In Novopolotsk, 2011 has been declared the Year of Youth

January 14, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA /. In Novopolotsk, one of the youngest cities in Belarus, 2011 has been declared the Year of Youth. The decision was made today at a meeting of the city executive committee, the department of ideological work of the Novopolotsk city executive committee informed a BELTA correspondent. The main goal of holding the Year of Youth in Novopolotsk will be to foster civic responsibility among young people, develop their creative, scientific and professional potential, and actively involve youth in the socio-economic transformations in the city. Throughout the year, more than a hundred events will be held in the oil city, with young Novopolotsk residents as the main protagonists. Young citizens have already declared their participation in regional and republican campaigns: "I live in Belarus and I am proud of it," "Serve, soldier!", "We are citizens of the Republic of Belarus," "I remember! I am proud!", "With love for Novopolotsk!", "For Belarus!". In the Year of Youth, the city authorities intend to open a city youth employment center, promote secondary employment for schoolchildren and students, and assist school graduates in choosing their future profession based on the city's economic interests. It is proposed to include sections on "Social Guarantees for Youth" in the collective agreements at enterprises. Special attention will be paid to instilling a culture of healthy lifestyles and respect for family values among young people. The authorities intend to carry out this work jointly with representatives of religious denominations. In the Year of Youth, a sculpture "Youth" will appear in Novopolotsk. According to the latest population census, the average age of Novopolotsk residents is 38.6 years. Approximately 14% of Novopolotsk residents are under 15 years old. The city has 15 schools and gymnasiums, 3 vocational schools and lyceums, one college, and one higher education institution - Polotsk State University. -0-