What helps to foster love for the Motherland and respect for its past today, - representatives of educational institutions, military units, and public organizations discussed in Vitebsk
The meeting was held at the regional institute for the development of education. First, the seminar participants were able to visit thematic and interactive platforms where they learned about the best practices of their colleagues, the achievements of public organizations, and the capabilities of military-patriotic clubs. After the opening remarks by Alexander Kadlubay, Dmitry Khoma, Head of the Main Department for Education of the Regional Executive Committee, spoke about the work on patriotic education of the younger generation being carried out in the Vitebsk region. Representatives of educational institutions, the DOSAAF state-public association, the 103rd Vitebsk Separate Guards Airborne Brigade, and military unit 5524 of the internal troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Belarus shared their experience during the seminar.
Alexander Kadlubay explained that similar meetings are organized in all regions.
— This is a generalization of experience, a kind of synchronization of efforts – whether we are moving in the right direction in each region, — the Deputy Minister noted. — Today, we are asking ourselves: how can we maximally involve young people in the process of military-patriotic education? Because the existing forms of work primarily involve those young people who are themselves interested, who themselves respond to this call.
He emphasized that joint work should now be aimed at ensuring that no child is left behind.
— In the context of patriotic education, military-patriotic education is particularly important because for about two decades this topic was deliberately not raised, not actualized in connection with the policy of good neighborliness, — Alexander Kadlubay added. — We said that we were primarily engaged in civic-patriotic education, moving away from youth militarization. And today we see that if you want to live in peace, then, unfortunately, you must also be prepared for other things. Young people should know how to handle weapons, understand what the Motherland is, and be ready to defend it.
Dmitry Khoma emphasized that fostering patriotism begins at a very early age. Starting from kindergarten, children are instilled with love for their Motherland, a respectful attitude towards the state symbols – the flag, the coat of arms, and the anthem of the Republic of Belarus, and towards the heroic deeds of our people during the Great Patriotic War. This applies to all young residents of the Pridvinye region without exception. Currently, events dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Belarus from the Nazi invaders are being held throughout the region. In this context, children grasp the essence of concepts such as sovereignty, honor, heroism, and unity.
— The upbringing of the younger generation is a common task not only for educational institutions but also for all institutions of our state, including the Armed Forces, — believes Vadim Bobilevich, Deputy Commander for Ideological Work of the 103rd Vitebsk Separate Guards Airborne Brigade. — The goal of such joint work is to raise a citizen and a patriot who loves his native country, knows and respects its history, traditions, family values, and is ready to defend national interests.
Source: vitebsk-region.gov.by