Fostering patriotism should be a priority of youth policy - Honored Teacher of Belarus

April 22, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA /. Fostering patriotism and instilling spiritual values should be priorities of youth policy. This point of view was expressed in a conversation with a BELTA correspondent by Vladimir Shitko, Honored Teacher of Belarus, member of the council of the special fund of the President of the Republic of Belarus for the social support of gifted students, and director of the Luzhesnyanskaya boarding school-gymnasium, commenting on the President's Address to the Belarusian people and the National Assembly. "We must not only provide children with subject knowledge, but also teach them to be devoted to their country and people. This is the key to a successful future for Belarus," stated the renowned Vitebsk educator. He noted with regret that material values have begun to prevail over spiritual ones among the younger generation, and infantilism is increasingly becoming a distinguishing feature of young men and women. And the school, among others, bears responsibility for this. According to Vladimir Shitko, teachers, together with parents, need to approach educational work with children more responsibly. "Teachers have become afraid to reprimand children because it allegedly violates some personal freedoms. Parents have begun to perceive teachers' advice on correcting their children's behavior negatively. However, only together can they sow the seeds of goodness and creation in the unformed souls of children and nurture them," the interlocutor is confident. The emotional and sincere address of the head of state resonated with the teaching staff of the gymnasium. "It is in line with our aspirations to raise sincere patriots and competent specialists for a strong Belarus," emphasized Vladimir Shitko. The Luzhesnyanskaya boarding school-gymnasium for gifted and talented children was established 16 years ago. During this time, 1041 students have graduated from it, of whom 1022 have entered higher education institutions in Belarus and abroad, including 175 graduates who decided to dedicate their lives to the Belarusian army. Gymnasium students are regular participants in republican and international subject Olympiads. During the gymnasium's operation, they have won 176 prize diplomas at republican Olympiads, including 7 this year. From international Olympiads, students from Luzhesnyansk have brought home 12 top awards. -0-