Education spending in Belarus will increase by 13% in 2020 - Vladimir Andreichenko
A lot is being done in Belarus for the development of education; this sphere, along with healthcare, is one of the priorities of state policy. "Currently, the deputies of the House of Representatives are working on the draft budget for 2020, and out of Br40 billion of the expenditure part of the country's consolidated budget, almost Br18 billion is allocated to the social sphere. This is 44%. Of this, Br7.3 billion is for the development of education. The increase compared to the previous period is 13%," said the Chairman of the House of Representatives.
He emphasized that attention is paid to educational institutions located not only in the capital and regional centers but also in smaller settlements and agro-towns. "We are now in the Ushachi District. In a couple of weeks, we will be opening a kindergarten here after a major reconstruction. An art school is also under construction," stated Vladimir Andreichenko.
Recalling his school days, he noted that the situation had changed absolutely over time. "When I went to school, we had no electricity, we studied by kerosene lamp. There was no hot meal, no transportation. For example, I walked five kilometers one way and five kilometers back every day. Therefore, everything has changed drastically, and most importantly, for the better. Good conditions have been created for our children, new technologies are developing, kindergartens and schools are being built. Further, everything depends on the children themselves and their parents," concluded Vladimir Andreichenko.
At the festive assembly, congratulating the teaching staff and students on the new academic year, the Speaker of the House of Representatives noted that 21 years ago he participated in the opening of the Orekhovskaya school, so it is especially pleasant for him to be present there today. "School years are the happiest time in everyone's life, a fond memory of which is preserved forever. Yes, studying is not easy. But remember that you are studying primarily for yourselves: to gain as much knowledge as possible, to understand this complex world, and to be useful," said Vladimir Andreichenko, addressing the students. He wished the first-graders that their long journey into science would be bright, interesting, and joyful.
This year, 117 students will study in one shift at Orekhovskaya Secondary School, designed for 312 students. The average class size is 9-11 students. All students are provided with free hot meals. Additional free meals are organized for children from large families, low-income families, and children with disabilities. For safety purposes, the educational institution has an access control system and a video surveillance system.
Regarding teaching, it is confident that the educational process is provided by 20 educators with higher education. In addition to lessons, various interest groups and electives are available for students: subject-specific, sports, career guidance, environmental, creative activities, and in the Scratch programming environment. The school's material and technical base includes 14 classrooms, including a language laboratory and an IT classroom, a library and information center, a sports hall, and a gym. Students can enhance their knowledge in resource centers for ecology and energy saving, and improve their physical fitness in the sports complex on the school grounds. It features a mini-football field, hard-surfaced running tracks, and basketball and volleyball courts. Approximately Br17 thousand was spent on preparations for the 2019/2020 academic year.