Educational institutions of the Vitebsk region plan to earn over Br9 billion this year.

August 27, Vitebsk / Sergey Kochetov - BELTA /. Educational institutions of the Vitebsk region plan to earn over Br9 billion in extra-budgetary funds in 2009, Ivan Shchurok, head of the education department of the regional executive committee, told a BELTA correspondent. "This is additional funding that allows not only to develop the material and technical base of educational institutions but is also directly aimed at supporting children," he stressed. In the first half of 2009 alone, almost Br530 million from funds earned by educational institutions was allocated to support students from low-income and single-parent families, and orphans. In addition to paid services, a significant source of extra-budgetary revenue is the activity of educational farms operating within the vocational education system. In 2009, these farms plan to harvest over 10,000 tons of new grain crop (in 2008, about 8,300 tons). Furthermore, under the "School Garden" program, over 1,200 trees, more than 500 shrubs, and 25,000 seedlings were planted in educational institutions of the region this year, which also generates additional income. According to Ivan Shchurok, children need not only to be taught but also to be prepared for life and helped to determine their future. "And when a child sees the results of their labor, it cultivates a person," he is confident. The Vitebsk region has 600 general education schools, including 25 gymnasiums, 8 of which are located in rural areas. On September 1, over 120,000 students will take their seats, including 10,250 first-graders. In addition, more than 30 educational institutions in the region train specialists in 67 blue-collar professions across 134 qualifications. In 2009, it is planned to admit 10,500 students to vocational schools. -0-