An regional pedagogical conference of education and science workers was held in Vitebsk
The solemn part was preceded by an exhibition showcasing methodological and scientific developments, achievements, and creative projects of teachers and students of PSU named after P. Masherov, the university that hosted the guests. The exposition revealed the theme of the first lesson that will start the academic year in all educational institutions: "We have something to be proud of. We have something to protect!" It also reflected the themes of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Belarus from Nazi invaders and the current Year of Quality.
– A bad teacher merely presents material, a good teacher explains it, and the best teacher inspires students, – reminded the conference guests of the folk wisdom by the head of the regional executive committee, Alexander Subbotin, as he opened the conference. – In the past year, the region's education system has confidently maintained a course towards improving quality indicators and fostering personal responsibility among teachers for achieving high results in education and upbringing, and this has borne fruit.
Next, the head of the education department of the regional executive committee, Dmitry Khoma, delivered a detailed report. He emphasized that the priority direction in educational work is respect for Belarusian state symbols, preservation of historical memory, and patriotism. Particularly important in this area is the work of 132 museums in educational institutions, as well as the development of excursion activities: in the first half of 2024, 5.5 thousand excursions were organized, involving 110 thousand students.
He also emphasized that as a result of participation in international and republican competitions, exhibitions, contests, and scientific and practical conferences, students from the Vitebsk region received 538 diplomas of international and 712 diplomas of republican levels.
Dmitry Khoma noted that the focus throughout this period has been on the accessibility of preschool institutions and improving the quality of education. Based on the results of work in 2023, the best rural preschool institution in the country was recognized as the Zubkovo kindergarten in the Liozno district, and kindergarten No. 32 in Polotsk was included in the regional Honor Board.
"And the most important aspect of the work of secondary education institutions has been career guidance," noted Dmitry Khoma. "30% of students attended vocational orientation classes, which gave them the right to benefits when entering universities for in-demand specialties. Targeted training fairs have proven effective: this year, 249 targeted students enrolled in pedagogical specialties."
According to the head of the education department, this year 1765 graduates of secondary vocational and 2412 graduates of vocational-technical education (full-time) have been employed. The high quality of knowledge gained is confirmed by the students' results: they received 397 awards in republican competitions.
In the development of special and inclusive education, its accessibility and the creation of a comfortable environment for obtaining it remain paramount. Personal support has been provided for children with special needs.
"Also, measures provided for by the State Program 'Education and Youth Policy' for 2021–2025 and the State Investment Program for 2024 are being actively implemented," explained Dmitry Khoma. "In Vitebsk, Novopolotsk, Orsha, and Lepel, kindergartens are being built in new residential areas."
In addition, the speaker reported that the issues of transporting children to their place of study have been successfully resolved: 329 school buses are used for transportation. By the end of the current year, the delivery of another 21 vehicles is planned using funds from the republican budget.