Belarus’ FM on popularity of Our Children campaign: Belarusians have always been characterised by empathy and community spirit

Belarusians are becoming more united, ready to get into the problems of those who are close to them, and the involvement of a large number of the country’s citizens in the Our Children campaign definitely confirms this, Belarus’ Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov told sb.by

“This is a manifestation of the qualities that have always been inherent in the Belarusians: empathy and community spirit, which help them cope with problems, as well as the solidarity of the Belarusian soul, based more on the Orthodox traditions,” the Foreign Minister emphasised.

Mr. Ryzhenkov noted that it is in the character of Belarusians to come to the aid of their neighbours, to share their grief, to help them overcome crisis situations, and, ‘as always, to share joy with them in the Slavic way’.

On December 24th, Belarus’ Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov and his wife visited the social and pedagogical centre of Minsk’s Moskovsky District as part of the Our Children campaign. There are currently 21 children in the facility. On behalf of the Foreign Ministry entire staff, Mr. Ryzhenkov wished the children a Happy New Year and gave them sweet and useful gifts in the educational process, including a certificate for the purchase of a TV.

Belarus’ top diplomat expressed confidence that the Our Children campaign is a wonderful tradition.

“It has been organised at the President’s request for thirty years. And the Foreign Ministry has been liaising with this orphanage for fifteen years. Every year we come here with gifts and warm wishes. All the children are ours. No matter what the situation is, everyone should be helped so that they do not feel abandoned. Especially during the holidays, when all our streets are decorated with bright lights, Christmas trees are everywhere, and people are giving gifts to each other. And there is no way that at this moment someone should feel abandoned,” the Foreign Minister said, speaking to journalists.

Mr. Ryzhenkov pointed out that adults also have an opportunity to plunge into the New Year atmosphere during this campaign, “Not only the children received gifts from the Foreign Ministry. We also received a great gift from them: bright performances, songs and dances.”

The Foreign Minister emphasised the importance of active participation in such charity events, “As the song goes, the question to ask is not what the Motherland has done for you, but what you have done for the Motherland. Children are also our Motherland. They will grow up, become adults, create products, proudly carrying the banner of Belarus. And today we help them.”