The Order of Motherhood and the Tusnolobova-Marchenko Prize were awarded to women in the Vitebsk region
Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee Vladimir Penin congratulated all those present on the happiest day for every mother. "This bright holiday serves as a reminder of the invaluable role of a mother in the family and child-rearing. A woman who has given life, taught wisdom, blessed for good deeds and endeavors, deserves the most sincere gratitude, love and respect. Mother's lessons remain the most important on life's path, and her love is a reliable protection," he emphasized. "Large, friendly families are the key to the strength of the state's foundations. A faithful mother's heart and a strong father's shoulder serve as support in any trials."
According to Vladimir Penin, by supporting motherhood, the state counts on increasing the role and responsibility of parents in raising children, maintaining harmony and mutual understanding in family relationships.
The Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee paid special attention to the stable system of support measures for families established in Belarus. It includes various types of payments, benefits, and guarantees. Families with children are assigned 11 types of state benefits. At the same time, the amounts of child care benefits are constantly increasing. Since January 1, large families have had the opportunity to use family capital funds early for the most sought-after needs (education, medical services, etc.). In the Vitebsk region, as of October 1, almost 2.2 thousand families have used family capital funds, including about 1.4 thousand for the construction and acquisition of housing. To date, 816 apartments have been built in the region for large families. In 2021-2025, work to support families with children will continue, and a draft state program "People's Health and Demographic Security" has already been developed for the upcoming period.
"Home, family, and children are a creative force in everyone's life. We live, work, and create for them. We are convinced of the need to enhance the prestige and strengthen the family lifestyle, to form a cult of family," added Vladimir Penin.
In total, there are currently 10.4 thousand large families living in the Vitebsk region. The Order of Motherhood has been awarded to 807 women from the region, including 50 this year. Since the establishment of the Z. Tusnolobova-Marchenko prize, 522 women have become laureates.
"Being a mother is a very responsible task; you need to pay attention to each child, surround them with love and affection, help them, and listen to them. The fact that there are more pots and pans is a trifle," said Tatyana Shatilo from the Shumilino district in a conversation with a BELTA correspondent before the festive ceremony. Her first son was born after graduating from institute at the age of 23. She did not plan to be a mother of many children, but it turned out that way. Now she has 5 children growing up. "My husband and I saw that children have more fun growing up in such a large family and decided not to give up this happiness. Moreover, the state support, which we feel, became a significant argument, and it was easier to decide on each subsequent child with it. With the help of the state, we built an apartment, receive various additional benefits, which significantly simplifies life," added the mother of many children.
Since the birth of her first child, Nadezhda Davyďko, who was awarded the Order of Motherhood, considers October 14th the most important holiday in her life. Looking at the slender and fit 33-year-old young woman, it is difficult to believe that she already has five children – four daughters and a son. "On this day, I receive a huge amount of emotions and positivity from my children. Today they have already congratulated me: the younger ones drew cards, the older ones try to give more serious gifts, they even collect money and then buy something," shared the mother of many children.
"My husband and I always wanted a large family - not one or two, but many children. Initially, we planned for at least three. So far, we have five, but that's for now! Further - as fate decides," admitted the woman who doesn't like to look ahead. But the hope in her voice suggests that if everything works out, there will certainly be more children in this family.