Alexander Lukashenko: There should be no children fleeing war

With an open heart, giving not only gifts, but also care to those who need it and not expecting anything in return - this is all about Belarusians. And we embody this in the kindest New Year's campaign "Our Children", which is already 30 years old.

Since 1995, it has been held under the patronage of the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko and today warms more than 1 million children's hearts. On the eve of the New Year holidays, people of different professions, ranks and titles visit orphanages, foster families, hospitals and become wizards for little Belarusians. On December 16, the "Marathon of Kindness" starts all over the country, which will last until January 15.

Operations that save lives, equipment for sports, modern technology for basic comfort and money for rehabilitation equipment - 30 years ago, such gifts from the heart seemed like dreams. But common efforts and desire helped to turn into a real Belarusian tradition during the New Year holidays.

Back in 1995, the first National Action Plan for improving the situation of children and protecting their rights was approved by the decree of the President of Belarus, it outlined dozens of important tasks for the next five years. This is how the fate of the local initiative of the Ministry of Education was decided - the "Our Children" campaign acquired a new status. The top officials of ministries and enterprises came to orphanages and boarding schools. In difficult post-Soviet times, they helped with clothes, shoes, repairs, gave attention and care. Then the debut of the main Christmas tree of "Our Children" took place, where about 500 children from different parts of Belarus were invited.

Later, the campaign became the main winter fairy tale in the country, when the President holds the hands of children every year. "Dear friends, I wish you good health, because you are the future of our country. You are very young or small today, but you will live in the 21st century, and we, adults, want to do everything so that you live well," said Alexander Lukashenko back in 1997.

That we are doing everything right was shown by the twinkling of happy children's eyes even 20 years later. And although the gifts under the tree are appropriate for the time, the sincere wishes of children and the socially-oriented policy of Belarus remain unchanged even after years.

"In any state (and we declare a socially-oriented one), the main thing is people. All these nuts, bolts, as I say, the economy, then begin to be worth something if it is done for the sake of people," the Belarusian leader noted.

By the way, in 2017, for the first time, as part of the "Our Children" campaign, the Palace of Independence opened its doors to talented youth, and in 2019, New Year's balls were held in different regions of Belarus. And this helps children maintain a sincere belief in miracles, because with it it is not so scary to go towards the most daring dream.

This marathon of kindness is not about a specific time or a miracle on New Year's Eve. The country has created conditions for obtaining a quality education, children are engaged in creativity and sports. The action is another confirmation that Belarusians are ready to help.