Presidential Decree improves mechanism of supporting gifted and talented youth

President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko signed a decree No. 429 "On the activities of special funds of the President of the Republic of Belarus," BelTA informs.

The document aims to provide targeted government support to the best representatives of gifted and talented youth, as well as to create favorable conditions for further development of their scientific and creative potential and to encourage youth initiatives for the benefit of the country.

The decree provides for improving the mechanism of supporting talented and gifted youth by special funds of the President and consolidating the highest status of the holders of the awards of the head of state.

The types of awards of the foundations have been unified. They include a grand prize, a special award, awards "For Contribution to the Development of Healthy Youth" and "For Contribution to the Development of Talented Youth", and financial support.

The size of payments for outstanding achievements to pupils, students and creative teams who took first or third place in competitions is significantly increased, which will make it possible to channel the funds received to create works of art and conduct research, purchase materials, costumes and instruments. The amount of incentives ranges from 40 to 150 basic salaries. Teachers who educated and trained gifted and talented young people will receive rewards ranging from 40 to 60 basic salaries.

The personal responsibility of local executives for the quality and accuracy of data submitted to the councils of foundations on applicants is being enhanced. The information about candidates for the fund's encouragement will be subject to in-depth verification. A procedure for withdrawal of incentives and restoration of rights of a person encouraged by foundations is provided.