Sergey Alexandrovich with a minute of silence.
Then, the participants of the meeting laid flowers at the monument to the Hero of the Soviet Union F. Dubrovsky, and during the excursion programs, they discussed the interaction of public organizations with prevention centers and emergency departments.
The discussion of pressing issues of public life took place within the walls of the Novolukoml Palace of Culture. Starting the conversation, Valerian Albinovich Matskevich, chairman of the regional organization of the public association "Belarusian Union of War Veterans in Afghanistan," chairman of the regional coordination council of public associations and political parties, noted that Chashnichchina was not chosen by chance for holding the regional meeting.
– Here, in what seems to be a remote area from Vitebsk, real life is unfolding. Our task is to unite our ranks and Belarusian society. And today, I want to say thank you for simple human relationships, – commented Valerian Albinovich.
The constitutional reform was widely discussed on this day. Thus, the First Secretary of the regional organization of the Communist Party of Belarus, Sergey Zhudro, noted that the events of August opened people's eyes and allowed society to awaken.
– Unfortunately, this "war" is not over yet, – noted Sergey Dmitrievich. – We see that the "enemy" is becoming more sophisticated, more cunning. Belarus has become a hostage of its geopolitical position, finding itself at the crossroads of Western and Eastern interests. The adversary, let's call him that conditionally, will constantly look for weak spots, coordinate his actions, concentrate forces and resources in some dangerous directions, and will try to blackmail and bribe representatives of society.
To prevent this from happening, in his opinion, the role of political parties and public organizations should increase. The state ideology in the Republic of Belarus should be built on the principles of social justice, based on people's power, fairness, and care for the working person, women, children, and the elderly.
The Chairperson of the Coordination Council of Public Associations and Political Parties of Vitebsk, Chairperson of the city organization of the Belarusian Public Association of Veterans, Larisa Olenskaya, raised the issue of the Day of National Unity.
– The Great Patriotic War, the post-war recovery of the national economy, the collapse of the Soviet Union, the formation of a sovereign state – the Republic of Belarus, all these trials befell the older generation, – said Larisa Konstantinovna. – The current generation also faced a trial – a trial of stability and well-being. Therefore, it is fundamentally important that it is at the modern, such diverse and sometimes contradictory stage of social development that 2021 has been declared the Year of National Unity. After all, patriotism, diligence, and a respectful attitude towards the historical and cultural traditions of the Belarusian people, its heroic past, have always been the norm of life in our society, the basis for the unity of all generations. And we must preserve this norm for future generations.
According to Larisa Olenskaya, "Belarus Remembers" is a kind of commandment for all generations of our citizens. A commandment that today should reflect not only the events of the Great Patriotic War but also the peaceful achievements of our sovereign, independent Belarus.
– And this commandment, regardless of age and social status, we must all carry through life together, – the woman summed up. – After all, comprehensive participation in public life strengthens our ranks, makes the activities of public organizations rich and interesting.
The theme of national unity was also supported by Marina Novitskaya.
As a concluding remark, in the format of an open dialogue, Marina Vladimirovna emphasized that, in principle, opinions and proposals will always differ, but they should be aimed at making Belarus stronger and people's lives more prosperous.
– Today, we are writing contemporary history, – said Marina Novitskaya. – And who, if not public and political parties, should be at the forefront. The time has come to give new impetus to socio-political life. Today we see that parties also have competent and ambitious leaders. Today we observe active, non-formal work on the part of public organizations as well. In the Year of National Unity, we must set a goal and confidently move towards it, so that there are as many like-minded people in our ranks as possible.
Our society is facing new challenges and threats. To counter this, the people must demonstrate cohesion and mutual understanding. The main thing is to unite in all spheres of life. We must take into account our historical past. The date for the celebration of the Day of National Unity is chosen very successfully, September 17 is a landmark day in the history of Belarus.
– And we really want each region of Vitebsk Oblast to have its own colorful festival on this day, which will subsequently become a district brand, – added Marina Novitskaya.
Opinions
Alexander Lukashok, Chairman of the Political Executive Committee of the regional organization "Republican Party of Labor and Justice":
– Having visited Chashniki District, we saw warmth and mutual understanding between the authorities, public organizations, and residents of the region.
Much was said about the need to raise the level of political culture of our citizens. Why? Because at some point, Belarusians began to forget what war and devastation are, that our lands are at the intersection of geopolitical interests.
Last year, at our initiative, an open dialogue was held, in which almost all public associations and political parties registered in Vitebsk Oblast took part, as well as representatives of the executive authorities, deputies of the House of Representatives and members of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly, and deputies of the regional Council. And then, despite different views and approaches, those present agreed that the people of our country want peace. Unfortunately, despite the open dialogue and the opportunities provided to work constructively, not everyone wanted to join the creative work. Today, Belarus has been subjected to sanctions by those whom we considered respectable partners, and fugitive Belarusian figures are trying to pursue a policy based on the principle of "the worse, the better." For whom are the political emigrants striving? For the residents of Chashniki and Novolukoml? Or perhaps for the residents of Gluboksky, Sharkovshchinsky, or Postavsky districts? No. They are indifferent to the well-being of people. But we, the residents of these regions, are not.
In the 21st century, the most difficult thing is to win people's trust. This is happening all over the world, and Belarus is no exception. Therefore, to maintain stability in society, it is very important to face the common person, to hear their concerns, opinions, give them clear life guidelines, and outline the prospect of a just future. Only by uniting all together can we achieve a lot!
Valentina Kovalenko, Chairperson of the Coordination Council of Public Associations and Political Parties of the Chashniki District, Chairperson of the District Organization of the Belarusian Public Association of Veterans:
– The district coordination council takes an active part in the socio-political life of the Chashniki region. Public organizations represent age groups and areas of activity, which allows for a constructive dialogue taking into account existing realities. Political education and civic development are the leading areas of activity for public organizations in the district. For example, at a meeting of the coordination council, proposals for amending the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus were discussed. We clearly understand that constitutional reform is a serious matter, and it should not be a reform for reform's sake or to please someone.
I am convinced that, first of all, each of us needs to appreciate what we have, what we have achieved, approach changes thoughtfully, and think about the consequences.
"Vitebskiye Vesti".