Alyaksandr Lukashenka today took part in a children’s celebration held at the Palace of the Republic as part of the annual “Our Children” campaign. He appeared at the event after suffering a fall during a hockey match on Saturday.
Addressing the children, Lukashenka emphasized that work is the most important thing for them.
“I am well aware that there are absolutely different children in this hall. A common expression is ‘different children.’ Of course, different — including in terms of their circumstances. But, my dear ones, believe my life experience: we may all be different in childhood, but today, as never before, all of us have equal opportunities. Only one thing is needed — you have to work,” he said.
“If you study, it means you have good prospects. It means you will become those you look up to. So without any lectures — study. If you miss this time, you will never catch up with it. It will simply run away from you,” he continued.
Lukashenka also addressed educators and teachers.
“Perhaps we do not give you the level of attention from the state that we should. You should point this out, and we will certainly correct this shortcoming,” he said.
Lukashenka addressed the issue of patriotism separately.
“And if you are raising patriots, it means that you yourselves are patriots. And you must necessarily be these patriots,” he added.
According to his press service, about 2,400 children were invited to the celebration, including students of cadet schools and specialized lyceums, winners of various academic competitions, creative contests and sports events, students with achievements in community activities, orphans, children from large families and refugee families, as well as children affected by the consequences of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster.