Nikolai Sherstnev presented passports to schoolchildren of the Vitebsk region as part of the all-Belarusian campaign "We are citizens of Belarus!"

A few minutes before the meeting, the teenagers shared their emotions. They admitted that they were nervous about receiving the main document that marks their entry into adulthood. Although, judging by the track record of the young people, none of them are faint-hearted – they have won subject Olympiads, sports competitions, creative contests, and participate in volunteer movements. For example, Vladislav Trusevich, a student of the Polotsk Cadet School, is a candidate for master of sports and a winner of republican kickboxing competitions, and Anastasia Pribitkova from Vitebsk Secondary School No. 5 is a multiple laureate of the children's fashion theater contest. Nikita and Daniil Dyatlovsky from Orsha are excellent students. The twin brothers shared that when they found out that the head of the region would be presenting their passports, they immediately shared their joy with their mother. The boys are proud to have been chosen. They have not yet decided on their future profession, but they have one adult dream – to build their own house.

– Now you are full-fledged citizens of the Republic of Belarus. We all want you to be worthy people. You have already proven yourselves in many areas. I wish you not to get lost in life. Love your work, and then you will be in demand by the state, – Nikolai Sherstnev addressed the schoolchildren.

After the ceremony of presenting passports and the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus, a heart-to-heart talk took place. The schoolchildren asked questions, and the head of the region answered them frankly.

Meetings with young people, according to the chairman of the regional executive committee, are always significant for him. Youth, in a way, shapes the opinion on how the authorities should work further, whether the right direction has been taken.

One of the young people asked: what subject, in the opinion of the head of the region, is the most important at school?

– School should prepare a young person for life. Give him knowledge, skills to apply it, teach him not to be afraid of difficulties. One can be an excellent student and not realize oneself. Therefore, one must be ready to fight and work hard. Diligence shapes personality, – Nikolai Nikolaevich expressed his point of view.

During the open dialogue, various topics were touched upon, in particular, the right choice of profession, attitude towards sports, and creativity. Nikolai Sherstnev shared how in his youth he dreamed of becoming a professional athlete and submitted documents to the Vitebsk Veterinary Academy because this university paid great attention to the development of sports, and students achieved high results.

– Then I realized that I made the right choice by getting the necessary profession, and sports remained with me for life. It disciplines, allows you to stay in shape. If you are focused and manage your time correctly, you will have enough for both work and your favorite hobby, – Nikolai Sherstnev assured.

He also shared with the younger generation several adult pieces of advice that his father had given him in due time. One of them: in an explosive situation, when emotions run high, you need to learn to control them, take a pause, and then give a considered answer.

The head of the region paid special attention to the continuity of generations and the preservation of historical memory. On the eve of the celebration of the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, he spoke about what this day personally means to him.

– At the same time, it is both pain and tears (my grandfathers did not return from the war), and pride in the people who defeated fascism that conquered all of Europe. Sometimes I ask myself if I could have endured it, not broken. I think many of you are thinking about this, – Nikolai Nikolaevich shared.

The Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee expressed confidence that in the future all young people who are just entering adulthood today will prove themselves in their profession, become worthy citizens and patriots of the country.

At the end of the meeting, the First Secretary of the Regional Committee of the BRSM, Vyacheslav Khrol, spoke about the initiative of the youth of the Vitebsk region within the framework of the "We are Citizens of Belarus!" campaign to solemnly present passports on particularly memorable dates – on the eve of Victory Day, Independence Day, the Day of the Belarusian Emblem and Flag, and Constitution Day. And to invite distinguished people of the region and the country to the ceremonies.