Hometown

Aleksandr Lukashenko, President of Belarus was born in the village of Kopys, Orsha District, Vitebsk Oblast. He lived and went to school in the agrotown of Alexandria, Shklov District, Mogilev Oblast. Today, when talking to young people and recalling the school years, the Head of State would admit that he was always more into humanities. He had a soft spot for literature and history, and in his student years for philosophy.

"We were so poor that I did not even have a backpack in my first year in school. I carried my textbooks wrapped in my mother’s scarf."

The President often recalls the difficulties he and his mother had to deal with in his childhood years. However, difficulties made me stronger, they taught me not to be afraid of hard work, not to stay away when someone needs help.

The President visits his hometown regularly. While on working trips to Vitebsk Oblast and Mogilev Oblast, Aleksandr Lukashenko would drop by his hometown to recharge and drink water from a nearby spring. Trofimov’s Spring is located not far from the agrotown of Alexandria. The healing spring is part of the President’s family history. It was found in the woods by Aleksandr Lukashenko’s grandfather Trofim who fitted it for use. The spring was fully restored in August 2013 on the President’s instruction.

"The well-balanced perception of the world, confidence of Belarusians in themselves and their future stem from the inseparable connection with their native land. The village is not just a piece of land. It's a whole civilization. It is ours, Belarusian."

To these days, people travel hundreds, thousands of kilometers to Shklov District to taste this water and take some with them. During the Great Patriotic War, locals came to the spring to ask for a safe return of their loved ones. People still believe in the wonder-working properties of the crystal-clear water. Delegations from various countries and the dignitaries that Aleksandr Lukashenko took to his hometown also appreciated its mild taste.

Guests frequently visit this land. The authentic Belarusian festival Kupala Night is celebrated there every summer. Alexandria Gathers Friends takes place on the bank of the picturesque Dnieper River. Hundreds of thousands of visitors from Belarus, Russia and Ukraine sing songs together, dance round dances, and jump over bonfires.

"Wherever I go (and I’ve been all over the world already), I spend two days and feel homesick. I cannot spend more than two days outside my country. Not because I am the head of state but because I just feel this way. I want every Belarusian to feel homesick for the native country: if your soul is here, then my presidency was not in vain."

These places, just like thousands of other Belarusian villages and towns, have been spruced up. This is the policy of the state. If your own home is in order, it means the entire country is in order. Everything starts from small things. Hometowns are a source of strength for every Belarusian, the entire nation.