Belarus’ PM: Our Children campaign is by no means some show-off, but event that comes from within

Belarus’ Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko has visited the Volkovysk orphanage as part of the Our Children charity campaign

The kindest and most generous campaign, which has long become a brand of Belarus, continues its marathon across the country. Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko enjoyed watching a bright cheerful performance of children from Volkovysk orphanage, took part in a tea party, personally handed each child a sweet gift, and the director – a certificate for Br10,000 to improve the material and technical base of the institution.

“New Year is the most important holiday for children, because everyone is waiting for presents, Christmas trees, matinees,” the PM emphasised. “I am sure that all children, regardless of what continent, what country they live in, have the same wonderful feelings from this period. True, there is not enough snow, otherwise, it would be possible to go skiing and sledding. In recent years, the weather has let us down, but the main thing is to create a festive atmosphere.”

Mr. Golovchenko underlined that the unique Our Children campaign will be celebrating thirty years next year and it is only gaining momentum, “There is probably not a single children’s institution in the country that is not covered with attention and care, from top officials and businesses to volunteer organisations. Why does this happen? I think the President’s reverent attitude to childcare is widely known. In this regard, we can recall Decree No. 18 On Additional Measures for State Protection of Children in Disadvantaged Families. And in general, everything that is done to ensure that children, no matter how difficult their situation, do not feel that they are not taken care of, but know that their safety is fully and unconditionally ensured. Of course, conditions should be as close to home as possible in terms of comfort. And this policy is yielding results. Today we are in a 24-hour residential care institution, which is becoming fewer and fewer every year. Since 2011, the number of such closed institutions, where children are kept permanently, has decreased by 2.5 times. Other forms of bringing up children in difficult life situations, such as family-type homes and substitute families, are being actively developed. After all, family upbringing is our priority form of work with orphans or children left without parental care. During the Our Children campaign, which will last until January 15th, the whole country wants to create the most comfortable and heartfelt conditions for these children. There will definitely be enough candy for the summer. This campaign is absolutely not some kind of show-off, but an event that comes from within. We have become so accustomed to it that it has become a necessity to give warmth to our children during this winter month.”