Visit to Minsk orphanage

In the run-up to the Day of Knowledge Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko visited Minsk orphanage No. 5. The head of state wanted to see the progress in implementing his instructions to the Government and the Education Ministry related to the socialization of children left without parental care.

Aleksandr Lukashenko was greeted by the children in the hall. The children took the President on a brief excursion around the orphanage and showed how they live. The head of state saw children’s rooms and a gym and had tea with the children. Aleksandr Lukashenko tasted home-made pastry cooked by the children. After that the President attended a concert in the assembly hall.

The children gave Aleksandr Lukashenko hand-made gifts: a toy and a house made from dough. “This is a symbol of home. You can light a candle inside the house and feel the comfort and warmth, like in the place we live,” one of the children said handing over the gift to the head of state.

Aleksandr Lukashenko, in turn, gave the children backpacks with school supplies. “Children should wear fancy clothes on their first day at school. I want you to have the same as children from ordinary families,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

Orphanage No. 5 was opened in 1997. It has raised over 100 children during this time. At present the orphanage takes care of 76 children (30 girls and 46 boys). 47 of them attend school No. 151 and school No. 157. The orphanage is home to 10 orphans and 66 children left without parental care. Over the past three years, 7 children returned to their families, 15 were adopted, seven were placed in family-type homes, another seven were placed in foster families and one child lives with a guardian. The orphanage created a home-like atmosphere for the children. The children attend kindergartens, secondary schools, vocational schools. The orphanage employs 67 people, including 14 educators. The orphanage is financed by the local budget, business sponsors and private contributions.